Are you planning a trip to Bali but feel overwhelmed by the process because you’re uncertain of what to pack? As someone who has lived in Bali for the past four years, I have gained knowledge about what to pack (and what not to pack) for this beautiful destination. In this post, we’ll delve into all you need to know about what to pack for Bali. Including things to consider before packing, items every traveler needs, what to wear at night in Bali, and what you shouldn’t pack.
Whether you’re a first-time or returning visitor, ensure you read on to know the right items for your trip. Let’s get to it!
What to pack for Bali?
Bali is a beautiful island in Indonesia, known for its natural beauty, hospitality, and vibrant culture. This paradise has been rated as one of the best travel destinations in the world. There are many things to see in Bali, such as beautiful beaches, ancient temples, green rice fields, and tall volcanoes.
When it comes to what to pack for Bali, clothing is perhaps the most essential item, and that begs the question: what should I wear in Bali?
Bali is a very laid-back destination where you can wear pretty much anything. However, there is also a more dolled-up side to Bali. It depends on the kind of traveler you are and the activities you will partake in.
The warm weather makes it acceptable to wear minimal clothing such as shorts and tank tops throughout the day. However, if you are not at the beach or pool, avoid wearing just your bikini in the streets as locals can find this disrespectful.
Things to consider before packing for Bali
Before you start preparing your Bali packing list, there are two main things you should consider:
Weather
Bali’s climate is hot and humid year-round, with average temperatures ranging from around 22°C to 33°C. However, the items you should pack for your Bali trip may vary depending on the time of year you plan to visit. Bali has two distinct seasons:
Dry season (April-September): The weather is generally warm, however, it’s also a good idea to bring a light jacket for evening scooter rides, as it can get chilly.
Wet season (October-March): Bali can be very hot and humid during this season, and you can expect daily downpours, so you’ll need to keep a rain poncho with you at all times.
Attractions and Activities
It’s important to consider the activities you intend to do. For instance, if you’re planning to visit temples, you will need clothing that covers your shoulders, chest, and knees. If you don’t have appropriate clothing, you can easily rent a sarong outside the temples.
If you’re planning to do some outdoor activities like hiking, it’s important to pack proper hiking clothes and a jacket, as the temperature can drop significantly at the summit.
Essential clothing every traveler needs
Light clothing: The most important thing to consider when packing for Bali is the hot and humid climate, which is why the fabrics you choose are key. You should only pack light breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, and knitted pieces (which are very trendy!). Women should pack tank tops, t-shirts, sundresses, shorts, skirts and flowy pants. While men should consider t-shirts, short sleeve shirts, linen pants, and shorts.
The right footwear: You’ll likely be wearing flip-flops and sandals for about 90% of your time in Bali. However, you should also pack a pair of trainers for outdoor activities and for driving a scooter (for safety reasons). Keep in mind that the roads in Bali are dusty, so you better not bring any new or expensive shoes that you don’t want to get dirty.
Hats & Sunglasses: Bali is sunny year-round, so make sure to pack a couple of hats and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong UV rays.
A light fabric long-sleeve shirt: To avoid sunburns and unflattering tan lines, protect your arms from the sun, especially when driving a scooter in traffic. Sometimes sunscreen alone may not be enough.
The perfect bag: I recommend bringing a foldable bag for outdoor activities and a beach bag.
Swimsuits: Bali is known for its beaches, stunning villas with large pools, and excellent surfing opportunities. As such, swimwear is one of the most essential items to pack, so make sure you pack a few!
Yoga pants: Bali offers great yoga opportunities with numerous classes and excellent teachers. Lightweight clothing is also suitable for outdoor activities like hiking Mount Batur.
A light jacket: Although Bali is warm all year round, bringing a light jacket is a good idea. It will help you stay warm on boat trips, on your flights, and when scooting in the evenings.
Other essentials
Sunblock: While you can easily find sunblock in Bali, if you have a specific brand preference, it’s better to bring it with you.
Adapters: Indonesia uses plugs type C & F, which is the standard European plug. Be sure to bring a couple of adapters that will fit.
Mosquito repellent: Given Bali’s tropical climate, it’s common to encounter insects, such as mosquitoes, especially during the rainy season. To protect yourself from bites and the risk of diseases such as dengue fever, make sure to pack an insect repellent.
Plastic bags and waterproof cases: Having plastic bags and waterproof cases on hand can be very helpful to protect your personal items such as valuables and electronics. Particularly during the rainy season, or if you plan on going on boats. Additionally, plastic bags can also be useful for storing wet clothes.
First aid kit: Despite being able to find most essentials on the island, some specific products, such as certain medications, vitamins, or skincare items, may not be readily available. Having a first aid kit with you can be extremely helpful in Bali. Especially in areas where medical assistance or pharmacies are not easily accessible. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Travel Insurance: Don’t travel without insurance! Accidents and illnesses can happen. This is especially important if you plan on driving a bike, as unfortunately there are many accidents in Bali. I recommend using SafetyWing, it is affordable and can be easily purchased online.
Debit and credit cards: Established hotels, restaurants, and shops usually accept card payments. It’s always a good idea to bring multiple cards in case one gets blocked by your bank or lost. Additionally, make sure you have a card for withdrawing money from ATMs.
Cash: In Bali, many things are still expected to be paid in cash, so you will need to carry cash with you at all times. However, it’s important not to carry too much cash on you. Instead, you can exchange money locally. But, you have to be VERY careful of the money changers you use, as there are many scams happening. In fact, I wrote an entire article about staying safe in Bali, where I go into detail about all the scams and how to avoid them.
What to wear in Bali at night
Bali offers a very lively night scene, offering a diverse range of options, from fine dining to bars and vibrant nightclubs. There is something for everyone!
One of the best things about Bali is that there is no strict dress code. You can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Generally the vibe is very casual, but depending on the venues you plan to visit, you might want to dress up a bit.
Personally, I would recommend bringing a couple of evening outfits. Don’t be afraid to dress up! The most important thing to keep in mind is that even at night, Bali can be quite hot and humid. And, most venues are open-air with no air conditioning. So, it is crucial to choose fresh and breathable clothing.
Whether you prefer to dress up or keep it casual, you’ll fit right in with Bali’s eclectic crowd.
What not to add to your Bali packing list
Stiletto heels: You don’t really need to pack heels for Bali. However, as I mentioned earlier, there is also a more dressed-up side to Bali. So, if this is your scene, you might want to bring a pair or two of small to medium-sized heels, preferably with square heels. Just make sure not to bring stilettos. The infrastructure of the streets and venues can make it a very unpleasant experience, and your shoes will likely get damaged.
Expensive jewelry: Bali is generally a safe place, but there are many incidents of petty crime. So, I do not recommend wearing expensive jewelry, especially at night.
Jackets and coats: You won’t need to pack any thick jackets or coats for Bali since the weather is warm all year round. A light jacket will suffice.
Alcohol: It’s important to note that bringing more than one bottle per person is not allowed in Bali, and any extra bottles will be confiscated on your arrival at the airport.
Prohibited drugs or medicine: It’s crucial not to bring any illegal drugs, as Bali has a very strict drug policy. Narcotics such as opium and marijuana are strictly prohibited in Bali. If you are caught with them, you will face severe consequences.
