Everything You Need to Pack for Bali
Are you wondering what to pack for Bali? You’re not alone! I was totally adrift trying to figure out what clothes and essentials to pack – not to mention the fact that I traveled with only a backpack, so baggage real estate was at a minimum.
After some living and learning (and carrying around a bunch of stuff I never used), I’ve created the ultimate Bali packing list that covers all the essentials you’ll want in your bag when you pack for Bali.
So grab your notes and get your Bali Pinterest board ready. Here you’ll find the complete list of what to pack for Bali.
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Power adapter
The plugs in Bali are all type C. If this isn’t what you use at home, be sure you bring along a few power adapters. You’ll definitely want to bring more than one!
I bought this universal power adapter a few years ago and it’s definitely been a good buy. It works for converting plugs just about anywhere in the world. It has 4 USB sockets and one universal A/C socket so you can charge up to 5 devices at once.
Power bank
As a safety measure, it’s a good idea to have a power bank with you whenever you’re traveling. It’s always when you need your phone the most that you’re at 2% battery!
On top of that, like any islands, you’ll see the occasional power outage in Bali. Having a charged power bank with you ensures you’ll have your electronics when you need them.
Bikini
You probably don’t need me to tell you to bring a bikini to Bali. Between the beach, the pools, the beach clubs, the boating, and the exploring you can count on pretty much living in your swimsuit.
No matter how many swimsuits are in my drawer, I can’t help but buy a new one for a vacation. If you’re like me and in the market for your new Bali bikini, check out Cupshe!
I’ve been buying swimwear exclusively from Cupshe for a few years now and go back time and time again for the cute, unique styles, quality material that doesn’t stretch out or pill, and AMAZING PRICES. Cupshe is one of the few places left that sell the bikini as a set (does anyone else get really angry about having to pay for tops and bottoms separately?!)
One-Piece Swimsuit
Bikinis are cute, but you definitely don’t want to be adjusting and re-tying while you’re swimming with manta rays. If you plan on snorkeling, diving, or doing any watersports, you’ll most likely want to have a one-piece swimsuit in your bag.
Snorkel
The waters around Bali are known for excellent snorkeling and diving. You can arrange a guided trip to see manta rays, sea turtles, and more amazing marine life.
Most of these trips can provide you with a snorkel to borrow, but after one look at the chewed up mouth-piece and dirty face mask you’ll wish you had your own. You can easily pick up a snorkel for under $35 from Amazon. Here’s a link to the snorkel I used in Bali. BONUS: this snorkel also had an attachment for my GoPro so we got some really cool underwater shots!
I was worried about the space a snorkel might take up in my bag (I went with only a backpack!) but found that I could tuck easily tuck clothes inside the snorkel so it took up very little space.
How did I manage to pack for Bali in just a backpack? Check out my guide to packing light (and smart) here.
Bug repellent
Welcome to the jungle! In Bali (like most warm places) there are mosquitoes and other pesky bugs you’ll want to keep at bay. Be sure you bring some form of bug repellent when you pack for Bali.
First aid kit
When you’re headed to Bali, you’re likely in for lots of adventurous activities. I threw some bandaid and Neosporin in my bag on a whim and was surprised how crucial it was! Between the blisters from walking and hiking, swimming on rocky beaches, and cutting my foot when I tripped on a boat, it all came in handy.
Even if you’re not a klutz like me, it’s good travel sense to have a first aid kit in your bag. Leaving even a small wound untreated can lead to infection – which you definitely don’t want to deal with on vacation (let alone in a foreign country).
This mini first aid kit is small and travel friendly, with all the basics you could need. It also can strap to the outside of your bag – saving some precious packing real estate!
Imodium, and any other medication essentials
The over-the-counter medications you’re used to will not be readily available in stores or pharmacies in Bali. For this reason, be sure that the commonly needed OTCs make it on your Bali packing list. This includes Ibuprofen, Pepto-Bismol, antihistamines, and along with any medications you take regularly.
You should definitely put a few doses of Imodium or other anti-diarrheal in your bag. I sincerely hope you won’t need to use it (we didn’t) – but better safe than sorry! The water isn’t safe to drink and we’ve all heard (or experienced) the horror stories of travel tummy.
Hand Wipes
Between a bottle of hand sanitizer and wet wipes, I’d highly recommend the hand wipes. I found many places, especially on the Nusa Islands, that warungs (restaurants) did not have soap or paper towels in the bathrooms. Imagine your hands are caked in dirt or sand from your adventures (or maybe you just spilled some Bintang…) and all you have is hand sanitizer to spread the goop around. Gross! With wet wipes you can more easily wipe off the dirt and goop.
Along that note, you may run into some bathrooms without toilet paper. This happened to me – but don’t let it happen to you! In a pinch you could use the wet wipes for toilet paper.
durable Waterproof camera
At this point, most of us are using our cell phones for all photos. But in a place like Bali, there’s a lot to see in the water where your phone just can’t go. I brought my GoPro Hero 7 along and highly recommend it!
Reef safe sunscreen
You definitely need sunscreen in Bali! You’ll be basking in the Indonesian sun on the beach, in the ocean, and at the pool, so be sure to choose a sunscreen product to protect your skin and that’s marine safe. My absolute favorite sunscreen comes from Raw Elements.
By now I’m sure you’ve heard the news that the ingredients in many brands of sunscreen were found to be wiping out the coral reefs. In fact, products with the common ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate are now banned in many states and countries (think Coppertone, Banana Boat, and Hawaiian Tropic).
Because this is a cause that’s extremely important to us, we want to make it as easy as possible for people to use reef-safe sunscreen. We’ve partnered with Raw Elements to get you a 10% off discount code! Enter WHEREVERSOMEDAY10 to get your savings.
Is the sunscreen impact on reefs news to you? Here’s more info if you’d like to learn about it:
<<Okay, stepping off my soapbox now. I promise.>>
Comfortable shoes & sandals
You’ll be walking a lot in Bali so comfortable shoes are a must! I brought about 4 pairs of cute sandals along, but after the first few days all but one went permanently back in my bag. The comfortable sandals with good arch support won the Bali test.
When you pack for Bali, do yourself a favor and bring only 1-2 pairs of sandals that 1. go with everything and 2. are very comfortable with great support. Anything that falls in the “pain is the cost of beauty” category will be a waste of baggage space.
Water Shoes
Bring a pair of water shoes to Bali! I know they’re dorky (sorry dad) but lots of Bali beaches are rocky and you’ll hurt your bare feet. I did not bring any water shoes and sincerely regretted it.
Even some of the beautiful beaches that you see in all the Instagram photos – like Atuh beach on Nusa Penida – are rocky.
Light Clothing
Bali is often hot and steamy, so you’ll want to make sure you’re packing comfortably for Bali. Think breathable fabrics, shorts, short sleeves, and flowy dresses and skirts.
Modest Outfit for Temple Visits
I know Bali is hot and you have the bikini ready to go, but be sure to pack at least one modest outfit for Balinese temple visits. Both men and women are expected to cover their shoulders, upper arms, and legs at least to the knee when entering a temple.
Sarong
Sarongs are also required to enter a Balinese temple. If you already have a beach sarong – this will do the job! If not, you’ll find about a hundred vendors that will be ecstatic to sell you one.
Things You Definitely Shouldn’t Pack for Bali
- Formal clothes – Bali is a casual place with an island vibe. You’d stand out like a sore thumb wearing formal attire like a suit, gown, etc. – even in the higher-end restaurants in Seminyak.
- Heels – Read that again: Bali is casual. Besides, you’ll be walking too much on very uneven roads. Leave the heels at home!
- Large Suitcase – This is particularly true if you plan on going to the Nusa or Gili islands. You’ll be wading into knee-high water carrying your belongings to get on the ferry – not ideal for a rolling suitcase set. Instead, bring a good backpack and pack light. If you don’t have enough space to pack clean clothes for each day of the trip, don’t worry! Laundry service is extremely affordable and easy to find.
Now that you’ve got the complete packing list for Bali, here are more resources that will set you up for the best adventure yet!
- Things You Should Know Before you go to Bali
- How to Travel on a Budget
- How to Travel with Only a Personal Item Backpack
- The Ultimate Carry-On Packing List
