Bali Packing List: Helpful Advice on What You Need To Bring
Are you heading over to Bali soon?
Knowing what to bring to this tropical paradise can be a challenge.
You don’t want to be the person lugging a 23kg hard case down 188 steps to get to your accommodation at Bingin beach. But you also don’t want to miss out on epic snorkelling because you forgot to bring booties to protect your feet from the reef.
Well, there’s no need to dread packing for your holiday.
We’ve got you covered with this tried and tested list of essentials to help you pack like a pro for your next trip to Bali.
Bali Packing List: Helpful Advice on What You Need To Bring
Here’s What You Need To Bring on Your Bali Holiday
Breathable Clothing
Being so close to the equator means Bali has an average year-round temperature of around 27°C. Like most places in South-East Asia, it’s also intensely humid.
Leave your jeans and polyester shirts at home and bring light clothing from natural fabrics like cotton and linen to keep you fresh. Guys can also pick up a few pairs of cotton shorts at the markets in Kuta and Ubud.
Bring less than you think you’ll need. You’ll spend most of your time in boardies or bikinis and there are a lot of local places where you can have your clothes washed.
If you’re going to Bali during the wet season between November and March, remember to bring a light rain jacket with you. Check out the Patagonia Torrentshell jacket for guys and girls. It’s lightweight, durable and it’ll keep you dry during those tropical downpours.
Sleek, packable and unpretentious, the Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket keeps you dry in wet conditions with it's lightweight and durable design.
The island is well-known for its excellent yoga classes, so bring a pair of leggings or comfortable shorts if you’re keen to stretch and flow with the sunrise.
Swimming & Surfing Gear
Swimsuits and boardies are going to be your uniform while in Bali. Our store has incredible options from brands like Patagonia, Outerknown and Banks in case you need to stock up before heading on your holiday.
Since the water in Bali hovers around 28°C you won’t need a wetsuit to keep you warm. But some people do like taking a light wetsuit jacket to protect them from the reef while surfing.
Bringing a pair of booties to Bali is always a good idea unless you like dancing across a razor-sharp reef barefoot. Whether you’re a keen surfer or exploring snorkeling spots, it’s worth bringing booties to protect your feet from reef cuts that could develop a serious infection.
While you can rent snorkels and diving masks in most places, I prefer to bring my own.
If you are taking surfboards, make sure they are protected in a high-quality board bag to prevent damage while you’re traveling. If you’re heading out to Bali on your first surfing trip, check out the video below for handy packing tips:
Shoes
While I often struggle to adhere to this rule, its best to keep things simple on the shoe front when packing for Bali. A pair of comfy flip flops will do the trick for most situations. And if you plan on venturing out to the beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes along.
Towels
Instead of taking a traditional beach towel, get your hands on a lightweight Turkish towel. They’re made from soft, super absorbent cotton with extra long fibers, and they get better with every wash. A Turkish towel can also double as a sarong if you need to cover your knees to go into a Hindu temple or sacred site.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen in Bali can be expensive and there’s a limited selection available. You will inevitably be spending a lot of time in the sun, so it’s worth bringing along enough to keep you from turning into the stereotypical sunburnt tourist.
Check out our selection of sunscreens from Feel Good and Sun Bum for great protection without any dodgy ingredients.
The Sun Bum Original Spray Sunscreen SPF 50+ is the stuff you should use everyday. People say it smells like summer.
Probiotics
There are a few ways to avoid getting the dreaded Bali belly (otherwise known as travellers diarrhoea). It’s highly recommended to take a daily probiotic supplement to help strengthen the good bacteria in your gut.
Basic First-Aid Kit
The language barrier can make it difficult to find the exact medicine you’re looking for in Bali. That’s why we recommend bringing your own basic first-aid kit with painkillers, anti-diarrheal medication, nausea tablets and electrolyte sachets. If you plan on surfing, band-aids and disinfectant are a must to treat your reef cuts. It’s also wise to ask your doctor for antibiotics to bring along in case a wound gets infected.
Day Backpack
You’ll most likely be exploring the island by scooter, so you’ll need an easy way to bring your essentials with you wherever you go. A solid backpack will keep your belongings safe and ensure you can spend the full day experiencing Bali without having to head back to your accommodation between activities. Load it up with your wallet, water bottle, sunscreen and camera and head out for an uninterrupted day of adventure.
We’ve got you covered with a wide range of backpacks from world-class brands like Patagonia, North Face, Herschel and Status Anxiety.
The Herschel Heritage Backpack features a classic, functional design and a fine attention to detail.
Electronics
Bali is one of the most photogenic places on earth, so you’ll want to bring a camera to capture the idyllic scenes, sunrises and sunsets. Small adventure cameras like a GoPro are ideal and it’s worth bringing a safety float to avoid losing it at sea. Don’t forget to pack your camera’s charger and memory cards.
The safety float GoPro HERO 5 Floaty Backdoor Camera Safety Float is great for snorkeling, surfing, wakeboarding or other water activities.
International Driver’s License
If you plan on renting a scooter or a car, be sure to get an International Driver’s License in your home country before you leave for your trip. Here’s a list of where to apply for the permit for each state in Australia. Remember to bring your regular drivers license to Bali as well, since you’ll often need to present both when stopped by a traffic officer.
Travel Insurance
We were almost stranded for a few days on our last trip to Bali. Many of our fellow travellers had their flights cancelled due to an ash cloud caused by Mount Agung. Since things don’t always go according to plan when you travel, it’s worth spending a little bit upfront to get good travel insurance.
Other Items To Bring With You
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Sun Protection
- Locks for your baggage
- Ear plugs
- Mosquito repellant
Conclusion
Thanks for reading this guide on packing for Bali. I hope you have a great time catching waves in Uluwatu, partying in Kuta and exploring the rainforests in Ubud.
If you’re looking for a few less touristy places to go to, check out our post on The Other Side of Bali.
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