MyGlob Editorial
Packing for Bali is a balancing act between the island's hot, humid climate, its conservative temples, its beaches and waterfalls, and the simple fact that almost anything you forget can be bought locally and cheaply. The art is bringing the things that are genuinely hard to replace while travelling light enough to enjoy a tropical island that runs on flip-flops and sarongs. Here is what actually earns a place in your suitcase.
Clothing for the climate
Bali is warm and humid year-round, so think light, breathable, and quick-drying. Pack loose cotton and linen tops, shorts, sundresses, and a few smart-casual outfits for beach clubs and nicer restaurants. Natural fabrics beat synthetics in the humidity. A light rain jacket or compact umbrella is wise even in the dry season, and a thin layer or light sweater is handy for chilly evenings in the highlands around Ubud, Munduk, or the volcanoes.
- Several light tops, shorts, and dresses in breathable fabrics.
- Two or three swimsuits — they rarely dry fully in the humidity.
- One smart-casual outfit for upscale dinners and beach clubs.
- A light layer for cool highland evenings and air-conditioned spaces.
Temple-appropriate clothing
Bali's temples are active places of worship with a strict dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered, and a sarong tied around the waist is required to enter. Many temples lend or rent sarongs at the gate, but packing your own lightweight sarong (which doubles as a beach wrap, picnic blanket, or scarf) means you are always ready and never paying rental fees. A modest top or a light scarf to cover shoulders completes the kit.
Footwear
You will live in flip-flops or comfortable sandals, but do not stop there. Bring sturdy walking shoes or trainers for volcano hikes, slippery waterfall trails, and uneven temple steps, plus a pair of water shoes if you plan to clamber over reefs or rocky shorelines. Quality footwear is one thing worth bringing from home if you have specific needs.
Health and toiletries
Some health items are worth their weight. Pack a high-SPF, ideally reef-safe sunscreen, effective insect repellent for dusk, and a basic first-aid and medicine kit including remedies for the common traveller's stomach upset, rehydration sachets, plasters, and any personal prescription medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription. After-sun lotion and aloe vera soothe inevitable sunburn.
- High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen and after-sun.
- Insect repellent for mosquitoes, especially at dusk.
- A compact first-aid kit and stomach-upset remedies.
- Personal prescription medicines with documentation.
Gadgets and documents
Bring a round-pin European plug adapter (Bali uses Type C and F sockets at 230V), a multi-port charger, and a power bank for long sightseeing days. A waterproof phone pouch or dry bag protects your devices around water and on boat trips to the Nusa and Gili islands. Carry your passport, copies of key documents, travel insurance details, and some printed booking confirmations as a backup to your phone.
Beach and adventure extras
A quick-dry travel towel, a reusable water bottle (refill stations are increasingly common and cut plastic waste), sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat make every beach and waterfall day easier. Snorkellers may want their own mask for comfort and hygiene, and a small daypack keeps essentials together for temple tours and treks.
What you can leave at home
Resist over-packing. Toiletries, beachwear, sarongs, basic clothing, and cheap souvenirs are all abundant and inexpensive in Bali, so leave the bulky 'just in case' items behind. Skip heavy single-voltage appliances like home hairdryers, which can fry on Bali's 230V supply — buy or borrow locally instead. And leave room in your bag, because you will almost certainly come home with more than you left with.
Pack light, lean into the island's relaxed rhythm, and remember the golden rule: bring what is hard to replace, and trust Bali to provide the rest.
