As a tropical destination famed for its laid-back atmosphere, packing for Bali isn't usually difficult. Nevertheless, being strategic in your selection of Bali essentials like clothing, accessories and devices offers a number of advantages, allowing you to pack light, avoid hiccups at the airport and, best of all, sidestep the need to shop upon arrival.
We recommend using a Bali packing list when preparing for your trip, to make sure you have everything you need. Of course, what you pack in your luggage depends on the type of trip you have planned. For example, it's handy to have a camera in your luggage for a honeymoon in Bali to capture the memories of a lifetime. For a solo trip, bringing photocopies of your documents ensures you have a back up if anything gets lost.
Below are the 9 essential items to pack for Bali:
- Light, Loose Summer Clothing and Beachwear: Bali is a tropical island with warm and humid weather year round, so typical summer clothes like t-shirt, singlets, shorts or light dresses are ideal items to pack.
- Swimwear:Many of Bali's top attractions include things like waterfalls, beaches and beach clubs, and most resorts and villas have a pool. Packing swimwear like board shorts or speeds for men, or a bikini or one-piece for women, is a good idea to be prepared for everything Bali has to offer.
- Comfortable Sandals or Flip-Flops: Bali is very hot, and casual dressing is expected. Sandals or flip flops are acceptable in most restaurants, and make it easy to visit markets, galleries or beaches.
- Enclosed Shoes: It's a good idea to pack some closed-in shoes when in Bali, as some activities like hiking require them, and enclosed footwear makes it much easier to walk when it's raining.
- Bank Cards and Cash: It's important to be well prepared in Bali, with a few points of access to cash. We recommend bringing a couple of bank cards, and some cash in the local currency of Indonesian Rupiah.
- Phone and Related Accessories:These days, a smartphone is more or less an essential item when travelling. Making sure you bring your smartphone, charger, adaptor (if required), and SIM card (if required) means you won't get stuck.
- A Light Rain Jacket: It rains occasionally in Bali, and sometimes for days at a time. Having a rainjacket or poncho is very helpful when a downpour strikes, especially if on foot or riding a scooter.
- Toiletries and Medication (if applicable): Many of the main toiletries like toothpaste are available in Bali, and most resorts provide shampoo, conditioner and soap, but it's a good idea to bring some of your own just in case.
- Travel Documents: Travel documents like a passport (with at least 6 months validity remaining) and ID are essential for Bali travel. Check Visa requirements before you go and ensure you have photocopies of the main ones. In most cases, tourists in Bali are able to get a Visa-on-Arrival directly at Denpasar Airport when they land.
Items NOT to pack for Bali include things like :
- Warm jumpers and winter coats: Bali's weather is far too hot for typical winter clothing. In fact, given it's location close to the equator, Bali doesn't expeience winter weather - so leave heavy clothing at home.
- Beach towels: Beach towels take up a lot of room in your luggage, and these are not typically required to pack for Bali as most resorts and villas supply them.
- Expensive Jewellery: Travel in Bali often involves an itinerary full of activities, or even resort lounging. It's very easy to lose jewllery or valuables when travelling, so it's best to leave these at home.
For a full list of what to pack for Bali, including packing lists for men and women, read our full guide below. We provide packing lists adaptable to the the type of trip you have planned, including the length of your stay: with packing lists for 3 days, 7 days, 2 weeks and a month. We also provide useful info on what to pack depending on the month of travel, and provide additional Bali packing tips to ensure you have everything you need for Bali (and nothing you don't!).
1. Light, Loose Summer Clothing and Beachwear
Bali has a tropical climate, with year-round warm and humid weather. Typically, this means that visitors to Bali feel most comfortable wearing light, breathable clothing that is loose on the skin, as well as typical beachwear items like boardshorts, singlets and swimwear. The standard of dress in Bali is casual, so you won't stand out wearing informal clothing. However, some locations like Bali's temples require more modest dress - which is why sarongs are typically provided for a small fee at entrances to Bali's sacred sites.
2. Swimwear
While Bali has beautiful inland areas, featuring much-loved destinations like the quaint Ubud area or the epic Mt Batur, for the most part Bali is considered a beach holiday destination. Many of Bali's main areas like Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu are locate near the beach, and resort-style accomodation with pools is the norm. For this reason, swimwear items like boardshorts, speedos, bikinis and one-suits will come in hand during your travels. In fact, we recommend bringing at least two items of swimwear.
Even in Bali's inland destinations, places like waterfalls and natural pools are extremely popular and serve as great places for a refreshing dip.
3. Comfortable Sandals or Flip-Flops
Most of the main tourist areas like Seminyak or Ubud are very walkable, which is why it's important to have a paid of comfortable sandals or thongs (flip-flops) on hand. Bali is usually warm, and breathable footwear tends to be more comfortable for casual travel activities like visiting markets or heading to beach.
For those who want to save space in their luggage, choosing to buy a pair of sandals or thongs in Bali is a cheap alternative. Stores (such as Havainas or Fipper) and markets are found around Bali and sell these types of footwear at a reasonable price.
4. Enclosed Shoes
Closed-in footwear like sneakers or joggers are worthwhile packing for Bali, especially if your itinerary includes visits to rice fields or more adventurous activities like hiking. Not only is it much more comfortable to hike if you've packed shoes along. Bali is a rainy island at times and enclosed shoes ensure your feet stay dry and you don't sleep on rocks or streetpaths.
5. Bank Cards and Cash
No one wants to find themselves in a bind when travelling, and having multiple options packed for access to money is a smart idea to save yourself a lot of stress. We recommend packing two bank cards and keeping them separate, so that you have one as a backup in case anything happens, like losing your wallet. Additionally, having cash in the local currency of Indonesian Rupiah is going to come in handy as you travel. Whilst card payment is widely available, cash is still widely used to exchange goods and services at places like markets and temples, or for locally owned food and drinks places.
6. Phone and Related Accessories
These days, a smartphone is an essential item when travelling, making it easier to navigate your way through Bali, take photos and stay connected back home. Don't forget to pack the related accessories you need for your phone to work, such as a charger, and an adaptor if your phone charger has a plug which doesn't fit Bali's sockets. Bali uses Type C and Type F plugs, like those found in Europe, so an adaptor is required to use devices from places like Australia or America which use alternate plug types.
7. A Light Rain Jacket
Sometimes it rains a lot in Bali, especially during the Wet Season which runs from November to April. Packing a light rain jacket (with a hood) is a good way to ensure your Bali itinerary isn't interrupted by a downpour. Whilst an umbrella comes in handy for the rain, rain jackets or ponchos are more practical - allowing you to travel on a scooter or navigate busy market places without the bulk of an umbrella.
8. Toiletries and Medication (if applicable)
Like travel to any destination, packing toiletries like a toothbrush or shampoo in your luggage makes your first night in Bali a lot easier. By the same token, it's essential to pack any medications you need during your travels, as it is not always easy to find the equivalent at Bali's pharmacies, especially without a prescription.
We recommend packing small "travel-size" bottles of your main toiletries, like shampoo, conditioner or toothpaste. This saves you worrying about liquid limits when your luggage is being scanned at the airport.
9. Travel Documents
Without the correct travel documents, like a valid passport with 9-months validity (and of course a ticket for your flight to Bali) , travel to Bali is simply not possible. When you land in Bali, it's required to provide your passport to local officials in order to receive a visa (called a "Visa on Arrival") for you to enter. Once in Bali, it's useful to have some form of ID on you, like a driver's licence, in case it's asked for asked for by authorities or when making certain transactions. Most Bali accommodations require you to provide your passport in order to be photocopied for registration purposes.
We recommend bringing copies of all your documentation, just in case, especially if travelling alone in Bali.
Bali Packing List - Females
When packing for Bali, most women want to ensure they have a combination of the practical essentials, and the right clothing and accessories to feel and look good. However, some ladies find it difficult to pack everything they need without exceeding the dreaded baggage allowance at the airport. We’re here to help! Whether you're embarking on a solo adventure, a girls' getaway, or a romantic honeymoon, it’s important to factor in key wardrobe items, a few accessories, enough personal care products to last your trip, and the travel essentials. And a chic outfit never goes astray!
What to pack for women travelling to Bali:
- Lightweight, loose-fitting summer clothing (shorts, sundresses, singlets and T-shirts)
- Bikini or swimsuit
- An outfit for nights out
- Activewear like leggings, tank tops or yoga pants
- Light cardigan, jacket or long-sleeve shirt
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Comfortable footwear (flip-flops, sandals, and walking shoes)
- Underwear, bras and socks
- Small handbag
- Day pack or beach bag
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- Toiletries
- Cosmetics
- Bras, underwear and socks
- Pyjamas
- Prescription medication (if required)
- Book or e-reader
- Travel documents (passport, visa, drivers licence, travel insurance)
- Cash and bank cards
- Smartphone or camera
- Travel adaptor (Type C/Type F)
- Portable charger or power bank.
Bali Packing List - Males
As a relaxed, laid-back holiday destination, it’s relatively easy for men to pack for Bali. We recommend packing light, and ensuring that your list of items suits the itinerary planned - whether it's a honeymoon, family holiday or a boys trip. In general, guys need to pack lightweight, breathable clothing and accessories suitable for various occasions like hiking, hitting the beach, or spending a night on the town. Lastly, make sure to bring toiletries to last the trip, a couple of methods of payment (cash and card), all the necessary travel documents, as well as any entertainment and electronics you need.
What to pack for men travelling to Bali:
- Comfortable, lightweight clothing (shorts, singlets, shirts, linen pants)
- Long-sleeve shirt or light hoodie
- Swimming trunks or speedos
- Gym clothes
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Cap
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable footwear (sandals, flip flops, boat shoes, sneakers)
- Underwear and socks
- A small day bag or backpack
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant and aftershave
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Prescription medication (if required)
- Book or e-reader
- Travel documents (passport, visa, drivers licence, travel insurance)
- Cash and bank cards
- Smartphone or camera
- Travel adaptor (Type C/Type F)
- Portable charger or power bank.
Bali Packing List - Honeymoon
To ensure you make the most of your honeymoon in Bali, it’s best to be prepared for Bali’s typically warm and humid weather. Plus, being a honeymoon, you’ll want to ensure you are ready for a combination of romantic activities, relaxation, adventure, and experiencing Bali’s rich culture. Whilst the idea of packing is stressful for a trip away for some newlyweds, especially if the honeymoon directly follows the wedding, a little preparation will go a long way to easing your stress. Our list of honeymoon essentials in Bali will make sure you are covered, whether relaxing with your partner at a villa, hopping from spa to spa, or partaking in the island’s best activities.
What to pack for a Bali honeymoon:
- Casual summer clothing in lightweight material
- Travel documents (passport, visa and travel insurance)
- Cash, credit cards and bank cards
- Smart-casual clothing
- Comfortable footwear (sandals, sneakers, casual shoes, dress shoes)
- Activewear
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Toiletries
- Insect Repellent
- Lightweight scarf
- Prescription medication (if required)
- Long-sleeve top or jacket
- Rain jacket, poncho or small umbrella
- Smartphone
- Charger
- Travel adaptor (Type C/Type F)
- Camera
- Book
Bali Packing List - Families
Preparing a family packing list for Bali means making sure every member of the family has what they need and being prepared for all circumstances. From days cooling off at the beach and water parks, to temple visits and day tours, your suitcase should have all the essentials for all activities, weather conditions and occasions.
What to pack for a family trip to Bali:
- Light, summer clothing (shorts, shirts, boardshorts, dresses, skirts)
- Travel documents for every family member (passports, visas, travel insurance)
- Money (cash in Indonesian Rupiah, credit cards, bank cards)
- A smartphone for each parent
- A card for each family member with emergency contact details
- Swimwear
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitiser
- Prescription medication (if required)
- First-aid kit
- Entertainment
- Electrical devices and chargers
- Travel adaptor (Type C/Type F)
- Snacks
Bali Packing List - Solo Travellers
Bali is known for being one of the easiest places to travel alone – many locals speak English, it has a large community of expats and digital nomads, and there are so many things to do that you’ll never feel bored or alone. Nevertheless, the nature of solo travel means it’s vital to be organised and prepared when you pack, to ensure safety and self-sufficiency whilst travelling Bali. We recommend having a backup for documents and bank cards, as well as a contingency plan in case of lost belongings.
What to pack for solo travellers in Bali:
- Lightweight summer clothing
- Travel documents (passport, travel insurance, visa)
- Photocopies of all documents
- List of emergency contacts and emergency phone numbers
- Credit card, ATM card and cash in Indonesian Rupiah
- Travel wallet
- Capsule wardrobe of lightweight summer clothing
- Small daypack, backpack or dry bag
- Hat
- Footwear (sandals, casual shoes, sneakers or hiking boots)
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- Refillable water bottle
- Phone
- Charger
- Prescription medication (if required)
- Portable charger or power bank
- Book or e-reader
- Headphones or wireless earbuds
- Travel adaptor (Type C/Type F)
Bali Packing Lists by Trip Duration:
Want to know how much you should pack for your trip to Bali? It all depends on how long you’re going for. The good news is that, like any tropical destination worth its salt, Bali is both balmy and casual – so you don't need to come packed for all situations and seasons. It’s enough to plan your packing to last for the set amount of days you are travelling for.
Find out below how much to pack for Bali based on the length of your stay – whether a week or less, a fortnight, or a full month.
3 – 7 Day Bali Packing List
A short trip to Bali is bound to be fun and fast-paced, but it pays to be well prepared. Whether it’s a long weekend with friends, a quick romantic getaway or a full week retreat that you’re heading to Bali for, packing the right items helps to create a hassle-free trip. Whilst you won’t need every item on our list, this will have you covered so you can adapt to your itinerary and length of stay.
When packing for a short trip of less than 7 days, packing well means you maximise your time and avoid heavy luggage.
What to pack for 3-7 days in Bali:
- 2 x Shorts
- 1 x Trousers or linen pants
- 3 x Shirts or singlets
- 2 x Dresses or dress shirts
- 1 x Swimmers or boardshorts
- 1 x Light jacket or cardigan
- 1 x Activewear outfit (e.g. tank top combined with leggings or gym shorts)
- Underwear and socks (one set per day)
- Sandals
- Flip flops
- Sneakers
- Rain jacket, poncho or small umbrella
- Sun hat
- Backpack, cross-body bag, or dry bag
- Travel-sized toiletries and cosmetics, including sunscreen
- Quick-dry towel
- Medication
- Cash and credit cards
- Travel documents
- Headphones or wireless earbuds
- Travel adaptor and charger
- A good book or e-reader
- Travel-sized laundry detergent for quick cleaning
10 – 14 Day Bali Packing List
Packing for a two-week trip to Bali that covers an action-packed itinerary doesn’t have to feel challenging. By sticking to the basics, you’ll have enough for your fortnight stay without worrying about baggage limits or lugging heavy luggage around. Laundries are common in Bali and easy to access if you need to have anything washed and dried during your stay. Otherwise, most Bali hotels offer in-house laundry services as well.
What to pack for 10-14 days in Bali:
- 5 x Tops (e.g shirts, tank tops, singlets, collared shirts)
- 4 x Bottoms (e.g shorts, linen pants, yoga pants, boardshorts)
- 3 x Dresses or dress shirts
- 3 x Pairs of shoes (e.g flip-flops, sandals, comfortable walking shoes)
- Day bag
- Sunglasses
- Rain jacket
- Active wear
- Light jacket or lightweight cardigan
- and a lightweight cardigan)
- Underwear and socks
- Travel-sized toiletries and cosmetics
- Sunscreen
- Medication
- Cash and credit cards
- Passport
- Visa
- Covid vaccination certificate
- Travel insurance
- Headphones or Bluetooth earbuds
- Travel adaptors and chargers
- A book or e-reader
1 Month Bali Packing List
A one-month trip to Bali is exciting, but some find it challenging to pack for a longer trip. When creating your packing list, consider building a capsule wardrobe to ensure you have enough room for your toiletries, electronics, travel documents, and shoes and accessories. In terms of clothing, you usually only need about 2 weeks worth of clothes packed even if travelling for longer. This is because laundries are common in most areas of Bali, and most provide full-service washing and drying for a relativerly low cost.
What to pack for one month in Bali:
- 5 x Tops (e.g shirts, tank tops, singlets, collared shirts)
- 4 x Bottoms (e.g shorts, linen pants, yoga pants, boardshorts)
- 3 x Dresses or dress shirts
- 3 x Pairs of shoes (e.g flip-flops, sandals, comfortable walking shoes, casual shoes)
- Day bag
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Rain jacket
- Active wear
- Lightweight jacket or cardigan
- Underwear and socks
- Full-sized toiletries and cosmetics
- Sunscreen
- Medication
- Travel-sized laundry detergent
- Cash and credit cards
- Passport
- Visa
- Covid vaccination certificate
- Travel insurance
- Headphones or Bluetooth earbuds
- Travel adaptors and chargers
- A book or e-reader
What to pack for Bali by Month
For those who have already decided when they will travel to Bali, the next question is often "what do I pack for that month?". The good news is that Bali's climate is tropical, meaning the weather is warm regardless of when you visit. This makes it an easy destination to pack for. However, Bali does have a distinct wet and dry season, which results in a yearly period where higher rainfall and humidity is expected. This is something that shouldn't hinder your holiday too much, but is best to be prepared for.
Here is a quick guide on what to pack by month in Bali:
What to Pack from November to April (Wet Season)
- Light, breathable layers in quick-dry material
- Poncho
- Rain jacket
- Mosquito repellent
- Quick-dry beach towel
- Swimmers
- Durable shoes
- Hiking shoes
- Swimwear
- Sandals
- Closed Shoes
- Insect repellent
- Waterproof bags (for electronics and valuables)
What to Pack from May to October (Dry Season)
- Light, breathable layers in quick-dry material
- Summer clothes and swimmers
- Closed shoes
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Summer dresses
- Lightweight cotton clothing and beachwear
- Sarong
- Sandals
- Closed walking shoes
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Daypack or small backpack (for excursions and day trips)
What NOT to pack for Bali
When packing for Bali, avoid including winter clothing like jumpers, as the climate is hot and tropical. Formal wear and high heels are not usually required either, as Bali is a relaxed and informal destination.
Items to avoid packing when travelling to Bali:
- Beach towels: Beach towels are bulky items which take up a lot of space. Most accommodations in Bali provide beach towels, as well as bath towels so you don't need to bring them with you!
- Warm clothes: Bali's weather is hot and humid all year round, so there is no need to bring heavy jumpers or winter clothing. Generally it's best to pack lightweight, breathable fabrics instead, including a light jacket if climbing Mt Batur or Mt Agung (it's colder at altitude).
- Denim: Denim clothing is bulky and usually too stifling for Bali, so denim jeans and jackets are best avoided. Loose-fitting clothing in cotton or linen is more appropriate for the muggy Bali weather. For those who prefer long pants - we recommend leaving your Levi's and rocking some yoga pants instead.
- Formalwear: Bali has a relaxed and casual atmosphere, so there is no need to bring formal clothing like suits, tuxedos, or evening gowns. Most Bali bars and beach clubs don't expect a level of formality beyond smart casual.
- High heels: Unless you are going to luxury restaurants or staying at 5-star accommodation, you are unlikely to need high heels in Bali. High heels are often an impractical choice in Bali given that many of the streets and sidewalks are uneven. Consider packing some pairs of nice sandals or flats instead.
- Valuable items: We recommend leaving any expensive jewellery (like engagement or wedding rings) at home when visiting Bali, as these are easily lost or stolen when travelling. It's better to bring inexpensive jewellery for accessorising your outfits!
- Illegal Drugs: Never pack illicit drugs when travelling to Bali, as the penalties for possessing even small amounts sometimes lead to harsh punishments or even the death penalty. We recommend bringing prescriptions with you for any prescription medications.
Packing Tips for Bali
Now that you have a good idea of what to pack, it helps to know a few tips on how to pack for Bali. Packing efficiently ensures you stay organised, saves luggage space and saves you a hassle at the airport on your way to Denpasar.
Keep in mind the following practical Bali packing tips:
- Check the weather and climate forecast before departing
- Review baggage limits before packing to avoid excessive fees
- Create a customised packing list for your itinerary
- Use packing cubes to maximise space and stay organised.
- Choose clothes that mix and match easily
- Pack a spare canvas bag as your laundry bag for washing on laundry day.
- By cheaper items like flip-flops on arrival to save space
- Bring an extra pair of underwear and clothing in carry-on baggage.
- Bring sunscreen as this is expensive to purchase in Bali
- Keep important medication and toiletries in carry-on, observing limits for liquids
What should I wear in Bali?
Bali's tropical climate and laid-back vibe make it the perfect destination for loose, comfortable and lightweight clothing. However, it's important to keep in mind that certain occasions and locations call for appropriate dress, such as covering your shoulders at sacred sites or wearing sturdy shoes for hikes. When deciding what to wear in Bali, consider your itinerary and the different situations you encounter during your trip. This will ensure you pack just the right amount, and don't leave anything you need at home!