Bali is a tropical destination famed for its laid-back atmosphere, so it isn't usually difficult to pack for. Nevertheless, being strategic in your selection of clothing and essentials for travel to Bali 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 packing list when preparing for your Bali trip, to make sure you have everything you need. Of course, what you pack in your luggage also 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.
As a general guideline when packing for Bali, it's best to opt for clothing and accessories which suit a tropical climate. Beach-style clothes like cotton shirts, and accessories like hats, sunglasses and flip-flops, are perfect for the warmth and humidity typical of Bali's weather. There's usually no need to bring a beach towel, as these take up a lot of luggage room and most Bali resorts and villas provide them anyway. It is a good idea to have a poncho on hand for those days when it does rain. Remember to bring any other clothing items which suit your itinerary, like sturdy shoes if you intend to do a lot of hiking.
Beyond clothing and accessories, there are some additional items to pack for Bali which most consider essential. These include a smartphone and charger, bank cards, cash (in Rupiah), and travel documents like passports, ID and travel insurance. As of June 9 2023, Proof of Covid Vaccination is no longer required for travel to Bali.
Our packing lists cover a range of situations from solo travel to family trips, as well as the length of stay including 3 days, a week, two weeks or a month. So no matter your itinerary, follow our guide to ensure you have everything you need for Bali (and nothing you don't!).
Bali Packing List - What should I pack for Bali?
A visit to Bali requires some careful consideration when it comes to what to include in your luggage. Ensure you have a stress-free Bali trip by covering the basic travel necessities: clothing, accessories, travel documents, devices (like phones or laptops), toiletries and medicine.
Essential items to include when packing for Bali:
- Casual summer clothing in lightweight, breathable material
- Smart-casual clothing for evening outings
- A light long-sleeve top or jacket
- Swimwear
- Modest clothing (for visiting temples and cultural sites)
- Poncho, rain jacket or small umbrella
- Sandals or flip-flops (aka thongs)
- Sturdy and comfortable shoes
- Small day pack, backpack or dry bag
- Refillable water bottle
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (as this is expensive to buy in Bali directly)
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries
- Prescription medication (if required)
- Towel (preferably quick-dry)
- Essential travel documents (passport, visa, travel insurance)
- Bank cards
- Cash (in Indonesian Rupiah)
- Smartphone
- Mobile phone charger
- Travel adaptor (Type C/Type F)
- Camera
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 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.