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What to Pack for Bali: Packing Guide for Aussie Travellers
Here's what to pack for Bali so you're ready for beach days and outdoor Bali adventures. Get a checklist with clothes, toiletries, and more.
August 8, 2024
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Bali, a wonderful country in Southeast Asia, is among the top holiday destinations for Aussie travelers. It’s close and gorgeous, and it can be quite affordable, depending on what you want out of your Bali vacation. It truly has something for every type of traveller. From stunning beaches and surfing in Canggu to kid-friendly activities like Waterbom Waterpark, you can cut out a piece of this paradise that matches your expectations. To truly enjoy your time, you need to know what to pack for Bali. In this article, we’re giving you the ultimate Bali packing list.
Bali Travel Essentials: Packing Tips
Before we dive into creating your Bali packing list, let’s look into some tips and tricks that seasoned travellers swear by.
Following these few pieces of advice can make your holiday more comfortable:
1. Take a day bag
A day bag is a small backpack that’s lightweight and easy to carry around. The idea is to have daily essentials with you at all times. Your day bag should fit everything you need without being heavy on your shoulders.
2. Bring a travel wallet
You need your passport, cards, and cash in one place. It needs to be organized and safe. Usually, your travel wallet will be a bit bigger than your regular one, so it can fit your passport. It will have compartments for different currencies, SIM cards, coins and receipts. The really good ones will also have RFID protection.
3. Use packing cubes
Packing and unpacking got tremendously easier with packing cubes. It allows you to find what you need quickly and you don’t have to unpack your entire suitcase every time you need something.
4. Don’t forget laundry bag
No matter if you plan on using the laundry services in your accommodation or if you want to take your dirty laundry back with you, a bag is a lifesaver. It helps you store away your dirty laundry without mixing it with your clean clothes. You can use a few plastic bags instead, in case you have to.
5. Make the most of zip lock bags
There are always some wet or dirty items you need to put into your bag, and you don’t want to make a mess. A Ziplock plastic bag is the perfect solution for such situations. They can also come in handy for packing snacks or fruit for your field trips.
What Clothes to Take to Bali?
As a general rule of thumb when packing for a tropical climate, choose lightweight clothing that’s breathable. Avoid synthetic materials and focus on linen, cotton, and moisture-wicking fabrics.
You can save a lot of space and pack light if you choose several versatile pieces that you can easily mix and match. Plan for layers and choose things that can be dried quickly. Don’t forget to consider cultural norms, and to plan for outdoor activities if that’s on your itinerary.
With that in mind, let’s plan your Bali packing list.
What to pack for women in Bali
This is what ladies should have in their suitcases for their trip to Bali. Let’s focus on clothes, footwear, and accessories.
Lightweight dresses. Choose summer dresses and maxi dresses. That is your safest bet. You will be comfortable and can easily cover your shoulders for situations in which you need to be dressed more modestly.
Daily casual outfits. Pack some skirts, decent shorts, and tank tops for daily activities and beach time.
Evening outfits. Pack at least one dressier jumpsuit or a dress for dining or a night out. It can even be a classic dress that you can dress up with a bit of jewellery or fancy accessories.
Beachwear: You will need multiple bathing suits and a beach cover-up such as a sarong or a kaftan.
Clothes for Bali adventures. If you plan on going on waterfall hikes, doing yoga, or participating in specific activities that require special clothes or gear, don’t forget to come prepared.
Footwear. You will need comfortable footwear for daily use, like sandals, a pair of flip flops, water shoes, and a pair of dressy shoes.
Accessories: Bring a sun hat, sunglasses, light scarf, and a reusable water bottle. If your day bag cannot double as a beach bag, bring one of those, as well.
What to pack for men in Bali
This is what packing for Bali should look like for men. Let’s start with a Bali packing list for clothes, footwear and accessories.
Shirts and bottoms. You will need t-shirts, tank tops, and short-sleeved button-up shirts. Your bottoms should include shorts and lightweight pants.
Evening attire. For dinner or a night out, you should bring some chinos or linen pants. A collared shirt is a nice addition to your packing list to make things even nicer.
Swimwear. You’ll need a couple of pairs of swimtrunks for beach and the pool.
Activewear. If you plan on surfing, hiking, or other specific activities that require proper outfits, make sure you pack them. This goes for the footwear, as well. It’s best to choose quick-drying clothing for these purposes.
Footwear: Bring comfortable walking shoes for long walks, flip flops, water shoes, and dress shoes. This will cover all your needs and activities in Bali. Don’t forget a pair of hiking shoes if you plan on exploring trails.
Accessories: You need a hat and sunglasses for sure.
Additional clothes will depend on your planned activities and when your Bali trip is planned for. If it’s during the rainy season, it’s a great idea to bring a light rain jacket. During wet season, it will come in very handy.
What to wear when visiting Bali temples
Out of respect for Balinese culture and religious practices, you should follow a specific dress code when visiting temples and other sacred sites. Here’s what to take into account:
- Both men and women need to wear a sarong and a sash wrapped around their waist. In many cases, you can rent one at the temple entrance. If you have your own, that will save you some time waiting in lines.
- Cover your shoulders and your knees. Pants are appropriate for both men and women as long as they cover the knees.
- Remember that you will have to remove your shoes before entering the temple.
- Avoid expensive jewellery and even flashy colours and patterns. This is not a rule, but it is a sign of respect for the temple’s modesty requirement.
Beach & Pool Things to Pack for Bali
Swimwear and beach cover-ups have already been mentioned earlier, so let’s skip that and list other items that will help you have an amazing time in Bali.
Sun protection items. Use a high SPF, reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin from the strong Balinese sun. Make sure it’s waterproof for maximum protection. Combine that with a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protection sunglasses.
Footwear. You need flip-flips for the poolside, but water shoes are an amazing addition for rocky beaches and water activities.
Towels. If you are staying in a resort, you’ll probably find a pool or towel in your hotel room. However, if you plan on exploring your surroundings outside that area, you should bring a large beach towel and possibly a beach blanket.
Bags and accessories. You need a sturdy beach bag to pack all your things. Keep in mind that, if they close with a zipper, these bags can also be your cabin luggage if you can fit it into the overhead compartment. Inside it, keep a waterproof bag for your electronics.
Tech & Travel Gear: Stay Connected & Comfortable in Bali
You don’t want to look at Bali through a screen, as it’s a perfect place for a bit of a screen detox. However, you still need to stay connected and have some sort of mobile internet option while in Bali. You always need internet access to use navigation, check restaurant ratings, and share a photo or two from your vacation. Here’s what to pack:
- Smartphone
- Laptop or e-reader
- Chargers for your electronics
- Power bank
- Travel adapter – Bali’s electrical outlets are Type C and F, 230V
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Waterproof phone case to keep your belongings safe
- Waterproof camera and possibly camera gear
There’s another essential item on this list that deserves a bit more attention – a travel eSIM for Bali.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a virtual SIM card. It is a chip in your smartphone that you can program to act as an additional SIM card without having to have another physical SIM in your phone. You get an eSIM buy purchasing it from an eSIM provider. They send you a QR code. Once you scan it, your new eSIM is installed on your phone.
Don’t worry about it messing up your number, because it won’t. You will still use your regular number for SMS and calls. Your travel eSIM comes with a data package so you only use it to connect to the internet.
So, how do you pick your eSIM provider? You will find many providers on the market, but here is why Holafly eSIM for Indonesia makes the most sense.
Holafly eSIM Bali allows you to:
- Get unlimited data for the entire duration of your Bali trip
- Pick the precise number of days you need your eSIM for
- Share up to 500 MB of data daily
- Get access to 24/7 customer support
- Use your eSIM in the entire Indonesia in case you want to visit other areas
Bali Travel Checklist for Toiletries & Personal Care
Let’s divide this checklist into two parts. The first will cover the essential toiletries you need to have with you, and the second will include the health and wellness items that make your life easier.
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in travel size or solid bars.
- Deodorant
- Skincare routine items like moisturizers
- Makeup and makeup remover
- Shaving cream and after-shave
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Insect repellent
- Feminine hygiene products of your particular brands
- Hairbrush or comb
- Nail clippers and tweezers
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
Health & Wellness
- Prescription medications: Bring enough for the entire trip, along with a copy of the prescription
- First aid kit: Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and necessary personal medications
- Oral rehydration salts: To prevent dehydration, which is especially important in the tropical climate
- Anti-diarrheal medication and probiotics: Useful for managing traveler’s diarrhea
How to Pack for 2 Weeks in Bali?
Consider that you will do laundry at least once during this period, sometimes in the middle of your trip. With that in mind, here’s the clothes you’ll probably need when it comes to packing light.
Clothes
- 8 casual tops and t-shirts for everyday
- 3 casual bottom options to mix and match with tops
- 2 summer dresses for women. Maxi dresses work best
- 2 evening-appropriate attires
- 3-4 swimming suits
- 2 cover-ups you can use for beach and pool, but can also use to cover up in temples.
- 2 options for your activities and outdoor adventures, such as hiking
- Undergarments and sleepwear you normally need for 7 days
- Footwear: sandals, walking shoes, poolside footwear, water shoes, and dress shoes
- Accessories: sun hat, sunglasses, and a water bottle to avoid using plastic water bottles.
Toiletries
Here are some essential toiletries and health items you should pack for Bali:
- Personal care items such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant. Get these in travel-size packaging or in solid form.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent are essential for Bali
- First aid kit
- Prescription medication and over-the-counter medicines for gut health
Tech Gear
When it comes to your tech gear Bali packing list, this is what you should bring for a two-week trip to Bali.
- Smartphone and Holafly eSIM
- Chargers and a travel adapter
- Power bank
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Camera and camera equipment if you plan on making professional photos
Final Bali Travel Tips
You already know some general travel tips, but it doesn’t hurt to repeat them one more time. Namely, it is essential to stay hydrated and to use sunscreen, especially if you have sensitive skin. In addition, a good insect repellent will make your trip far more enjoyable.
That being said, there is also a food and water safety issue. To be sure, always bring your own water or have exclusively purified water. This means you must also avoid ice in your drinks, unless you are 100% it’s from purified water. Even with all these precautions, you should have your travel insurance papers with you.
Regarding cultural etiquette, you already know you should cover up in the religious sites. Also, it’s essential to be kind and maintain a calm demeanour at all times. Additionally, when giving and receiving things, always use your right hand as a sign of respect.
Lastly, Bali is a natural gem, so do your best to keep it that way. Don’t litter; be conscious of your water usage, especially during the dry season.
Enjoy your trip to Bali and stay connected. Having a reliable internet connection can make all the difference on your travels.
FAQs About Things to Take to Bali
For Bali nights, dresses, shorts with tops, or skirts with blouses are all good choices. You can simply put on stylish cover-ups or sarongs at beach clubs. For dining, choose elegant dresses or chic jumpsuits. For cultural experiences, wear respectful attire covering shoulders and knees.
To prepare for Bali belly (traveller’s diarrhoea), pack oral rehydration salts (ORS) to prevent dehydration, anti-diarrhoeal medication such as loperamide, probiotics to help restore gut flora, and electrolyte tablets for hydration.
