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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.
Bali is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Aussie travellers, and for good reason. But packing for a tropical island with temples, waterfalls, and beach clubs takes a bit of planning. This guide to what to pack for Bali holiday essentials covers clothes, toiletries, tech gear, and temple-ready outfits. There’s also a checklist by trip length to help you travel light without forgetting the essentials. No Bali travel guide is complete without a travel eSIM. So, we’ll cover how to stay connected from the moment you land.
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What clothes to take to Bali?
Deciding what to pack for Bali Indonesia comes down to its hot, humid climate, its temple dress codes, and plenty of beach time. 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 mix and match well. Plan for layers and choose things that dry fast. 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’ll be comfortable and can cover your shoulders when you need to dress 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 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 joining 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 should females wear in Bali at night?
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.
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 the beach and the pool.
Activewear. If you plan on surfing, hiking, or other activities that require proper outfits, make sure you pack them. This goes for the footwear, as well. It’s best to choose fast-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. It’s not the same if you’re deciding what to pack for Bali in March or August.
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.
- When giving or receiving things, use your right hand as a sign of respect.
Beach and pool things to pack for Bali
Swimwear and beach cover-ups have already been mentioned earlier, so let’s skip those 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-flops for the poolside, but water shoes are a great addition for rocky beaches and water activities.
Towels. If you are staying in a resort, you’ll probably find a pool or beach towel in your hotel room. However, if you plan on exploring 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 when they fit into the overhead compartment. Inside it, keep a waterproof bag for your electronics.
Keep Bali beautiful: Bali is a natural gem, so do your best to keep it that way. Don’t litter, and stay mindful of your water use, especially during the dry season.
Toiletries and health items for Bali
Let’s divide this checklist into two parts. The first covers the essential toiletries you need to have with you, and the second includes 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 and 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-diarrhoeal medication and probiotics: Useful for managing traveller’s diarrhoea
What to pack for a Bali belly? To prepare for Bali belly (traveller’s diarrhea), 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.
Staying connected in Bali: tech gear and eSIM
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 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 one more essential worth a closer look: a travel eSIM for Bali. It gives you unlimited data for the number of days you choose. You have access to 24/7 support, hotspot allowance, and much more. Namely, every Holafly eSIM also includes Always On, 1 GB of free monthly backup data valid in 70+ countries. Think of it as a safety net if your main plan runs low, not your primary connection.
If you travel often and Bali is just one place you plan to visit, Holafly Plans makes the most sense. It’s a monthly postpaid eSIM subscription that keeps you connected across 160+ destinations with a single eSIM. No need to buy a new one for every trip, and you take your internet connection with you!
Bali travel essentials: Packing tips
Deciding what to pack for Bali Indonesia comes down to its hot, humid climate, its temple dress codes, and plenty of beach time. Before you build your Bali packing list, here are a few tips and tricks that seasoned travellers swear by. Following this advice can make your holiday far more comfortable:
Take a day bag: A day bag is a small, lightweight backpack you can carry around all day. The idea is to keep your daily essentials on you at all times, so pick one that fits what you need without weighing down your shoulders.
Bring a travel wallet: Keep your passport, cards, and cash in one safe, organized place. A travel wallet is usually a bit bigger than your everyday one so it can hold your passport, with compartments for different currencies, SIM cards, coins, and receipts. The better ones also come with RFID protection.
Use packing cubes: Packing cubes make packing and unpacking far smoother. You can find what you need at a glance, without unpacking your whole suitcase every time.
Don’t forget a laundry bag: Whether you use your accommodation’s laundry service or bring your dirty clothes home, a laundry bag is a lifesaver. It keeps dirty laundry separate from your clean clothes, and a few plastic bags work in a pinch.
Make the most of zip-lock bags: There are always wet or dirty items you need to stash without making a mess, and a zip-lock bag is the perfect fix. They also come in handy for packing snacks or fruit for day trips.
Stay on top of food and water safety: Stick to bottled or purified water, and skip ice unless you know it’s made from purified water. Bring a good insect repellent, stay hydrated, and reapply high-SPF sunscreen, especially if you have sensitive skin. And even with every precaution, keep your travel insurance papers with you.
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FAQs about things to take to Bali
The 5 4 3 2 1 packing rule is a formula for a week-long trip: 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 dresses or jackets, and 1 hat. For Bali’s tropical climate, add extra swimwear and lightweight, breathable pieces.
The 3 5 7 rule keeps luggage light: for every three days you pack 3 tops, 5 pairs of socks, and 7 pairs of underwear, scaling up for longer trips. For Bali, cut back on socks and add swimwear and a sarong for temples.
Indonesia bans narcotics, pornography, and certain weapons, and enforces strict rules on plants, fresh food, and animal products. Check current customs allowances before you fly, as penalties for prohibited items are severe.
For a week in Bali, pack around 5 tops, 3 bottoms, 3 swimsuits, one dressier outfit, and a sarong. Use packing cubes and choose fast-drying, breathable fabrics so you can rinse and re-wear. Keep shoes to sandals, flip flops, and walking shoes.
For two weeks in Bali, pack around a week’s worth of clothes and plan to do laundry once mid-trip, so you travel lighter than the trip length suggests. Focus on versatile, fast-drying pieces you can mix and match, plus extra swimwear and a cover-up for temples. Your toiletries and tech gear stay the same regardless of trip length.
Plans that may interest you
With a background in English literature and a focus on storytelling, I’ve turned my interests in travel and technology into a career helping others stay connected abroad. Originally from Serbia, I work remotely with my husband, experiencing local cultures firsthand and bringing that perspective to my writing for Holafly. Fun fact: before focusing on content creation, I was a professional volleyball player.
