Bali is undoubtedly a dream destination for many travelers. But to be completely honest, before visiting, the island didn’t spark our curiosity due to mass tourism… However, contrary to our expectations, it completely won us over and quickly became one of our favorite destinations in Southeast Asia.
If you're planning to explore the famous "Island of the Gods," we've compiled a complete guide to help you pack and make the most of your trip. We’ll share everything you need to bring to be prepared for the climate, local customs, and various activities you might want to include in your itinerary. By the end of this article, you'll have everything you need to enjoy Bali to the fullest.
Note: In this article, you will find some links to various trusted travel partners. If you use any of them to book an experience or stay, for example, you’ll be helping us support the work we put into this project.
What to Pack:
1. Light and Breathable Clothing
Bali has a tropical climate, meaning it’s hot and humid year-round. Our advice is to prioritize comfortable, practical clothing made from lightweight fabrics. Here are some essential pieces to pack:
T-shirts and tops for everyday wear.
Light dresses.
Long skirts and shorts.
Sarongs: Useful for visiting temples (where covering knees and shoulders is required) and also great for the beach.
Light jacket or hoodie: Early mornings and evenings can get a bit cooler, so a light jacket can be very handy.
Beachwear, such as swimsuits, bikinis, and board shorts.
Activewear: If you plan to do activities like yoga classes or nature hikes, sportswear is essential.
2. Rain Jacket
Despite the warm climate, Bali is a tropical region with a rainy season that usually occurs between November and March. During this period, rain can be intense, especially in the afternoons, but it is often short-lived. In any case, a light rain jacket or waterproof poncho is essential to stay dry during these showers.
3. Comfortable Footwear
Bali has so much to explore, from beaches and waterfalls to temples and mountains like Mount Batur. Make sure to bring the right footwear for each situation:
Sandals or flip-flops for the beach and short walks.
Sneakers or hiking shoes if you plan to do trails or explore mountainous areas.
Water shoes for exploring waterfalls and rocky beaches.
See also: Top 10 waterfalls in Bali |
4. Mosquito Repellent
Where there is heat and humidity, there are mosquitoes. To avoid bites, don’t forget to pack a good insect repellent! Late afternoon is the most critical time, as mosquitoes are most active.
In Indonesia, diseases like dengue fever are still present, so using repellent is essential for your safety.
5. Sunscreen
The sun in Bali is intense, and even if you’re not spending all your time at the beach, you’ll need strong sun protection. Choose a high-SPF, water-resistant sunscreen to keep your skin safe.
Also, don’t forget to pack a hat for extra protection, sunglasses to shield your eyes from UV rays, and after-sun lotion to soothe your skin in case of overexposure.
6. First Aid Kit
Traveling to a tropical destination means being prepared for minor health issues. A basic first aid kit can be very useful. Make sure to include:
Band-aids and antiseptic wipes for small cuts or blisters.
Motion sickness pills, especially if you plan to take boat trips to nearby islands like Nusa Penida or Gili Trawangan.
Essential medications, such as paracetamol, antihistamines for allergies, and diarrhea tablets (in case of the infamous Bali Belly).
Oral rehydration salts to help with dehydration or after an upset stomach.
7. Waterproof Bag
If you plan to do water activities like visiting waterfalls, snorkeling, or taking boat trips, a waterproof bag is extremely useful to keep your valuables safe and dry!
8. Microfiber Towel
A lightweight, quick-drying towel is a must-have for a trip to Bali. Whether for the beach or waterfalls, these towels are super practical and take up very little space. We got ours from Decathlon, and it was incredibly useful throughout the trip!
Bonus Tips:
Travel Insurance: Bali is a safe destination, but like any trip, it's always a good idea to have insurance that covers health issues or accidents—especially if you plan to engage in activities like surfing or diving.
Local SIM Card: A local SIM card is essential to stay connected during your trip. We recommend the Telkomsel card, which you can buy at the airport or in stores around the city. Alternatively, you can get an eSIM so you're connected as soon as you arrive in Bali.
Cash: While many establishments accept cards, local markets, and small shops prefer cash. So, it's useful to have some Indonesian rupiah on hand. However, we didn't find it necessary to bring cash from home—it's easier to withdraw at the several ATMs. If you use Revolut, you won’t pay conversion fees, and there are no withdrawal fees in Indonesia.
Reusable Shopping Bag: A reusable shopping bag is handy for your purchases at local markets or for taking clothes to the laundry.
Useful Apps on Your Phone: Apps like Google Maps, Grab (the local alternative to Uber), and Google Translate can be really helpful for getting around and communicating on the island.
Indonesian Phrases: Small words like "Terima kasih" (thank you) are always appreciated.
We hope these tips have been helpful! Now it’s time to pack your bag and make the most of Bali.
We hope you enjoy this "Island of the Gods" as much as we did.
Safe travels! 🌴
How to stay connected
If you plan to visit Southeast Asia, don't forget that mobile data does not work outside the European Union!
The best solution to stay connected to the Internet is to buy an eSIM or a local SIM. This time we bought an eSIM at Holafly, and it always worked well. Just have a phone compatible with eSIM and buy the card through the Holafly app. It's very easy!
Get Travel Insurance
It is essential to be prepared for any trip you take, especially outside of Europe. Unexpected events happen, and no one wants to come back from vacation with a huge hospital bill to pay. That's where travel insurance comes in, an indispensable ally to ensure tranquility and safety for your holidays.
IATI offers numerous types of travel insurance depending on your type of trip and various coverages. Moreover, by purchasing insurance through our link, you get a special 5% discount.
Don't let unforeseen events ruin your adventure!
Click here to get your discount.
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