Bali Packing List — What to Bring & What to Leave
Bali is a tropical island with year-round warmth and high humidity — pack light, pack smart. Most things you forget can be bought cheaply on arrival (except prescription medication). This list covers beach trips, temple visits, volcano treks and everything in between.
Clothing essentials
- ☀️ Light shorts, linen trousers or summer dresses (2–3 pairs)
- 👕 Breathable t-shirts — preferably moisture-wicking
- 🕌 Sarong + sash for temples (buy one on arrival, IDR 30,000–80,000)
- 🧥 Light cardigan for air-conditioned restaurants and Ubud evenings
- 🏊 Swimwear (2 sets so one is always dry)
- 🥿 Comfortable sandals (flip-flops + something with a back strap)
- 🥾 Light trail shoes if doing volcano trekking or waterfall hikes
Health & toiletries
- 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF50+ (hard to find locally, expensive)
- 🦟 DEET mosquito repellent (dengue and malaria risk in some areas)
- 💊 Oral rehydration salts + Imodium for Bali belly
- 🩹 Basic first aid kit: antiseptic, plasters, antihistamine
- 💊 Any prescription medication (hard to source locally)
- 🌡️ Thermometer (useful if you get sick away from a pharmacy)
Tech & travel essentials
- 🔌 Travel adaptor (Type C/F for Indonesia)
- 📱 Offline Google Maps downloaded for Bali
- 📶 Buy a Telkomsel or XL SIM on arrival (airport or minimarket)
- 🔒 Small padlock for hostel or luggage security
- 💳 Fee-free travel card (Wise, Revolut) plus backup cash
- 📄 Printed copies of passport, visa and travel insurance
What to leave at home
- ❌ Drone — strict drone regulations; permit required. Many sites prohibit flying.
- ❌ Prescription drugs without documentation — carry a letter from your doctor for all controlled substances.
- ❌ Too many shoes — sandals cover 90% of Bali travel needs.
- ❌ Expensive jewellery — wear simple accessories to avoid attracting theft.
Use our custom Bali packing list generator → — tailored to your trip length, season and activities.