Planning a trip to Bali? Here's your essential packing guide:
- Clothes: Light, breathable fabrics for hot weather
- Swimwear: At least 3 swimsuits and cover-ups
- Footwear: Comfortable sandals and flip-flops
- Accessories: Sun hat, sunglasses, and a versatile scarf
- Toiletries: High SPF sunscreen and insect repellent
- Tech: Waterproof cases for electronics
Key tips:
- Pack light - laundry is cheap in Bali
- Bring modest clothing for temple visits
- Skip heavy makeup and hair products
Item | Beach | Temple | Night Out |
---|---|---|---|
Swimsuit | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
Sarong | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Sundress | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Sandals | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Remember: Bali's laid-back. You don't need fancy clothes or tons of outfits. Focus on comfort and versatility.
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Bali's Weather and Dress Codes
Typical Bali Weather
Bali's hot and humid. Temps stay between 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F) year-round. Humidity? A sticky 80%.
Two seasons:
- Dry (April-October): Less rain, more sun. Beach time!
- Wet (November-March): Quick downpours, still sunny gaps.
Want fewer tourists? Try May or September. August's dry, but packed.
Respecting Local Customs
Bali's chill about clothes, but not everywhere:
Temples:
- Cover up (shoulders and knees)
- Sarong and sash (rentals often available)
- No bare arms or short-shorts
Beaches:
- Bikinis? Fine.
- Leaving the sand? Throw something on.
Around town:
- Casual works
- Skip the super-revealing stuff
Where | Yes | No |
---|---|---|
Temples | Long skirts/pants, covered shoulders | Shorts, tanks, bare midriffs |
Beaches | Swimwear, cover-ups | Nude sunbathing (big no-no) |
Towns | Casual clothes, knee-length shorts | Tiny shorts, see-through tops |
Bottom line: Balinese culture values modesty. When unsure, cover up more.
Must-Pack Clothing
Heading to Bali? Here's your clothing cheat sheet:
Day-to-Night Outfits
Pack these versatile pieces:
- 4 light-colored tees
- 3 shorts (mix of denim and breathable fabrics)
- 4 dresses (2 sun, 2 maxi)
- 2 playsuits
- 1 long-sleeve linen shirt
Mix and match for maximum outfit options. That linen shirt? Beach cover-up by day, dinner outfit by night.
Breathable Fabrics
Bali's hot. Your clothes shouldn't be:
Fabric | Why It's Great |
---|---|
Cotton | Sweat-friendly, breathable |
Linen | Light, quick-drying |
Rayon | Soft, breezy |
Skip the polyester. It's a sweat trap.
Temple-Appropriate Clothes
For temple visits, pack:
- 2 long skirts
- 1 light trousers
- 1 scarf or sarong
No bare shoulders or knees in temples. A sarong is your multi-use secret weapon.
Beach and Resort Wear
Don't forget:
- 3 swimsuits
- 1 beach cover-up
- 1 pair of flip-flops
- 1 sun hat
- 1 light jacket (for cool nights or surprise showers)
Pack smart, travel light, and enjoy Bali!
Swimwear and Beach Gear
Ready for Bali's beaches? Here's what you need:
Swimwear Essentials
Bali's swim scene is diverse:
- Bikinis: Mix and match
- One-pieces: Plunging necklines, side cutouts
- High-waisted bikinis: Retro vibes
- Rash guards: For water sports
Pack at least 3 swimsuits. You'll use them a lot.
Cover-Ups
For beach-to-bar transitions:
- Sarongs: Multi-use (skirt, dress, towel)
- Kaftans: Breezy for beach clubs
- Sundresses: Quick change before lunch
Bags and Hats
Sun protection is key:
Item | Purpose |
---|---|
Straw tote | Holds beach essentials |
Wide-brim hat | Face and neck protection |
Baseball cap | Casual for boat trips |
Rinse swimwear after use. Salt and sand are tough on fabric.
For eco-friendly options, check out Ocean Soul Bali. They offer sustainable swimwear for all body types.
Want to shop? FINNS Beach Club has local and global designer pieces.
Pack smart and you're set for Bali's beaches!
Shoes for All Activities
Packing the right shoes can make or break your Bali trip. Here's what you need:
Walking Sandals
For sightseeing, you want comfy sandals that can handle Bali's terrain. Look for:
- Waterproof materials
- Quick-drying straps
- Grippy outsoles
Top pick: Teva Women's Tirra Sandals. Three adjustable straps, snug fit, fast-drying.
Evening Shoes
Bali's nightlife needs something dressier. Pack:
- Wedges
- Dressy sandals
- Low heels
Skip the high heels - Bali's streets can be uneven.
Beach and Water Shoes
For beach days and water fun, you need shoes that can get wet:
Shoe Type | Best For | Example |
---|---|---|
Waterproof slides | Beach lounging | Reef Water Vista Slide |
Athletic water shoes | Water sports | New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 GTX |
Sturdy sandals | Rocky beaches | OluKai sandals |
"I love a waterproof shoe for the beach. I can rinse my feet off while in the shoe to minimize sand." - Taylor Fox, T+L outdoor gear editor
Pro tip: Pack a dry bag for a second pair of shoes. You'll thank yourself after surprise rain or a waterfall hike.
Useful Accessories
Pack these accessories to make your Bali trip better:
Jewelry
Spice up your looks with:
- Light statement earrings
- Simple necklaces
- Stackable bracelets
"Pack a small jewelry case. It keeps your pieces organized and tangle-free." - Packing Pro
Scarves and Wraps
Scarves are Bali trip MVPs. Use them to:
- Cover shoulders at temples
- Lay on at the beach
- Dress up your outfit
Scarf Type | Uses |
---|---|
Cotton | Temples, sun shield |
Sarong | Beach, cover-up |
Silk | Evening look, hair tie |
Sunglasses and Hair Ties
Don't forget:
- Sunglasses: Shield your eyes from Bali's sun. Go for polarized lenses.
- Hair ties: Tame your hair in the humidity. Pack extra - they vanish!
"Always carry a foldable tote. You'll likely pick up fun items in Bali!" - Travel Blogger
Tip: Bring a reusable straw for coconuts and drinks. It's green and handy!
Toiletries and Skin Care
Bali's tropical climate demands smart packing. Here's what you need:
Sunscreen
Bali's sun is intense. Pack these:
- Loreal UV Perfect Super Aqua Essence: SPF 50+ PA++++, 30ml, Rp 125.000. Light, no white cast.
- Azarine CityDefense Aqua Essence Sun Shield Serum: SPF 50 PA++++, 100ml, Rp 98.000. Light, water-resistant.
- Banana Boat Ultra Protect Sunscreen Continuous Spray: SPF 50 PA++++, 170ml, Rp 254.000. Great for outdoor activities.
Apply 20-30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
Hair Products for Humidity
Tame frizz with these:
Product | Purpose | Tip |
---|---|---|
Anti-frizz serum | Control flyaways | Use on damp hair |
Leave-in conditioner | Smooth hair | Apply sparingly |
Heat protectant | Shield from humidity | Use before styling |
Skip heavy creams and gels - they'll weigh your hair down.
Heat-Resistant Makeup
Keep your face fresh with:
- Tinted moisturizer with SPF
- Waterproof concealer (Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Crème, $27)
- Cream blush (Ilia Multi-Stick, $34)
- Waterproof mascara (Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara, $27)
- Setting spray (Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix Hydrating Setting Spray, $28)
"Keep it minimal, and let your skin show." - Fiona Stiles, Celebrity Makeup Artist
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Tech and Camera Gear
Here's what you need to pack for Bali:
Waterproof Cases
Bali's tropical climate can be tough on gadgets. Protect them with:
- LifeProof phone cases: Fully waterproof, not just water-resistant.
- Dry boxes: For cameras and laptops. Get ones with silica gel packs.
Camera Equipment
- DSLR or mirrorless camera: For those Instagram-worthy shots.
- Action camera: For underwater and surfing adventures.
- Drone: For aerial views (check local rules first).
Pack extra memory cards. Trust me, you'll need them.
Chargers and Adapters
Item | Why |
---|---|
Universal adapter | Bali uses two-pin plugs |
Power bank | For long days out |
Modular wall outlet | Charge multiple devices |
Bali's humidity is no joke. Here's how to protect your gear:
1. Store in air-conditioned rooms.
2. Use silica gel packs in your camera bag and laptop case.
3. Keep laptops running to prevent moisture buildup.
"The first and most important rule is timely and regular laptop servicing at a service center." - Yuriy, Founder of Yoda Service
Don't let your tech ruin your trip. Take care of it, and it'll take care of you.
Health and Safety Items
Don't let health issues ruin your Bali trip. Here's what to pack:
First Aid Kit
Your kit should have:
- Bandages and gauze
- Antiseptic wipes
- Pain relievers
- Antihistamines
- Antidiarrheal meds
- Rehydration salts
Bug Spray
Bali's got mosquitoes. Protect yourself:
Product | Ingredient | Protection |
---|---|---|
Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin | Picaridin | 12 hours |
Ranger Ready Picaridin 20% | Picaridin | 12 hours |
"No EPA registration? It's not proven." - Texas A&M's Swiger, Insect Repellent Expert
Stick to EPA-approved sprays with picaridin or DEET.
Personal Medications
1. Pack extra meds
Bring more than you think you'll need.
2. Keep original packaging
Don't ditch those labels.
3. Bring paperwork
Pack your prescription and a doctor's note.
Heads up: Got narcotics? Declare them at customs with a doctor's letter.
Packing Tips
Packing for Bali doesn't have to be a headache. Here's how to do it right:
Space-Saving Techniques
- Roll your clothes
Rolling > folding. It saves space and fights wrinkles. Here's the drill:
- Lay it flat
- Fold in the edges
- Roll it up tight
- Packing cubes are your friends
These little wonders compress your clothes and keep things tidy.
Cube Size | What Goes In |
---|---|
Small | Undies, socks |
Medium | Tees, shorts |
Large | Dresses, pants |
- Stuff those shoes
Don't let that shoe space go to waste. Cram in socks, belts, or small items.
Smart Outfit Planning
- Plan ahead
Map out your outfits before you pack. It's the best way to avoid overpacking.
- Color coordinate
Pick a color scheme. It makes mixing and matching a breeze.
- Versatility is key
Pack items that pull double duty. That sundress? It's also your beach cover-up.
Laundry in Bali
Don't sweat the laundry situation. It's easy and cheap in Bali.
- Hotels and villas often offer laundry services
- Laundry shops are everywhere
- It's cheap (about $1-2 per kg)
Pro tip: Bring a small bag for dirty clothes. Your suitcase will thank you.
Bali's warm weather means you can pack light and wash as you go. Simple.
What Not to Pack
Packing for Bali? Don't overdo it. Here's what to skip:
Items Available in Bali
Bali's got plenty. Leave these at home:
- Snorkel gear: Rent it there.
- Sarongs and beach bags: Buy locally. Cheap and great souvenirs.
- Sunscreen and bug spray: Widely available, often cheaper.
Warm Clothing
Bali's hot. Ditch the heavy stuff:
- Jeans: Too hot. Go for light, breathable pants.
- Jackets: Just bring a light cardigan for cool nights.
- Closed-toe shoes: Sandals and flip-flops are your friends.
Expensive Items
Keep valuables safe. Leave behind:
- Flashy jewelry: Theft target, out of place on beaches.
- Designer clothes: Sand, sun, and sweat will ruin them.
- High heels: Impractical for Bali's casual vibe and uneven paths.
Item | Why to Leave It | What to Bring Instead |
---|---|---|
Jeans | Too hot and heavy | Lightweight pants |
Hair dryer | High humidity ruins styling | Leave natural or bring anti-frizz serum |
Expensive jewelry | Risk of theft or loss | Affordable, beachy accessories |
High heels | Impractical for Bali's terrain | Comfortable sandals or wedges |
Pack smart, travel light, and enjoy Bali!
Shopping in Bali
Bali's shopping scene is a goldmine for fashion lovers. From busy markets to eco-friendly shops, you'll find tons of ways to upgrade your look and snag unique souvenirs.
Local Markets
Want authentic Balinese goods? Hit the local markets:
- Sarongs and beach bags: Cheap and perfect for gifts
- Traditional headdresses and dresses: Great for cultural immersion
- Silver jewelry: Surprisingly affordable
Remember: Haggling is normal in small shops and markets. Start low, stay friendly. Tourist area prices can be 2-3 times higher, so be ready to negotiate.
Fashion Stores
Bali's fashion scene is booming. Check out these cool boutiques:
- Gooseberry Seaside: Exclusive lingerie and swimwear
- Cin Cin: High-end swimwear with bold prints
- Hanya the Label: Simple, Bali-made designs
These spots blend local and international styles, perfect for spicing up your beach look.
Eco-Friendly Shops
Green shoppers, rejoice! Bali's got sustainable options:
Shop | What They Sell | Green Focus |
---|---|---|
TET. Responsiblewear | Swimwear | Uses recycled plastic fabric |
Ocean Soul | Swimwear | Made from ocean plastic |
Zero Waste Bali | Bulk food | 500+ plastic-free products |
Bali Yoga Shop | Yoga wear | Locally made |
Pro Tip: Follow these shops on Instagram for easy ordering and product updates.
Wrap-Up
Packing for Bali? It's easier than you think. Here's how to stay beach-ready without overpacking.
Packing Checklist
Here's what you need:
Category | Items |
---|---|
Clothing | 3 tanks, 2 tees, 3 shorts, 2 sundresses, 2 bikinis, 1 light jacket |
Footwear | Flip flops, comfy walking shoes |
Accessories | Sunglasses, hat, scarf (for temples) |
Toiletries | Sunscreen (SPF 50 face, SPF 30 body), bug spray, hair products |
Bags | Travel backpack, day bag, crossbody for essentials |
"Good packing can make or break a trip." - Chelsea, Goddess Retreats Founder
Bali's Laid-Back Style
Bali's all about chill. You can wear the same outfit from beach to bar. No need for a ton of clothes.
Quick tips:
- Pack light (cheap laundry in Bali)
- Bring a foldable tote for shopping
- Skip heels and fancy jewelry
- Pack temple-friendly clothes (cover shoulders and knees)
FAQs
Is Bali strict on dress code?
Bali's pretty chill about what tourists wear. But there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Beaches and pools: Rock that swimwear.
- Temples: Cover up. Hide those shoulders and knees.
- Restaurants and bars: Mostly casual. Sundresses or shorts work.
- Clubs: Some fancy spots want "smart casual". Ditch the flip-flops.
Quick guide:
Where | What to Wear |
---|---|
Beach | Swimwear, cover-ups |
Temple | Shoulders and knees covered |
Restaurant | Casual dress, shorts, tops |
Club | Smart casual, no beachwear |