I made a packing list for my 10-day trip to Bali, focusing on comfort and the tropical climate. It balances cultural exploration, beach fun, and light adventures. Laundry services are so affordable in Bali which will help avoid overpacking.
🧳 Essentials
- Passport + visa
- Flight tickets / boarding passes
- Travel insurance
- Credit/debit cards + some cash (Indonesian Rupiah-I recommend $300 USD worth) you can order currency at your local bank.
- Accommodation info + transportation details
- Copies of documents (physical & digital)
👕 Clothing (lightweight, tropical, respectful for temples)
Daywear (hot & humid weather):
- 4–5 x T-shirts/tank tops
- 2–3 x Shorts
- 2 x Light sundresses / casual dresses (optional)
- 1–2 x Linen pants or long skirts (for temples)
- 1 x Lightweight long-sleeve shirt (for sun or temples)
- 5-? undies (pack more or less, is up to you. I do laundry while traveling)
- 2-3 bras
- Hat or cap
Swim & Beach:
- 2–3 x Swimsuits
- 1-2x Cover-up/sarong (useful at beach and temples)
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Beach tote or small waterproof bag
Evenings:
- 1–2 x Nicer outfits for dinner/bars (casual-chic)
- Light scarf or shawl
Footwear:
- Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
- Flip-flops or waterproof sandals
- Water shoes (optional, good for rocky beaches or waterfalls)
🧴 Toiletries & Health
- Reef-safe sunscreen (very important!)
- After-sun aloe or lotion
- Insect repellent (with DEET, see below for recommendation)
- Soap or shower gel
- Loofah or disposable wash cloths (see below)
- Shampoo/conditioner (all the hotels have shampoo/conditioner)
- Hair leave in conditioner (Bali’s water is hard, I used this every time)
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Razor
- Hairbrush/comb/hair ties
- Sanitary products (tampons are hard to find & expensive)
- Tissue/wet wipes (some bathrooms don’t have TP)
- Sanitizer
- Prescription meds + basic first aid (probiotics, Imodium, antihistamines, painkillers)
- Rehydration salts or electrolytes (for heat or Bali belly)
📱 Electronics
- Phone + charger
- Universal travel adapter (Indonesia uses type C & F sockets, 230V)
- Power bank
- Headphones
- Waterproof phone pouch (for beach, snorkeling)
- Camera / GoPro + charger (optional)
🧘♀️ Extras & Nice-to-Haves
- Reusable water bottle, I personally just carried around bottled water
- Shower head water filter helps with the hard water
- Travel towel or microfiber towel
- Lightweight daypack or backpack
- Book or Kindle
- Snorkel gear (optional – also easy to rent, included on our tour)
- Yoga mat (travel size, if you practice)
- Eye mask & earplugs (useful for flights or noisy hotels)
🛍️ Optional (but recommended)
- Dry bag (for beach, boats, waterfalls)
- Snacks/protein bars (for day trips)
- Travel laundry detergent or laundry service budget (very affordable)
🌞 Cultural Notes
When visiting temples, cover:
- Shoulders (bring a shawl or wear a T-shirt)
- Knees (long skirt, pants, or sarong – often provided at temples)
recommendations
Think hot and humid, so you definitely want to feel comfortable. Below are my recommendations and links. I am not associated or commissioned by the companies…I wish!
T-shirts/tanks: think lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying T-shirts and tanks that can handle humidity, sweat, and sun. Here’s a breakdown of the best types to pack, with brand and style suggestions based on comfort, performance, and style.
Shorts: the key is comfort, breathability, and versatility —you’ll be dealing with high humidity, heat, beach days, and occasional temple visits
Sundresses/linen pants: besides being comfortable, they are lightweight, quick drying, and can dress up or down to your liking. I also purchased some comfy wide pants in Bali. I personally like longer sundresses but Amazon has a huge selection at reasonable prices. I own several linen pants from Old Navy and still my favorite today.
Light-weight long sleeve: This is perfect for temple visits and for night strolls through the beach as it can be breezy.
Swimsuits/cover-ups: I packed 3 swimsuits that interchanged and used them all, always having one dry one available. Cover ups are great and can be used as sundresses as well.
Sandals/Comfy shoes: I probably used my Burks the most, followed by the versatile Teva sandals. I think I used my sneakers to and from the airport, next time I will not be packing these.
Sneakers: In case you’re in the market for a comfy travel shoe, these are my favorite and no need to break them in. They have many miles on them and are still holding up after every trip, just know they are white and requiring lots of cleaning.
Sun hat: This one is my favorite and has traveled to several countries with me, very versatile and easy to pack.
Travel towel: These are quick drying, lightweight, and fit anywhere.
Water-proof Day bag: This bag can hold a change of clothes, snacks, water, and any essentials you need for the day.
Mosquito repellent: I have mosquito blood, always have. During my research for my first Bali trip this was recommended. This product is from Bali and can be purchased at the airport. I suggest buying one before leaving the airport and then buying more in Ubud. Super cheap and protected me, but honestly I didn’t see one mosquito as it was dry season. But I still applied it daily. Do not purchase online, you will pay a fortune, this literally cost around $1 in Bali. (will cost a little more in the airport, but otherwise it’s way cheaper)
Detergent sheets: In case you want to do laundry, I use these when traveling, but honestly laundry service is so ridiculously affordable in Bali, you may not need these. These are also great for undergarment washing.
Toiletries: As far as toiletries go, you take your favorite! However all hotels have shampoo/conditioner/shower gel available. They do not have wash cloths, so pack these compressible disposable wash cloths or you pack your own loofah. I also pack travel size bath and body works products to change up the scent, specially since I use the mosquito repellent often. Here is my favorite new scent. They happen to be one sale 3 for $7.
Filtered water shower head: Bali water is hard, no joke your hair will feel it by the end of the trip. Applying this to the shower head and the leave-in conditioner will help protect your skin and hair.
Traveling to Bali is a great choice for its natural beauty, rich culture, and relaxed atmosphere. Packing light enhances your trip, as the tropical climate requires breathable, comfortable clothing. With just a few versatile pieces, you’ll be set for sunrise hikes, temple visits, beach time, and sunset dinners. In Bali, less is more—less stress and more unforgettable experiences. ✈️ 🌴 🌺 🌿 🏝️
