Packing List For Bali 2025 - Holiday Packing List

This packing list for Bali will help you make sure you don’t forget any of the essentials and let you enjoy your trip to the full.

A view of Mount Agung in Bali in the early morning light with a pale blue sky behind and a bank of palm trees in front
Early morning light on Mount Agung, Bali © Chris Mitchell

You don’t need to bring much with you to explore Bali, but here’s a list of items that will help you get the most out of your trip and ensure you’re feeling on top of your game the whole time.

Preparing For Your Trip To Bali

The first thing you should check is the last thing you’ll read on this list to make sure you do it right now! Double check the critical items you need:

Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity, and at least one blank page.
If you haven’t done so already, compare the prices and timings of flights to Bali between all major airlines on Skyscanner.
Check the visa situation for Indonesia. Many nationalities now get 30 days admittance to Indonesia without needing a visa – you simply arrive at the airport and pass through Immigration. This is certainly if you enter and exit the country at Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport. However, the situation is fluid so be sure to doublecheck.
Also make sure you book at least your first couple of nights accommodation in Bali before you arrive – Booking.com has a wide selection. Depending on the time of year you arrive, Bali can be busy and decent accommodation scarce (as opposed to expensive, crappy accommodation) so it’s wise to book ahead.
Activities – It’s really worth pre-planning some experiences for your time in Bali. GetYourGuide has a wealth of fantastic things to do. You can read real reviews to find out exactly what to expect and many have options to cancel, if your plans change.

Can I Use My Mobile Phone In Bali?

Navigating mobile phone use in Bali can be straightforward with a little preparation. By following these guidelines, you can stay connected without incurring excessive costs:

Make sure your phone is unlocked before traveling,
International use from your home provider will be expensive, so avoid roaming and seek local alternatives,
Always buy a SIM card from official outlets,
Check any data plan details carefully,
Be mindful of data usage to avoid unexpected charges.

Pre-purchasing an eSIMs is generally the most convenient alternative to buying a physical SIM, allowing you to stay connected without having to swap cards over. Most contemporary smartphones have the facility built-in and the set-up is reasonably straightforward. Services like Airalo provide data packages for Bali, allowing you to stay connected without swapping SIMs.

You can pre-purchase an Indonesia eSIM via Klook and have everything set up for when you arrive in Bali. The site has full instructions and a detailed list of supported devices. eSIMs are generally data only, but you can use WhatsApp or similar to make calls. Wi-Fi calling is sometimes available.

If you want a physical SIM, you can purchase from one of the following providers:

Telkomsel: Known for the widest coverage, especially in remote areas, but often pricier,
XL Axiata: Offers competitive data packages,
IM3 (Indosat Ooredoo): Another popular option with various data plans.

Purchase from an official store or at the airport when you arrive – but be aware that airport prices may be higher. You’ll need to register your SIM – and your phone’s IMEI number, if you’re staying in Bali for over 90 days. This is best done at the airport when you first arrive.

Data is expensive for travellers, so take advantage of free Wi-Fi when available. This is widely available in hotels, restaurants, and cafes, especially in tourist areas.

Travel Insurance For Bali

Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

What Do You Need To Pack For Bali?

What Clothes To Pack For Bali

Bali is warm year-round with temperatures typically ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Light clothing will keep you comfortable and cool, especially in the heat and humidity.

Basic Outfits To Pack – Cotton and linen are good lightweight choices that let your skin breathe In Bali’s tropical humidity. Even more effective are heatwicking sportswear like Under Armour for tops and underwear – this keeps moisture away from your skin keeping you much more comfortable than other fabrics.
Footwear To Pack – Good quality lightweight breathable walking shoes are also a good idea. Flip-flops provide more freedom but breathable walking shoes provide more comfort, support and protection.
- Beach Shoes – On the other hand, flip-flops are perfect for beach days, poolside lounging, or walking around resorts. Water shoes are also handy if you’re going to participate in water activities like snorkeling.
Fleece – A fleece or hoodie is great in case of cold evenings or if you’re in a heavily aircon environment like airports, airplanes or minivans. Also good as an impromptu pillow.
Towel – A quick drying towel is a super useful and multipurpose item – and it packs away to a tiny size.
Sarong – Similarly a sarong is useful as a beach wrap, towel, blanket and for general lounging around.
Evening Wear To Pack – Socks, long lightweight dresses, skirts or trousers are essential for wearing at dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Swimwear To Pack – Bali is known for its beautiful beaches and resorts. Bring several bikinis or swimming trunks, so you can rotate them avoid any skin rashes from salt water. Similarly, if you’re planning lots of yoga or other activities, best to bring several of your favourite outfits as you’ll need to change every day. A big hat is also a good idea to keep the sun off.
Sunglasses – Protecting your eyes from the sun is just as important as protecting your skin. UV-protection sunglasses are an essential accessory.
Waterproof Jacket – If you’re travelling to Bali in monsoon season (October to April), be prepared for heavy downpours at times. (There’s still plenty of sunshine, but when it rains, it really rains). A lightweight hooded waterproof jacket that you can stash in your bag is a good idea. A baseball cap keeps your head dry and rain out of your eyes. Also remember to keep your phone and other valuable items waterproofed – wrapping them in a plastic bag will do at a pinch. Ziploc bags are a more durable option.

Health And Grooming Items To Pack For Bali

General – Deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel et al can all be bought in convenience stores like K Circle as well as supermarkets. Best to bring razors, tampons and other intimate products with you if you have a preferred brand or type.
Toiletry Bag – A well-designed toiletry bag is a great time saver that lets you organise everything in multiple pockets for quick access.
Deodorant – If you want deodorant in your carry-on luggage, you can use stick deodorant which is approved by TSA guidelines and won’t get confiscated.
Mosquito Repellent and Sunscreen – The sun in Bali can be intense, and sunscreen with a high SPF factor is essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and avoid sunburn, especially if you’re out on the beach or hiking. Try to use one that’s non-damaging to the ocean if you’re planning on beach time and swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving. Bali’s tropical environment means mosquitoes and insects can be common, especially in the evenings. Mosquito repellent is obviously essential to prevent bites, which can be a nuisance and, in some cases, carry diseases like dengue.
Refillable Water Bottle – Staying hydrated is important in Bali’s heat. A reusable water bottle helps reduce plastic waste and ensures you always have water on hand. The Nalgene OTF is a great choice.
Medication – Ensure you have diarrhoea tablets and indigestion remedies just in case the change of diet doesn’t agree with you or you’re unlucky enough to get food poisoning.
First Aid Kit – A small first aid kit with plasters, disinfectant cream and so on is useful for everyday cuts and scratches.
Toilet Paper – Many toilets in Indonesia favour the bum gun – a jet of water from a hose you use like a primitive bidet but for your rear end. This is actually far more effective and hygienic than toilet paper, and indeed, the presence of toilet paper is not a given. If you want to ensure some is to hand, the ingenious Campers Toilet Paper is a great portable solution. Hand sanitiser is also useful.
Condoms – Keep some condoms in your toilet bag just in case holiday romance happens. You may think it’s presumptuous to do so before you leave home, but it’s crucially important to ensure your own protection and that of your partner – Amazon can help you if you’re too shy to buy over the counter.

Electronic Devices To Pack For Bali

Mobile Phone – In addition to the information above on buying SIMs, consider the following:
- Waterproof Phone Cover – If you’re going to be on the beach a lot (or drinking by the pool), get a waterproof pack for your phone, tablet and so on. Salt water, sand and electronics do not mix.
- Shock Absorbing Phone Case – Get a decent shock absorbing case for your phone even if it obscures its graceful thin curves. You want a case that can safely protect the phone from being dropped on tiled floors and the like (very few carpets in Bali). The Otterbox range< has saved my phone from several heart-stopping fumbles/a>.
- Power Bank – Ensure you have power for your phone while you’re out and about by getting a power bank – there are some very slim, lightweight, inexpensive models these days. Remember that taking photos and using Maps burns battery quickly.
Torch – Your phone doubles as a torch with the flashlight function, but it’s wise to carry a tiny but super powerful torch on your keyring like the Nitecore Tube for better visibility both for you to see and to be seen by oncoming traffic, etc. A personal security alarm that’s small but makes a huge noise is a good source of reassurance.
Universal Plug Adaptor – You’ll need a universal plug adaptor, preferably with surge protection. Bali uses C/F types of plug.

Special Items For Specific Activities

Indonesian Phrasebook – You may never need it, especially in the age of translation apps, but it’s wise to carry a phrasebook for emergencies. Lonely Planet Indonesian Phrasebook is a great resource for quickly looking up an item and pointing to.
Journal – Whilst it’s great to keep a record of your travels online, a written journal is a handy place to sketch what you see and to stuff full of flyers, and other paraphernalia. Any old journal will do, but I have a weakness for Leuchtturm1917 journals. They are not cheap but the small details make all the difference.

Luggage For A Visit To Bali

Backpack – If you plan moving around rather than being based in one resort, a backpack rather than suitcase is a better idea. Osprey produce excellent ergonomic backpacks that won’t hurt your back. A daypack is also a good idea for everyday use.
Packing Cubes – Packing cubes let you keep everything organised without having to empty your backpack’s entire contents on the floor each time you want to find something.
Luggage Locks – Luggage locks are useful for being in transit – if you’re coming from the USA, make sure they’re TSA approved.
Waterproof Bag – If you’re visiting beaches, waterfalls, or engaging in water sports, it’s important to protect your electronics from water damage. A waterproof bag or case can keep your phone, camera, and other devices safe. Ziplock bags are a cheaper option for avoiding water damage.

Other Health Considerations For A Visit To Bali

Check with your doctor for which vaccinations you need for Indonesia and get them at least 6 weeks before you depart.
If you have any prescription medicines, visit your doctor to get enough to keep you well supplied during your trip.
Liberal and frequent application of mosquito repellent is vital. Getting a clutch of mosquito bites on the first night of your Bali visit can put a real damper on the remaining days due to the itchiness and discomfort. As ever, prevention is the best cure.
Make sure you stay properly hydrated – at least 3 litres of water a day.

Money For Visiting Bali

Indonesian currency is the rupiah. Foreign ATM cards will work in Bali and Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted (American Express not so much). Tell your bank you’re travelling in Indonesia to avoid getting your cards blocked. Bring more than one card as backup if possible.

Don’t be surprised if there’s a 3% surcharge for using a credit card – it’s common in South East Asia to pass the processing fee directly to the customer as part of the transaction.
You’ll be able to get Indonesian rupiah from the ATM at Bali airport when you first arrive. Bring a few hundred US dollars in cash as well – USD tends to get the best exchange rate and can also be used directly at some more upmarket restaurants and hotels (best to check in advance).
Be vigilant at ATMs for card readers and the like ie devices glued over the ATM card slot that read your card data. If there’s a sticky-out bit on the ATM, give it a good tug first to see if it’s really part of the machine.
Don’t keep all your money and credit cards in one wallet or purse – spread them around your person. Keeping a bill fold and a card in a front pocket rather than back pocket is wise. A money pouch around the neck is a hidden but accessible secret stash – to my mind much more comfortable than a money belt, although it’s purely down to personal preference.
The usual travel rules apply as anywhere in the world: don’t carry more than a couple hundred dollars cash (or equivalent) on you, keep credit cards in different pockets, place surplus valuables in a hotel safe when you can, and basically avoid any ostentatious displays of wealth like jewellery, watches and so on. It’s frankly far more likely you’ll lose it than have it stolen, so why take the risk?

The Best Time To Visit Bali

Bali experiences two main seasons:

The so-called Dry Season runs from April to October and is generally considered the best time to visit Bali. During these months, you can expect sunny days, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall. Ideal for beach activities, exploring the island, hiking and surfing, it is also peak tourist season, particularly in July and August – meaning larger crowds and potentially higher prices.

The Wet Season runs from November to March and is characterized by higher rainfall and humidity. While you can still expect sunny periods, heavy downpours are common, particularly in the afternoons and evenings. Even so, the wet season has its advantages. The island’s landscapes become lush and vibrant, and you’ll find fewer crowds, resulting in a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. Additionally, you can often find better deals on accommodations and activities during this time.

The sweet spots are perhaps April-June and September-October, combining pleasant weather with fewer crowds.

Planning What To Do And Where To Go In Bali

Bali is a big island so do your research about the best area to stay for your interests. See Travel Happy’s 1 Week Bali itinerary and 2 week Bali itinerary for a sense of the major areas. For more detailed info, a guidebook like Lonely Planet Bali is still the easiest way to quickly get the specifics on each area.