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The Ultimate Bali Packing List of 2024

From clothing to luggage pieces, here’s everything you need for a trip to Bali.

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Collage of Items to Pack for Bali
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Travel + Leisure / Kristin Kempa

The name “Bali” evokes images of verdant rice fields and tranquil temples. Crystal clear waters filled with marine life. White sand beaches. Black sand beaches. Smiling people and a slower pace of life where emotional and physical wellbeing is somehow easier to attain than it is at home. There are a hundred reasons to visit this iconic Indonesian island. Luckily, the number of things you need to pack is much, much smaller. We’ve drawn on our own experience and sought the advice of Melissa Hie, Bali expert and author of popular travel blog Girl Eat World, to bring you this list of Bali packing essentials. 

The most important items on Melissa’s Bali packing list include “at least two swimsuits so you can alternate while the other dries, sunscreen for the face and body, a good pair of sunglasses, and a small, waterproof daypack for trips to the beach and pool.” Although there is a rainy season (October to March), the weather is consistently hot and humid all year round, so lightweight, quick-drying clothing and sandals are key. Keep it simple with this all-you-need packing checklist.

Clothing

When it comes to clothing, Melissa’s pro tip is not to bother packing anything other than beachwear. Think sundresses or shirts and shorts, she says, and prioritize breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen. Keep packing to a minimum by choosing versatile items that can be styled multiple different ways or serve several purposes. For example, a sarong is a wardrobe staple that can double as a casual skirt, beach towel, or protection from the sun when draped around the head and shoulders. 

You can also use it to cover up when visiting Bali’s temples and other sacred sites. Although the island is fairly international and shorts, sleeveless tops, and bikinis are all acceptable in popular beach areas like Canggu and Seminyak, you’ll still want to dress more modestly to avoid causing offense at sacred sites like Tanah Lot or Ulun Danu Beratan. When choosing swimsuits, consider packing at least two since the high humidity in Bali means you’ll need to alternate while the first one dries. For water sports, consider supportive swimsuits that will stay put.

Best Pants for Women

Everlane The Easy Pant

Everlane The Easy Pant
PHOTO:

Everlane

Bali style is all about effortless comfort. The Easy Pant from Everlane lives up to its name with an elastic waistband for pull-on convenience and a breathable, loose-fitting silhouette that keeps you cool no matter how hot it gets. Made from lightweight, organic cotton twill, the pants are thin but not at all flimsy: you can rely on them lasting for this trip and many more to come. 

We love the flattering straight-leg, high-waist style and the fact that the pants can be dressed up or down for transitioning seamlessly from beach strolls to bar dates. Side and back patch pockets add a practical element, as does the fact that the pants can be machine washed and dried. Bali-approved color choices include canvas (cream), Kalamata (olive), and canvas tan/navy pinstripe.

Save packing space by opting for the Patagonia Men’s Quandary Convertible Pants, which offer lightweight hiking pants and zip-off shorts in one stylish and sustainable package. Made from a technical blend of nylon and spandex, they’re breathable, quick-drying, and stretchy. You’ll also be ready for whatever the tropical climate throws at you with the durable water repellent (DWR) coating and 40+ UPF sun protection.

A gusseted crotch allows for full freedom of movement whether you’re hiking around Ubud or lounging beachside. In terms of pockets, you’ve got two hand pockets, two rear pockets, one especially for coins, and a zippered pocket on the right thigh that’s handy for keeping valuables secure on the go. Finally, the pants are conveniently machine washable and dryer safe. 

The Anrabess Short Sleeve Maxi Dress can be thrown on for beach trips, pool days, market tours, and evenings out. With a crew neck and short sleeves it provides enough coverage for temple sightseeing while also protecting you from the sun. And yet, its soft drape, flattering rounded hem, and double side split keep it stylish enough for your Instagram feed. 

The side split also makes it easy to move in, while the rayon, polyester, and spandex blend is breathable, quick-drying, and easy to roll and pack. It is the perfect Bali dress — so much so that you may want more than one. Luckily, there are many colors and prints to choose from including solid shades ranging from Lilac to Royal Blue, several cute floral designs, and a version printed with a rainbow and the vacation-ready slogan “Good Vibes.” 

Sometimes simple is best, especially if it’s done really, really well. This is the case with the La Blanca Island Goddess One-Piece Swimsuit, which combines a slimming, slightly compressive blend of nylon and elastane with a delicate, feminine cut to flatter your natural body shape. It’s supportive, keeping everything in place so that you can frolic freely in the sea or play with the kids in the pool. 

Shirred side seams add shape while also providing some visual interest. You can tailor the suit to your exact preference using the adjustable straps and removable cups. Best of all, it comes in a veritable rainbow of solid, jewel-tone colors ranging from bright lime to ice blue or pop pink. Choose two so you can switch up your look and always have a dry swimsuit to slip into. 

The Cruise Boardshorts from Vuori are designed for the water but are built like regular shorts so they look just as good touring the island as they do on the beach. Expect a classic fit, a 7.5-inch inseam, and a scalloped leg opening that makes these boardies just a little more stylish than your average pair. The fabric is a midweight blend of partially recycled polyester and elastane that repels odor, dries quickly, and offers generous four-way stretch. 

You can adjust the fit using the drawcord waistband. Mesh side pockets and a back patch pocket provide a place for your essentials when you’re not in the water. And although they’ll probably dry quicker in the sun, it is possible to machine wash and dry the shorts on cold and low settings, respectively. Choose from a range of solid, colorblock, and patterned designs. 

If you’re prone to sweating in hot, humid climates, you’ll love the Ibex Women’s Paradox Pocket Short Sleeve Tee. It’s crafted from a blend of merino wool and Tencel for natural, best-in-class cooling and moisture-wicking. A nylon core adds durability, as do reinforced seams and a back neck tape that stops the neck hole from stretching over time. So, although the price is relatively high, it’s worth it. 

The shirt is designed to fit loosely for maximum breathability and freedom of movement. Bear in mind that the length is fairly short, which may be an issue for taller women or those that prefer a longer fit. Otherwise, we love that the shirt is tag-free (no irritating labels to rub against your sunburn) and that it comes in a range of on-trend, stonewashed colors including glacier heather (mint green), goldenrod heather (mustard yellow), and dusty amethyst heather. 

For men, we love the Reign Short Sleeve T-shirt from Rhone. Designed for light workouts, this technical tee is perfect for everyday use in a tropical climate like Bali’s. It’s moisture wicking, uses Goldfusion anti-odor technology, and offers UPF 50+ sun protection. Best of all, the jersey blend fabric is as soft and comfortable as that favorite T-shirt you’ve been breaking in for years, right out of the box. 

Other features include straddle-stitched, chafe-free seams and raglan sleeves for full freedom of movement. The shirt fits as expected and retains its size, shape, and color even after multiple washes. Choose from a wide range of solid and heathered colors, from the classic (navy and black) to the more unusual (lavender aura and campsite green heather). 

Although Bali is known for its blissful weather, it also sees frequent tropical downpours. The Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell is fully waterproof. It’s also lightweight and breathable, with underarm gussets and ultra-stretch fabric for maximum mobility. And, since there’s nothing worse than that boil-in-a-bag feeling, you can use the zippered armpit vents to circulate fresh air. 

Also handy is the fact that the hood is designed to fit over a climbing helmet, which means it’s compatible with the helmets issued by rental scooter companies (Bali’s transport method of choice). Other features include an adjustable hem and cuffs and two zippered hand pockets. When not in use, the shell stows into its own right-hand pocket and includes a carabiner clip loop for attaching it to your backpack. Click here for the ladies’ version

A sarong will be your best friend in Bali — and don’t make the mistake of thinking they’re just for women. They are fairly ubiquitous and you could definitely buy one on arrival; but if you prefer to have everything ready before you go, opt for the Bali-made Shu-Shi Women’s Beach Cover Up for full, Indonesia-approved authenticity. It’s made from soft, quick-drying, and breathable rayon and is generously sized at 67 x 45 inches. 

The fabric is semi-sheer and thin enough to tie in many different ways, allowing the garment to serve as a skirt, tube dress, halter dress, shawl, and even as a lightweight beach blanket. Use the included coconut shell clip to fasten your styles securely. A fringed hem adds fashion points, while shades span the full color spectrum from cyan to coral with solid and ombre options available. 

Shoes

Those that like to pack light will be pleased to hear that selecting shoes for your Bali adventure is really as simple as choosing your favorite sandals. Melissa from Girl Eat World confirms that you can “forget your fancy shoes” and recommends flip-flops for easy transitions in and out of the pool and ocean. If you’re planning a waterfall tour or a hike through the interior’s terraced rice fields, opt for a more structured sandal with extra grip and support. 

Available in versions for men and women, the Teva Hurricane XLT 2 Sandals are made for adventures in the sun and water. They boast two hook-and-loop straps across the top of your foot and another around your ankle for maximum adjustability and a custom fit. Made from recycled plastic, the webbing is both durable and quick-drying. We love the EVA-foam midsole, which cushions your feet to keep fatigue at bay even after hours on the trail. 

We also appreciate the inclusion of a nylon shank for added support on uneven terrain, and the deeply lugged rubber outsole for traction on wet and dry surfaces. So, when you’re dipping in and out of the sea while exploring the volcanic coast around Amed, for example, you never have to worry about slipping. Choose from a selection of solid, patterned, and three-tone colorways.

Melissa loves Havaianas for their simplicity. They’re seen everywhere in Bali on both men and women and the original Brasil Logo model is probably the most popular. These iconic, unisex flip-flops come in 20 colors from black to pink, all with the instantly recognizable green-and-yellow Brazilian flag and contrasting Havaianas logo displayed prominently on the foot strap. 

With a PVC strap, sturdy toe post, and thick rubber sole, these flip-flops are as durable as they are comfortable. We particularly love the footbed, which provides plenty of cushioning and resists compression, maintaining its shape through many years of constant use (expect to take them on all of your future tropical travels, too). The sole features anti-slip siping so you can wear them confidently over a variety of wet and dry terrains.

Bags and Accessories

For carry-on and checked luggage, Melissa recommends softside suitcases or backpacks over hardside ones unless you’re planning on packing anything particularly fragile that could benefit from the extra structure. That’s because you can fit more into a flexible softside (giving overpackers and souvenir shoppers some leeway) and because they’re less likely to get damaged by the rigors of long-distance and adventure travel. 

When it comes to a daypack for the beach or pool, choosing a waterproof one protects your phone, camera, and vacation paperback from accidental splashes. The most important accessories are those that shield you from the powerful tropical sun. Choose a sun hat with decent coverage and sunglasses with polarization for maximum protection from reflected glare. Polarized glasses are also great for water-based activities since they let you see through the water to the spectacular coral and fish life below. 

Because you won’t need to carry bulky layers in your Bali daypack, you can keep things light and convenient for travel with the Matador ReFraction Packable Backpack. It’s made from recycled nylon with a PU waterproof coating and water-resistant zippers: perfect for pool and beach days. Its 16-liter capacity is enough to hold sunglasses, a sun hat, wallet, book, camera, snack, and rain jacket comfortably, with two water bottle pockets on either side. 

When you’re not using it, it packs away into an easy-access essentials pocket on the top. Despite its focus on lightweight compactness, you still have most of the features you’d expect from a bigger bag, including cushioned, breathable shoulder straps and an adjustable sternum strap. Color choices include slate blue, arctic white, and black.

Bali is a backpacker’s paradise. If you’re up for the adventure, the first thing you need is a comfortable yet capacious backpack like the Aether 65 from industry favorite, Osprey (or their ladies’ alternative, the Ariel 65). The bag comes in two sizes and is fully customizable for the perfect, load-bearing fit. You can adjust the torso length, shoulder straps, and hip belt to spread weight evenly: a good thing, since it carries 65 liters of gear. 

We love that the spacious main compartment can be accessed via a large zippered panel on the front as well as through the floating top lid. This makes it much easier to locate items without having to unpack each time. There are dedicated spaces for your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, hydration reservoir, and water bottles as well as two zippered hip belt pockets and a front pocket for easy access essentials. The backpack includes a raincover for those monsoon season showers. 

If you’re a traveler who prefers a suitcase, we’ve got you. The Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-on Spinner is crafted from high-density nylon with a DuraGuard coating that resists stains and abrasions. It’s up for the challenge of traveling around the world, yet still scores style points with leather accents and chrome zippers. A built-in USB port provides the ability to charge your electronics on the go, no adapter needed. 

The main compartment is well organized with tie-down straps, multiple accessory pockets, and a removable, quart-sized wet pocket for your toiletries. Need extra space? A 2-inch expansion system comes to the rescue. We love the smooth maneuverability afforded by the bag’s 360-degree spinner wheels and adjustable, Contour Grip extension handle. Colors include shadow black, vintage grey, and Bordeaux.

In keeping with the softsided, adventure-ready theme, we love the Briggs & Riley Wheeled Duffle for its combination of rugged durability and easy maneuverability. It’s made from abrasion- and dirt-resistant ballistic nylon, with protective corner guards and self-repairing zippers. An extending handle and two sturdy wheels make long walks through the airport easy, while the exterior essentials pocket is lined with orange fabric to remind you to close it at security. 

Inside you’ll find a spacious main compartment with a cinch-down divider panel to keep everything neatly in place. There’s an expanding compartment for your bulkier items, and a large, PVC-lined pocket for separating shoes, toiletries, or dirty laundry. When the trip’s over, the duffle folds for convenient storage. Colors include ocean, hunter (dark green), and black. 

The Smith Cheetah Sunglasses stand out for us because they’re durable enough for active, everyday use while also offering the kind of understated, retro style that goes with every outfit. The frames are made from sturdy cellulose acetate with a wire-core temple that can be adjusted to fit precisely. The modest wraparound fit excludes all glare, while the rounded cat-eye brow and circular base suits most face shapes. 

Expect crystal clear vision and superior impact resistance from the carbonic lenses. They’re polarized to protect from reflected glare (a major plus for all watersports), with Chromapop technology to enhance the color, clarity, and definition of Bali’s already astonishing landscapes. They also offer 100 percent UV protection. You can choose from a wide variety of frame and lens color combinations, from rose tortoise/rose gold to pacific crystal/gray green. 

For men, Bajio’s Calda Sunglasses offer a classic frame for effortless cool. The glasses were specifically designed for fishermen but are practical and stylish enough to be perfect for tropical adventures that involve a lot of sun and water too. Choose one of two frame colors (black matte or brown tortoise gloss) and benefit from the excellent durability and all-day comfort of strong, light, bio-based nylon. 

Grippy contact points keep the glasses securely in place even when you’re sweating. Lenses come in seven colors for through-water visibility in different light conditions, and can be either polycarbonate or glass depending on your budget and preference. All of them are polarized, with proprietary technology to reduce blue light transmission and eliminate eye fatigue while also offering 100 percent protection from UV rays. 

The Wallaroo Hat Company Outback Hat fits well, looks great, and provides reliable protection from the sun — what’s not to love? The timeless fedora style suits both men and women, with a 3-inch brim and 100 percent paper braid construction. According to the Australian Radiation Protection Agency, the hat blocks 97.5 percent of UV rays and is rated UPF 50+, increasing the amount of time you can safely be outside on your Bali adventures. 

There are two color options: outback brown or outback natural (a light, undyed straw color). Both are finished with a brown faux suede leather band. When you’re not wearing it, the hat folds taco-style into your backpack or suitcase, taking up minimal space and still looking fresh when you need it again. Choose an M/L or L/XL and use the inner drawstring to adjust the fit.

Gear

Melissa’s top tip when thinking about other items to pack is to remember sunscreen (for your face and body) and to pack a sufficient supply of any medicines you may need. Although you’ll be able to find plenty of sunscreen and over-the-counter medicines in Bali, you may not be able to find the particular brand you like. Melissa especially recommends painkillers and at-home treatments for Bali Belly (think antiemetic drugs, a diarrhea treatment such as Imodium, and oral rehydration sachets).

Fortunately, Bali is considered a low-to-no-risk area for malaria. However, mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya are all a possibility, so an effective insect repellent is essential. Finally, don’t forget to pack a power adapter. You should also bear in mind that the standard voltage in Bali is 230V: higher than the US standard voltage of 120V. This isn’t an issue for dual-voltage appliances (most laptops, cellphones, digital cameras, etc.). If you want to bring single-voltage appliances (most hair dryers, straighteners, electric toothbrushes, etc.) you’ll need to spend the extra money on a voltage converter.  

A decent first aid kit makes sense for any traveler. However, if it’s too heavy or bulky, you’re unlikely to carry it with you at all times. Enter the Adventure Medical Kit Ultralight Watertight .5, a compact option meant for leaving in a backpack pocket. It weighs just 3.7 ounces and measures 6 x 5 x 1 inches. The zippered outer bag is made of ripstop silnylon, while the watertight inner pouch works to keep contents clean and dry. 

Despite its diminutive size, the kit is well thought out. Contents include different types and sizes of bandages and sterile dressings, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, tincture of benzoin, ibuprofen, aspirin, antihistamines, sting relief wipes, splinter tweezers, blister patches, and more. There’s enough of everything for one person for two days, so although you’ll need to bring replacements, it’s ideal for day trips.

Nothing ruins that perfect beach sunset quicker than a horde of marauding insects. Keep them at bay with Off! Active Insect Repellent, a bug spray that won’t wash off when you sweat — making it ideal for active pursuits in tropical climates. It contains 15 percent DEET and provides five hours of protection against mosquitoes and other biting, potentially dangerous insects including biting flies, gnats, ticks, chiggers, and fleas. 

It’s the DEET that makes this spray effective, but it also means you have to exercise some caution when applying it. Don’t spray it directly on your face, and apply it to your own hands first before  rubbing it on your children’s skin. The aerosol can allows for easy, even application but must be packed in your checked luggage to avoid confiscation. There are 6- and 9-ounce bottles available. 

If you’re looking for a sunscreen the whole family can use or if you have particularly sensitive skin, we love this mineral sunscreen from Pipette. Developed for babies but effective for all ages, it’s dermatologist tested, pediatrician approved, hypoallergenic, and fragrance free. The active ingredient is zinc oxide, which provides SPF 50 protection while also being noncomedogenic (it won’t block pores).

We particularly like that the mineral, non-nano ingredients are safe for delicate coral reefs and marine life, making this sunscreen ideal for Tulamben or Nusa Penida snorkeling excursions. Expect next-level moisturizing from the sugarcane-derived squalane and soothing plant extracts that help cool skin that’s already been overexposed to the sun — for especially irritated skin you can follow up with an after-sun lotion. Finally, the sunscreen blends well for zero white cast after it’s been rubbed in. 

Life in Bali revolves around the water, whether that’s the pool, the ocean, or magnificent inland waterfalls. A quick-drying, easily packable towel is therefore an essential accessory and the Original Towel from Nomadix is both. Its microterry weave absorbs four times its own weight in water and also dries four times faster than a traditional cotton terry towel. 

It repels sand, making it ideal for use as a beach blanket or outdoor yoga mat; and it rolls up or packs flat to take up barely any room in your bag. Best of all, it scores major sustainability points. Each towel is made from 30 post-consumer plastic bottles that might otherwise have found their way into the ocean. There are dozens of bold, unique prints to choose from, from banana leaf green to tie-dye multi. 

If you want to be able to charge your devices in Bali, you’ll need to purchase an adapter first. That’s because Indonesia uses Type C sockets for round-pin plugs rather than the straight-pin plugs used in the U.S. The Tessan International Power Plug is a 3-in-1 adapter that turns a Type C outlet into a U.S. one, with the added bonus of two USB ports. 

You can charge three compatible devices simultaneously, which also gets around the potential problem of having just one charge point in your hotel room. It’s easy to plug into, holds devices securely, and charges them just as quickly as you would expect at home. And, at just over 3 ounces, it’s a lightweight addition to your backpack or suitcase that fits conveniently into a side pocket. This is not a voltage converter and should only be used with dual voltage devices.

Bali is a snorkeler’s paradise complete with coral reefs, shipwrecks, turtles, and manta rays. One of the simplest ways to document your underwater adventures is to buy a case like the SeaLife SportDiver Underwater Smartphone Housing that transforms your smartphone into an underwater camera. Bright colors, abundant ambient light, and good visibility lend themselves to great phone pictures without the learning curve of new camera equipment. 

Made from reliable polycarbonate, stainless steel, aluminum, and optical grade glass, the case is compatible with most Android phones and all iPhones from iPhone 8 to iPhone 15 Pro Max. You can use it to take photos and video down to 130 feet and even adjust camera settings such as zoom and white balance where available. It includes a free app, an optional color-correcting underwater filter, and dual leak alarms to keep your phone safe.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I bring a backpack or a suitcase to Bali?

The answer to this question depends on the kind of trip you’re planning. If you’ll be moving from one place to the next and using public transport to do so, a backpack is a much more convenient option since Bali’s streets are crowded and often unsuitable for roller wheels. However, if you’re staying in one hotel or have private transfers arranged in advance, a suitcase will be fine. Our travel expert recommends softside cases over hardside ones, simply because their flexible nature allows you to pack more inside.

What clothing is considered inappropriate in Bali?

Bali has a reputation for tolerance and welcomes visitors from all over the world. Melissa says that in popular resort areas like Seminyak and Canggu most outfits are acceptable as long as they’re not too controversial. A bikini top and sarong bottom, for example, would be totally fine near the beach. However, if you’re traveling to more remote areas or those with fewer tourists, longer shorts, T-shirts, loose pants and skirts are more appropriate. When visiting temples and other sacred places it’s respectful not to show too much skin, so pack a sarong or shawl to cover your shoulders and pants or a long skirt for your legs. Essentially, dress as you would in any place of worship back home. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Jessica Macdonald is a seasoned traveler having visited more than 50 countries across six continents, including spending a month backpacking around Bali and its neighboring islands. For this article she also consulted Melissa Hie, Bali travel expert and author of the popular travel blog Girl Eat World. 

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Edited by
Sophie Mendel
Editor Sophie Mendel at a restaurant
Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel and accessories for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 50 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than five years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter.

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