Bali is an amazing destination and it’s easy to spend every holiday that you have in the warm sun here on the island.
But for the perfect Bali holiday, you need the perfect Bali packing list and the good news is, we’ve done it for you!
Just take a look below and you’ll find a Bali packing list that covers every essential (with variants for men and women) as well as all the optional items you might want to bring.
These lists make it super easy to visit Bali and ensure that you have everything you need to have a good time.
Our Packing Checklist For Men On A Bali Trip
Our men’s packing list includes:
Jean shorts (jorts)
Rain Jacket (light jacket not heavy and not just in rainy season)
Jeans
Socks (hiking grade and for trainers)
Thongs/Flip Flops
Swimming Shorts
T-Shirts
Cap
Travel Trainers
You may, if you intend to do a lot of fine dining on the island, also want to bring some smart casual trousers.
Some of Bali’s best establishments have a strict dress code to maintain a certain ambience for their guests.
Our Packing Checklist For Women On A Bali Trip
Our women’s checklist includes:
Jeans
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Thongs/Flip Flops
Swimming Costumes
Shirts
T-Shirts
Travel Trainers
Feminine Hygiene Products (these are hard to find and expensive in Bali)
Again, if you intend to do a lot of fine dining, you will want to make sure that your Bali packing list includes some “dress up” options that don’t see you being refused entry to the posher establishments in Bali.
Our Essential Packing List For Everyone – What To Pack For Bali, No Matter Who You Are
There are also a bunch of things that everyone needs to bring to Bali, no matter if they’re male or female.
These items will make your life easier and more pleasant, and ensure that you don’t need to run about trying to find these things when you arrive in Bali.
First Aid Kit
Any essential medication you intend to use in Bali
Bandages
Micropore Tape
Diarrhea Treatment Kit
Moleskin Tape
Needles & Thread
Paracetamol and Ibuprofen
Plasters (ideally, anti-allergenic plasters)
Scissors
Nail Clippers
Tweezers
Anti Malarial
Mosquito Spray
Sunscreen (including a waterproof sunscreen)
Bug repellent
Scent (aftershave or perfume)
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Razors (disposable and/or electric as you prefer)
Dry shampoo
Shampoo & Conditioner
Deodorant
Feminine Hygiene Products
Documents
Vaccination copies
Driving license and international driving license with the correct endorsement if you intend to hire a car or a scooter
Passport
Photocopy of your passport (we also recommend keeping an e-copy on your phone)
Tech
Laptop and/or tablet computer
Camera(s) and lens(es)
Drone
External drive
Memory cards and storage for them
Fully unlocked smartphone
Tripod
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Coffee mug (collapsible style)
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Dry bag
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Earphones/Earbuds/Headphones
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Hand Sanitizer
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Playing Cards
Our Optional Packing List For Bali
You might also want to bring some or all of the following, but none of them are essential for a Bali packing list.
Bluetooth speaker(s)
Ear plugs
Extension cables
Hiking Shoes/Hiking Boots
Kindle (or e-reader)
Bali/Indonesia Guidebook
Money Belt
Vitamins/Supplements
Packing Cubes
Snorkel Gear
Selfie Stick
Underwater Housing for an action camera
Waist Bag
Waterproof Phone Case
What You Need To Know Before You Pack For Bali
You don’t have to consider very much when coming up with a packing list for Bali but it does help to consider a few things before you start stuffing things into your bag.
You should consider the local culture, the geography of the island and the weather as they can all have an impact on what you bring.
Balinese Culture And Respectful Dressing
Bali is a Hindu enclave in a majority Muslim nation. The vast majority of the locals here are practicing Hindus and this does affect your trip to Bali.
That’s because if you want to go out visiting temples and other sacred sites on the island, you will need to be respectful of the conservative values of this faith.
That means ladies will want to have something like a shawl to cover their shoulders (assuming their top doesn’t already do this) and a sarong or light dress that covers their legs down to below the knees.
And men should not think about barging into a temple while wearing a tank top – wear a t-shirt that covers the tops of your arms.
Some temples in Bali actually provide garments to help you cover up, but there’s no guarantee that they will have them in your size when you go.
We’d also note that if you’re not on the beach in Bali, you’re supposed to dress relatively modestly too. Though, in places like Kuta where the volume of tourists is so great, you’d be forgiven for thinking this requirement had stopped.
The Geography Of Bali
It doesn’t matter if it’s the wet season or the dry season in Bali when it comes to how the geography affects the temperature.
If you’re in the South or by the island’s beaches, it’s going to be warm pretty much all year round.
However, once you start heading inland and going uphill, it starts to cool down.
If you’re going to hike Mount Batur or Mount Agung, the island’s two most spectacular active volcanoes, you may find that it’s pretty chilly by the time you get to the top. (In fact, you may want something to tackle any of these awesome hikes in Bali).
So, pack accordingly. If you intend to spend a lot of time in Ubud, for example, it will be colder than on the beaches of Nusa Dua.
The Weather In Bali
In a nutshell, a tropical climate like Bali’s only allows for two seasons, the wet season (or rainy season) and the dry season (or hot season).
It’s dry from April to September and wet from October to March, officially.
However, we’d note it doesn’t rain all day every day in the “rainy season” and it will still rain in the hot season.
But if you’re coming to Bali, in the off-season, it can help to bring some protective rainwear with you.
How To Choose A Bag For Visiting Bali
Perhaps, the biggest decision when it comes to what to pack for Bali even more so than what to wear in Bali, is what bag to put everything in?
Now, this is very much a personal decision and there is no “perfect bag” that suits every traveller in Bali.
It can help, however, to weigh up:
How much travel do you intend to do while in Bali?
Are you going to visit any other countries once you finish in Bali?
How long will you spend travelling in total?
Are you travelling as part of a group or going solo?
Backpacking Bali
We confess that we tend to think that the humble backpack has had its day to some extent.
That’s because transport is very cheap and easy to get in most places now and there’s less incentive to plod around all day with your entire life stuffed into a bag on your back.
However, if you do want a backpack. Then, we’d recommend something between 50 and 70 litres.
This is big enough to carry pretty much everything one person will need and not so big that it will leave you feeling like an overburdened snail.
If you travel as a couple, you can probably get away with a single 70-80 litre backpack between you, if one of you doesn’t mind doing all the carrying, that is.
If you’re looking for a reliable brand for backpacking Bali? Osprey appears to be the firm favourite among experienced backpackers at the moment.
Day Bag For Bali
A day bag is the bag you carry around with you every day, it’s smaller and lighter than a backpack or roll-on luggage and it doesn’t need to carry everything you own – just what you might need on a given outing.
This could be a mini backpack (many digital nomads, for example, use a laptop backpack or camera backpack for their day bag), or a small rolling case, or a messenger bag, or any other kind of bag that you like.
It’s a good idea to buy something that is either waterproof or water-resistant as a day bag in Bali (because it often gets wet, like when you visit a waterfall here) and that is relatively durable.
You could also consider, if you have the budget, buying a day bag that is immune to theft attempts (these include material that can’t be cut through and zippers that can’t be tampered with).
Some people carry a Loctote Sack inside their day pack as this adds an aspect of security to their most important items.
There are unlimited brands you can consider for this kind of pack and it really does depend on your needs as to what’s going to work out best for you in Bali.
Roll-On Luggage For Bali
We think roll-on luggage is the future of travel. Not only is it far less effort to roll a suitcase around in an airport than it is to carry a heavy backpack on your back but they’re just better for travel.
If you’re using a hardshell case, they are very difficult to get into and that means your items are much safer than in a backpack.
When you get to your destination, no matter how you travel, roll-on luggage stacks neatly and isn’t hard to squeeze into the back of a bus or a train.
The big consideration when buying roll-on luggage is the weight of the luggage itself. Sure, you can buy stuff that is locked up tighter than Fort Knox but sometimes, it weighs a ton.
The ideal roll-on luggage is lightweight and from a reliable and reputable manufacturer. Popular brands include Samsonite, Delsey, etc.
We’ve spent, quite literally, years in Southeast Asian countries using roll-on luggage and we’ve never regretted that decision. Our method of travel simply doesn’t require a large backpack.
One thing you might want to think over before you pack for Bali is whether you really need two cases if you’re travelling together as a couple.
It can be much, much easier if you can share a single bag between the two of you. It also cuts down on baggage fees with some of the budget airlines that charge per piece of baggage now.
Most of all, though, it helps you go through the items you want to pack and sincerely ask “Will we really need this?”
There’s no doubt that the world would be a better place if we did less unnecessary environmental damage. There is no need to fly your entire wardrobe to Bali for a two-week resort stay, for example.
It’s kinder to the planet to bring only what you need with you.
Finally, there’s another advantage to travelling with only one bag – it’s much easier to keep an eye on it than with lots of different bags. This is bad news for petty thieves and good news for you and your insurer.
Bali Packing List: Essentials
OK, now it’s time to take a closer look at what goes into your bags to ensure you have a great time in Bali.
Men’s Clothing
We’re assuming that this is a standard 1-3 week vacation and that you’re not moving to Bali for life or visiting for a day.
On that basis here’s what we would take:
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4 – 6 T-shirts. Most of the day will be spent in thongs/flip-flops, a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. Bring enough T-shirts that you can wash some before you need to wear them again.
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2 x evening shirts. We’d opt for a short-sleeved light shirt because it stays pretty warm even into the night in most parts of Bali.
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1 x Jean Shorts (or Jorts). These are going to be durable and happy to take anything you throw at them. You can wear them whenever you need them.
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1 x light rain jacket – if you intend to go hiking or travelling in the wet season, this is kind of important, otherwise, you can probably leave it at home.
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2 x swimming trunks – whether you’re visiting waterfalls or lounging around on the beach, swimming trunks make life much easier in the hot weather of Bali.
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1 x jeans – you may never need them, given how hot it is, but they can be very handy when hiking up a mountain
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5 – 6 pairs of socks – make sure to have a pair of hiking socks handy but the rest should be fine in your trainers
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1 x pair of trainers – the best way to wander about in Bali other than in cheap flip-flops
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1 x thongs/flip flops – we tend to buy a decent pair of thongs preferring to be comfortable, but many people won’t spend more than $2 on theirs and they do just fine here too
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1 x hooded sweatshirt – again, you may never need this, but we’ve found that if you want to see sunrise on a volcano, it comes in handy
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1 x sunglasses – protecting your eyes against the harsh sunlight is as important in the rice paddies as it is on the beach
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1 x cap – a cap can help shield your head from the sun and prevent heat stroke as well as provide additional shade for your eyes
And as we mentioned earlier – you may also want to consider bringing something smart casual if you intend to do any fine dining in Bali.
Women’s Clothing
Again, this is for a standard 1-3 week holiday and not for somebody staying for months or just for a day.
1 x Water Shoes – if you want to climb waterfalls, walk around cliffs or along beaches, these will provide the grip you need to feel safe
1 x Sunglasses – because going blind is not a good idea and the sun is very strong here in Bali
6 x socks – including a pair of hiking socks and then the rest should be good with your trainers
1 x hat – go all out on the style factor if you’re going to wear a hat, it’s nice to protect your head and look awesome at the same time, right?
1 x thongs/flip flops – a day on the beach demands it and frankly, 90% of tourists never wear anything else in Bali
4 x T-shirts – make sure you have enough to cover the time it takes to get some T-shirts washed
3 x shorts – because, again, you want to make certain that you can get your shorts washed between wears
3 x swimming costumes – from the infinity pool to the beautiful turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, you’ll be getting wet, a lot
3 x sun dresses – these are a great way to do a beach cover-up and remain cool as a cucumber while you do
2 x long skirts – because it’s polite and will help you get into temples and other places that require a standard of dress
1 x pair of light trousers – because hiking up a mountain in a skirt is not the most practical of ideas
2 x playsuits – these can serve as evening wear and comfortable day wear too
1 x light jacket – ideally waterproof, for getting warmed up in colder places or for hikes
1 x trainers – because you need something comfy to wear on long walks, thongs won’t cut it
1 x dress shoes – because sometimes, you just want to look awesome
First Aid Kit
It’s always a good idea to take a small first aid kit with you on holiday. You don’t need to go overboard but you might want to include:
Any prescription or over-the-counter medicines you intend to bring but make sure they are legal in Bali before you pack them
Tweezers – handy for cosmetic use and for pulling splinters out of fingers, etc.
Paracetamol and ibuprofen – basic painkillers and anti-inflammatories have a knack of coming in handy everywhere
Scissors – nail scissors can help cut bandages, tape, etc.
Nail clippers – keeping your nails trimmed is just good manners and they can help to cut things too
Plasters, Bandages & Tape – because bleeding to death is a bad idea
Antiseptic Cream – when you stop bleeding it’s a good idea to ensure the wound doesn’t get infected
Moleskin Tape – to protect your feet when hiking
Needles and Thread
Diarrhea Kit – this should include rehydration salts and possibly Immodium too. Bali belly is real and the best way to deal with Bali belly is basic medication.
Toiletry Bag
You don’t strictly need to bring toiletries to Bali, as you can buy pretty much everything that you need when you’re here. However, we do find that these things are typically a bit more expensive in Bali than at home, so it can’t hurt to bring them with you.
Wash bag – make sure it has a strap. This makes it easy to accommodate in Bali’s famously tiny bathrooms.
Dry shampoo – some of the cheaper and more remote places in Bali use salt water for showers, dry shampoo is a better option in these places
Shampoo & Conditioner
Toothbrush(es) and Toothpaste
Razors (as you’d use at home – disposable and/or electric)
Scent (aftershave/perfume)
Deodorant
Feminine Hygiene Products – they are hard to find in Bali and can be very expensive
Travel Banking Details
You don’t want to get hit with too many foreign transaction fees, so it’s a good idea to decide before your trip to Bali, how you will exchange money on the island.
If you can get a fee-free card from your bank at home, this is the best way to get money on a trip to Bali as Balinese ATMs do not charge a withdrawal fee.
Then just make sure to pack your travel banking gear before you leave home.
Important Documents (Travel Insurance Papers, Passport, etc.)
Then, you must make sure you have these documents too:
Your passport and a copy of your passport – if you lose your passport, having a copy makes it way easier to do the paperwork for a new one at the embassy. We’d advise taking photos of it and keeping them on your phone too.
Document wallet – this can help you organize all your paperwork rather than letting it get scrunched up in your small backpack every day.
Driving License and International Driver’s Permit – if you want to rent a scooter or a car in Bali, you must be legal. If you don’t have a current license and an IDP, you cannot be insured to drive in Bali.
Vaccination certificates – this is probably not essential now that the post-Covid world has become more normal, but it can’t hurt, can it?
Travel insurance – we very much recommend that everyone has travel insurance and for it to be of the most use, you want to keep a copy of the policy and the claim details with you at all times.
Can You Wash Your Clothes In Bali?
Yes. Nearly every hotel, hostel, villa or guesthouse will have some sort of laundry facility.
If you don’t find one in your accomodation, don’t worry, take your laundry bag to a nearby local laundry and ask them to wash your stuff, instead.
These services are very cheap and usually offer same day or next day delivery of your clothes.
So, you don’t need to bring that much in the way of clothing to Bali, you can easily wash what you need when you need it.
What Camera Gear Should You Bring As Part Of The Ultimate Bali Packing List?
Not everyone wants to bring a camera, nowadays, for many their smartphone is all the camera they need but if you do think you want to take some amazing photos in Bali, you may want to bring:
DSLR/Mirrorless
The most professional camera set-up is a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) or Mirrorless Camera. There are plenty of brands to choose from and the vast majority come with interchangeable lenses.
Make sure to invest most of your money into the right lens for the job, the camera body matters much less to your images than the lens does.
Vlogging Camera
Cameras like the Canon Powershot or Sony ZV ranges are made for blogging on the go.
Sure, you can take pictures with them too but they’re really all about making videos as you travel around.
These cameras are usually smaller and lighter than the DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
Action Camera/Underwater Camera
If you want great underwater photos or video and aren’t interested in carrying lots of camera kit around, then the GoPro and similar action camera series are ideal.
The underwater housing for these cameras is dirt cheap when compared to DSLR/Mirrorless options and the battery life tends to be spectacular now.
Drone
There’s no doubt about it that drones offer the best aerial view of Bali. but you should be aware that you must follow strict rules on packing your drone and batteries to even get it on the plane with you.
There are also a bunch of legal requirements for flying in Bali – such as staying away from crowds, certain areas, the airport, etc. and never fly it over a temple.
You may also need to apply for a permit to fly depending on the drone you want to bring with you. Our advice is that you read up on all the laws before you decide to bring a drone to Bali.
What Tech Gadgets To Pack For Bali?
We don’t think you need to bring a ton of stuff to Bali in terms of tech gear but you might find these things useful:
A fully unlocked smartphone – you can’t put a local SIM in your smartphone if you don’t have it unlocked by the network you use at home. That can be pretty irritating and it’s something that’s best sorted with your network operator before you back for Bali.
A laptop or tablet – this isn’t essential, obviously, but it’s handy to have some way of getting online, posting on social media, etc.
A hard drive and memory cards – if you’re taking lots of photos then it’s a good idea to be able to back them up. An external drive and a bunch of memory cards are essential for this. We’d recommend keeping your cards in a hard case (they’re super cheap) for maximum protection.
A tripod – if you want to get the best sunrise shots or long exposures then you’re going to need a tripod. We’d recommend that you opt for a light carbon fibre model rather than a heavy metal frame when travelling.
What Health & Safety Items For A Bali Packing List?
In addition to our first aid kit, there are a few other items you should pack to ensure your health and safety in Bali:
Insect Repellant Spray – ideally something that has DEET in it which is the best insect repellant for mosquitoes. This spray is cheap and effective and will stop you from spending your time on the island scratching like mad.
Mosquito repellent plug – you can buy these on Amazon and then plug them into a socket in your room. They emit a high-frequency sound that you can’t hear but the mosquitoes can’t stand
Sunscreen – getting sunburned really sucks and it can be dangerous, so bring high-factor sunscreen and make sure you have some waterproof stuff for surfing and other water-based adventures.
Travel padlock – if your bags don’t lock with their inbuilt locks, make sure you can lock them up
Antihistamines – if you do get bitten, these will help with the swelling and itching
Antimalarials – only bring these if your doctor says you need them, there’s very little chance of getting malaria on a normal Bali holiday
Anything Else For Your Bali Packing List?
You might also want to consider throwing a few of these items onto your packing list:
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Reusable water bottle – a reusable water bottle particularly one with a filter helps you stop using plastic water bottles which hurt the environment
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Universal Travel Plug – there are rarely any universal outlets on the walls in Bali, so it helps to have a convertor plug that can take anything and make it into anything else
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Dry Bag – keeping things dry on boats in Bali is quite important
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Collapsible Coffee Mug – they have great coffee in the coffee shops here but it’s handy to have a mug to avoid racking up paper waste in those coffee shops
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Earphones/Earbuds – because it’s nice to have sounds when you want them
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Playing Cards – for killing time when you’re bored
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Waterproof phone case – protect your phone from the water
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Extension cable – because it’s nice to have power where you want it
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Snorkel – renting is OK but having your own kit is nicer and it fits better too
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Hiking Boots – for walks up volcanoes
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Kindle – because it’s nice to read on holiday
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Packing cubes – to organize your luggage
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Money belt – some people swear by them
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Travel Guide – we love Lonely Planet and Rough Guides to the places we travel to
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Ear Plugs – if you may be sleeping in noisy places, these are priceless
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Multivitamins/Supplements – as needed
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Bluetooth Speaker – for music in the shower
What Not To Put On Your Bali Packing List
There are only two things we can think of:
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A stupidly big bag – pack sensibly and try to keep your bag light
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A sleeping bag (and sleeping mat) – you just won’t need them in Bali
Final Bali Travel Tips For Your Bali Packing List/FAQs
What Not To Pack For Bali?
We’ve got a list above but really don’t back a bag for Bali that is too big. You don’t need to spend your holiday carrying your entire life around with you.
Make sure you get a sensibly sized bag and then only fill it with the things you really need.
This will ensure that you have a good time and spend more of your time enjoying Bali and less of it in your bag trying to find things.
And don’t bring a sleeping bag, all the hotels, hostels, etc. have bedding and if you go glamping, etc. you’ll get bedding there too.
Yes, that means you can leave your foam sleeping mat at home too. Your rucksack won’t look as rugged without it, but you won’t need to carry it in Bali.
What Bags To Carry In Bali?
We’d recommend that normally, you only carry a day pack or day bag in Bali.
You should leave your rucksack or rolling suitcase at the place you’re staying and only take out the things you need for a day.
This will help when it comes to managing the weight of your luggage on a day-to-day basis and it will mean that your most valuable items are safe in the hotel and can’t be stolen by a street thief.
We’d not that expensive jewelry and the like should always be locked up in a safe at the hotel when not in use.
What Should A Woman Pack For Bali In A Week?
We’ve got a full packing list above for what a woman should pack for a week but the key thing is to focus on essentials.
It’s fine to reuse an outfit when you’re on holiday, nobody will ever notice and even if they did, they won’t say anything because they’re doing the same thing.
Keep your packing light and you will feel much better as you make your way around the island.
What Is The Best Outfit To Wear In Bali?
Light and airy clothes are your best option in the Balinese heat. Opt for materials like cotton, linen, and rayon and look for sweat-wicking fabrics too.
These have the advantage of taking up less space in your luggage and they keep you feeling cool when you wear them.
In the tropical climate of Bali, you can match the local need for modesty and still feel great as long as you bring the right clothes.
Do I Need To Bring A Towel For Bali?
No. In fact, the vast majority of places in Bali where a towel would come in handy will supply towels for you.
However, we don’t think it can hurt to carry a lightweight microfiber towel with you because these take up next to no space and can come in very handy when hiking or travelling to places without a managed presence to provide towels.
You can, of course, buy a towel like this in Bali but it can be easier to bring one with you and it saves you wasting your holiday time on towel shopping.
What Must I Take To Bali?
Scroll up to the top of our article above and then print out the checklists there. These are exhaustive lists of everything you need to take with you to Bali to have a great time.
Final Thoughts On What To Pack For Bali
Our Bali Packing List should be a pretty good start to help you pack for Bali. Of course, there may be individual items that you need for everyday life that aren’t on this list too.
However, if you find yourself with more packing cubes than luggage space? You’re probably bringing too much stuff to Southeast Asia.
Don’t forget that you can buy pretty much anything you need here in Bali and things like scuba diving gear or flip flops/thongs are super easy to find.
Just make sure to review everything that goes in your bag against your Bali itinerary and ask, “Do I really need this?” before you pack and you will have an amazing time in Bali.
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