Bali Packing List: What to Bring for Every Season

Your wardrobe for Bali should prioritize lightweight, breathable fabrics that handle heat and humidity. Cotton, linen, bamboo fiber, and moisture-wicking synthetics are ideal. Pack 5-7 t-shirts or tank tops, 3-4 pairs of shorts, 2-3 sundresses or lightweight pants, and a light button-up or blouse that covers your shoulders. Neutral and earth-toned colors hide dirt and sweat stains better than whites and pastels. For temple visits (and you will visit temples), you need clothing that covers both shoulders and knees. A sarong is the essential multi-purpose item: wear it as a temple cover-up, beach wrap, towel, blanket, or privacy screen. You can buy sarongs locally for IDR 30,000-80,000 ($1.90-5 USD) at any market, but having one from day one saves scrambling before your first temple visit. Bring at least one pair of long lightweight pants or a midi/maxi skirt for temple days and evenings at nicer restaurants. Swimwear is obviously essential. Pack two swimsuits so one can dry while you wear the other. Rash guards provide excellent sun protection for snorkeling and surfing, reducing the need for constant sunscreen reapplication. For footwear, flip-flops or sandals cover 90% of situations. Add one pair of sturdy closed-toe shoes (hiking sandals, trail runners, or sneakers) for waterfall treks, rice terrace walks, and the Mount Batur sunrise hike. Reef-safe water shoes are useful for rocky beaches and boat entries.

Sun protection is not optional in Bali. The UV index regularly reaches 11-12 (extreme), and sunburn can happen within 20 minutes of unprotected exposure, even on cloudy days. Pack reef-safe sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher that uses mineral filters (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) rather than chemical filters (oxybenzone, octinoxate) which damage coral reefs. Bali's coral ecosystems are already under stress, and several popular snorkeling sites have fragile reef systems. Apply sunscreen every two hours and immediately after swimming. Bring enough for your entire trip, as genuine reef-safe sunscreen is difficult to find in Bali and expensive when available. Most sunscreen sold locally contains reef-damaging chemicals despite misleading labeling. A wide-brimmed hat and quality sunglasses with UV protection complete your sun defense. Mosquito repellent is essential, particularly in the evening and in rural or jungle areas. Dengue fever is present in Bali year-round, transmitted by mosquitoes that bite during the day. Use repellent containing 20-30% DEET or 20% picaridin. Reapply every few hours and after swimming. Mosquito coils (available at any minimart for IDR 5,000-10,000) are useful for outdoor dining. Consider packing a small tube of hydrocortisone cream for existing bites, after-sun aloe vera gel, and lip balm with SPF. The combination of sun, salt water, chlorine, and air conditioning can dry out skin quickly, so bring a light moisturizer if you are prone to dry skin.

Indonesia uses Type C and Type F power sockets (the European two-pin round style) with a voltage of 230V at 50Hz. If you are traveling from the US, UK, Australia, or any country with different plug standards, you need a travel adapter. Universal adapters with USB ports cost $10-15 and handle all your devices. Some older accommodations have loose or unreliable sockets, so a small power strip or multi-USB charger is worth the minimal weight. A waterproof phone pouch (IPX8 rated) is one of the most valuable items you can pack for Bali. You will want your phone for photos during boat trips to Nusa Penida, water rafting on the Ayung River, waterfall visits, and unexpected rain showers. Quality waterproof pouches cost $10-20 and protect devices down to several meters. Pack a portable power bank (10,000-20,000 mAh) for long day trips when charging outlets are unavailable. A full day of navigation, photos, and ride-hailing can drain your phone by early afternoon. For connectivity, either arrange a local SIM card (Telkomsel or XL Axiata, IDR 50,000-100,000 for 15-30 GB) or order an eSIM from Airalo or Saily before departure. eSIMs activate via QR code without needing to swap physical SIM cards. A small dry bag (5-10 liters) protects electronics, wallets, and documents during boat trips and rainy-season downpours. Serious photographers should bring a full-size dry bag for camera gear.

A basic travel first-aid kit saves you pharmacy visits and potential language barriers when you are feeling unwell. Pack anti-diarrheal medication (loperamide/Imodium), as Bali belly affects a significant percentage of visitors, usually within the first few days. Oral rehydration salts (ORS) are essential for recovering from stomach illness or dehydration from heat. Include basic painkillers (paracetamol/acetaminophen or ibuprofen), antihistamines for allergic reactions and insect bites, adhesive bandages and antiseptic wipes for minor cuts (coral scrapes are common and prone to infection in tropical water), and any prescription medications you take regularly. Bring prescription medications in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription, as Indonesian customs can question unmarked pills. Pharmacies (apotek) are common in tourist areas and sell most basic medications without a prescription, but specific Western brands may not be available, and dosages may differ. Local pharmacies are useful for purchasing additional sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and basic supplies. Bali's main private hospitals include BIMC in Kuta and Nusa Dua, Siloam Hospital, and Kasih Ibu. These provide international-standard care at prices far below Western hospitals, but a serious emergency or evacuation can cost thousands. Travel insurance with medical coverage is not optional. Many policies exclude scooter accidents if you do not hold an IDP, so check the fine print before your trip.

Your core packing list remains the same for both seasons, but a few additions make each season more comfortable. For dry season (April-October), the focus is sun protection and cool comfort. Pack lighter clothing, an extra swimsuit, and consider a UV-protective rash guard for extended water activities. A light cardigan or hoodie is useful for air-conditioned restaurants and highland areas like Kintamani where mornings can be surprisingly cool at 1,500 meters elevation. Dust can be an issue on unpaved roads during dry months, so a buff or bandana is useful for scooter riders. For rainy season (November-March), add a quality packable rain jacket (not a bulky winter coat; something lightweight and fast-drying). A compact travel umbrella is useful for walking around towns during showers. Pack quick-dry clothing rather than cotton, which stays damp and uncomfortable in high humidity. Waterproof sandals or water shoes become more important, as streets flood during heavy rain and dirt paths turn to mud. A small microfiber towel dries much faster than cotton in humid conditions. A waterproof daypack or dry bag liner protects electronics and valuables during unexpected downpours. For both seasons, pack a reusable water bottle with a filter (like Grayl or LifeStraw) to reduce plastic waste. Bali has a serious plastic pollution problem, and every reusable bottle helps. You can refill at water stations in many hotels, cafes, and co-working spaces across the island.