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Bali Packing List… To Pack Or Not To Pack?

Bali Packing List

To pack or not to pack? Our Bali packing list will help answer that question. I can’t remember the number of times that we’ve had to pack to go to Bali, but I certainly know that we pack for Bali much better now than our first trip. Here’s all the things we would recommend you pack for Bali and our Bali packing list with a printable Bali packing list at the end.

Bali Packing List

Travel Documents

  • Passport
  • Airline Tickets
  • Travel Insurance Documents
  • Accommodation Booking Information/Receipts
  • Credit Card, Debit Card or other form of accessing money
  • Drivers Licence (for photo ID)
  • Photocopies of all your travel documents
  • Emergency phone numbers
  • Indonesian Rupiah
  • Our Bali Travel Guides :)

Luggage

  • Money belt or secure bag
  • Luggage locks
  • Zip ties
  • Back pack for carry on
  • Small carry on suit case

Clothing

For Her

  • Underpants (7)
  • Bra (3)
  • Shorts (2)
  • Skirt (1)
  • Casual Dresses (3)
  • Cocktail dress (1)
  • Light Long pants (1)
  • T-shirt (4)
  • Dressy top (1)
  • Socks (2)
  • Pyjamas (1)

Beach

  • Swimmers (2)
  • Hat (1)
  • Sunglasses (1)
  • Kaftan/light dress (1)

Shoes

  • Joggers (1)
  • Thongs/Flip-Flops (1)
  • Sandals/nice flats (1)

For Him

  • Underpants (7)
  • Shorts (3)
  • Light Long Pants (1)
  • T-shirt (5)
  • Dressy Shirt (1)
  • Socks (2)
  • Pyjamas (1)

Beach

  • Board Shorts (2)
  • Hat (1)
  • Sunglasses (1)

Shoes

  • Joggers (1)
  • Thongs (1)
  • Other Shoes (1)


Toiletries

  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrush
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Deodorant
  • Suncream
  • Hairbrush
  • Shaving items

For Her (Add):

  • Cleanser
  • Moisturiser
  • Cosmetics

Cosmetics Tip

Make up will only sweat off - pack the bare minimum or something like tinted moisturiser with SPF or BB cream

Technology

Before we started blogging, we would travel with a camera and leave everything else at home. What we love about travel is a feeling of escape. Feeling lost in a good way. There is something exciting yet calming about knowing your phone isn’t about to ring. Don’t get me wrong…I love technology and all that it brings, but I love having a break from it just as much!

With that being said, now we travel with a fair bit of tech gear for blogging, and we know others have situations where they may need to bring electronics. So I will list the things you MAY need:

  • Camera + Charger + Spare Battery + Memory Card
  • iPad or Tablet + Charger
  • Laptop + Charger
  • Phone + Charger
  • Headphones
  • Electric plug/adaptor

Technology Tip

The above things are what you MAY need...with technology we say less is more when your on holidays.

Medical

  • First Aid Kit (bandaids, bandage, antiseptic etc.)
  • Panadol
  • Cold and Flu Tablets
  • Imodium or other diarrhoea treatment
  • Electrolyte Sachets
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Insect Repellent (higher DEET = stronger)
  • Prescription Medications
  • Sea sickness tablets (if going on a boat)

Miscellaneous

  • Sunglassess
  • Hat
  • extra zip lock bags
  • Aloe Vera Gel Spray
  • Book
  • Pen and notebook
  • Pocket tissues (for both the plane and in case there is no toilet paper)


The above Bali Packing List covers most things anyone would need – this does not mean you need to pack them all! We were just trying to cover all bases to prompt you if you think you need them. Click here for more information on Bali Packing Tips.

What’s on your Bali Packing List? Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below…

60 Comments

  1. Great list! It’s our second trip- and few things I would add is a penlight flashlight/torch..phone lights sometimes aren’t strong enough to spot critters or insects or webs in trees (if you are in rainforest area), a dry bag if you go on any sea excursions so you can change clothes and carry them back, a waterproof bag for gadgets, water shoes (were definitely beneficial for excursion to Nusa Penida and waterfalls…and lastly activated charcoal for Bali belly. :) Can’t wait to go back!

    1. Hi! Thanks for your additions :) On our last trip to the Nusa islands and Gilis our drybag certainly made us more relaxed on and off the boats! Great thing to have anyway though to keep your stuff dry! Enjoy your trip!

  2. Hi I’m Pui from Thailand, Im planning to go there in a week, Im so exciting lol, just wanna say thank you for your guides

  3. Hi I am Skye. And I am going to Bali tomorrow and I am so stressed on what to take I am 11 years old. I have know idea on what I need besides cloths like how many tops and pants do I need if I am going there for 7 days. I am normally a big shopper at the Sunshine Coast but do I pack less stuff because I love to shop. And I have know clue how much stuff I am going to buy over in Bali. I need help ASAP !!!!

    1. Hi Skye, by your comment, I assume you are in Bali as we speak! How exciting and we hope you’re having an awesome time. Have the best week in Bali :) One outfit a day for 7 days is great, and less if you can mix and match.

  4. Awesome list :)) Late to the party and I’ve only just booked for later in the year. Made me think about things I wouldn’t of otherwise!

  5. Hi! Thanks heaps for this!!! But, I didn’t see the link to a printable version? Do you have that- would be super handy!! :)

    1. Hi Angela, sorry it was not clear, we do have the printable version for you. If you see the image at the bottom of the article that says “Bali Packing List – Get Your Free Packing List Here”, click there and you can get it as a free email subscriber. Hope this helps, please let us know if you have any more questions, and hope you have a great trip :)

  6. Hi there,

    This is such a great list and I’ll be referencing it for sure as we start to pack for our trip in a couple of weeks.

    Part of our trip will be to a surfing camp in a fairly isolated part of Lombok.

    One thing I’m a bit worried about are the disease carrying mozzies – which brand do you recommend?

    Felicity

    1. Hi Felicity, thanks so much! We use the brand ‘Bushmans’ but if you can’t find that, we’ve been advised to look for mosquito repellent with a high DEET level. Also, try to wear light long clothing that covers up where possible, if you have accommodation with air conditioning that can also help. Have a great time, we love Lombok :)

  7. Hello Mandy – I found your site very interesting and helpful.
    I am travelling to bali for a week and I was reading on internet that if we are staying in Bali for less than a month, we have a free visa and no need to pay 35USD.
    Can you confirm this please?

    1. Hi Shradha, nice to meet you
      Depending on you where you are from, but there are a lot of countries (169!) that are now 30-visa free, like Australia. If your not sure we are happy to have a look for you :)
      Chris and Mandy :)

  8. Hi!
    I’m going to Bali in four weeks… Yes my first overseas trip and I’m so nervous! We still have to get our vaccinations… But I wanted to ask… Any tips on the Bali new year? I know its a day of silence, but what will we be ABLE to do as we arrive the day before??
    Thanks heaps!

    1. Hi Angie,
      Haha I was so scared before my first overseas trip, but it’s all ok once you land and you’re on holidays!!
      As for Nyepi day, you will probably need to stay in your hotel for the day, but I believe you can resume normal activities (depending on the hotel) within the hotel. I imagine staff will be very limited. There will be no cars and no people on the streets. The day before and the days after I believe are filled with celebrations, so that will be nice to experience :)

      Have a great time in Bali and a great first overseas trip! Hopefully the first of many more to come ;)

  9. Hi,mandy
    I am leaving bali in just over a week and i usually pack way to much stuff, i was wondering if everything in bali is safe to consume ,being from a different country and all.
    is it best to buy things before you go so you wont get sick while you are over there?
    And is it best to drink bottled water?
    this list has helped me a lot, but i will be staying in a house of sorts so do i bring a beach towel just in case?
    thanks.

    1. Hi Lauren,
      Definitely need to drink bottled water, but it’s pretty cheap to buy and readily available. I usually bring with me some Neurofen, betadine, cold and flu tablets, prescription medications. However, you can get most things here. We get hand sanitizer, shampoo and conditioner, panadol, vitamin C, sunscreen all in Bali.
      As for the towel, check if your accommodation has it and if not either bring a small towel, or buy a cheap one at the markets or shops.

      Hope this helps, I did another article about what to pack carry on only if that helps too.. https://almostlanding-bali.com/packing-for-bali-carry-on-only/

      Have a great time in Bali and let us know if you need anything else :)

  10. We have just come back from Bali, had a great time. Loved Ubud and trekked up Mt Batur – well worth the early wakeup. Took you suggestions on what to pack but still overpacked. Can I ask, the two Antler Juno Cabin Luggage shown in your pic, are they both cabin baggage sizes? What size is the white one? I am a slow learner in travelling light but that’s the challenge!
    Thanks

    1. Hi Mary, so happy you had a great time in Bali!
      Both the bags shown are cabin size bags. The black on in the picture is not actually an Antler Juno, but funnily enough Chris has since replaced it with the black Antler Juno too! The white one in the picture is pretty much the maximum carry-on size luggage. It fits in a lot, and we travel with one carry on size bag each now. I use to overpack too, but I think I just got so sick of carrying so much stuff I didn’t use or need, that I eventually became a light packer. There are so many tips for packing light, we actually have more tips on our other travel blog here: https://almostlanding.com/tag/packing/
      I’m going to be putting some more packing light tips for Bali up on the blog soon, so hopefully they help too :)

  11. Hi there,
    im a first time overseas traveler and you can guess it im going to bali lol. I didnt want to but my partner book and paid for everything and told me WE ARE GOING haha.
    we leave in 3 weeks im a very anxious person and am scared about the flight and being in another country.. Any tips you guys can give would be much appreciated.
    thanx heaps (:

    1. Hi Kimberley,

      Haha, I love the “WE ARE GOING”, can totally picture it! I can relate to how you’re feeling, so can definitely help with this one.

      My first overseas trip wasn’t until I was about 20, and I was pretty nervous about flying and had no idea what to expect from the country I was going to (it was Thailand). I also packed everything because I thought… I can’t just fly home and get it?!

      But everything I was worried about didn’t turn out to be a problem.

      Here are some things I’ve learnt:

      1. I’m not going to lie, I still have a love/hate relationship with flying, but flying itself kind of feels like you’re on a bus watching movies. Sometimes, you even forget you’re flying. And the thought of flying (before you’ve ever done it), I think is so much worse than actually flying. My dad was the same as you, and he did his first flight a couple of years ago, and he ended up loving it.

      2. Being in another country for the first time can be a bit of a culture shock, but it’s also exciting and you get used to it pretty quickly. But when it comes to Bali, there are a lot of tourists, beautiful beaches, it’s pretty easy to get around with taxi’s and private drivers, there are lots of western food options if you want something familiar, the Balinese people are very friendly, so it’s actually not that big of a culture shock.

      3. In terms of safety in Bali, just make sure you respect the culture and people, keep your wits about you, and be sensible (e.g, don’t leave your drinks unattended, don’t drink too much, don’t ride a motorbike if you don’t know how to etc.) We have never had a problem.

      4. In terms of packing, pack the essentials, but don’t get too worried as most things you can buy in Bali, like toiletries, suncream, panadol, hand sanitizer etc.

      Travel is amazing, it really opens your eyes, you see things you didn’t even know you could, it’s fun, relaxing, you learn a lot, and I think you will love it.

      If you have any questions about what to do in Bali, food options etc, let us know we would be happy to help. Would love to hear how your trip goes too!

      Really hope this helps in some way, have an amazing time in Bali :)

  12. thanks don’t forget that you can take anything as long it is under 100ml it is fine in your carry on and any amount can go in your suitcase(no carry on)

    1. Thanks Alice, we usually go carry-on only, so we stick to the below 100ml (and they must fit in one small zip-lock type bag). You can also buy most toiletries in Bali to save some packing space :)

  13. What types of deodorant are you allowed to actually take with you to Bali. I’m leaving very soon and was just wondering what I can and can’t bring with me.

    1. HI Emily, as long as it’s below 100ml and fits into the one clear zip-lock bag that contains all your toiletries, then you can take most deodorants on carry-on, and you can take larger ones in checked luggage. It also needs to have a lid/cap. Your airline’s website should have full details on there for you if you are concerned. Hope you have an amazing time in Bali :)

  14. This is amazing, thank you so much! First timer to Bali, leaving in the next couple of weeks! Just a question though, the $25USD on arrival, does it have to be in American currency, can you pay in AUD or the Indonesian currency if you have that? Thanks again :)

    1. Hi Chloe, thanks so much :) Since I read your comment I realised this page needed updating! Its actually now $35 USD for Visa on arrival. We usually pay in USD (we find it’s quick and easy to use USD at the Visa on arrival desk), but I believe you can pay in IDR and major currencies, as well as credit card. They will use an exchange rate for these currencies, and I have heard it can be more favourable to pay in USD. Any change given will be in IDR. Hope this helps, and have a great time in Bali :)

  15. I read somewhere on your site about taking a letter from your doctor for prescribed medications. What do you suggest re vitamins?

    1. Hi Victoria, I don’t believe it’s necessary for vitamins as long as they are in their origional packaging, but if you are concerned, it can’t hurt to have them on there. Let us know if you have any other questions and have a great time in Bali :)

      1. Most doctors (apart from a few integrated health GPs) don’t prescribe vitamins so there’s no letter to be had for them. I did do what you suggested though, packing them in their own bottles, and they were left alone at customs (I had other items to declare). I did however take only the number I needed, decanting the rest into small containers at home just in case they were confiscated.

        If you’re in Seminyak and vitamin-less the Earth Cafe and Market at Jalan Laksamana No. 99 can help you out. They do fresh juices to which you can have supplements added as well as a comprehensive range of health foods.

  16. Hi. I am going for NYE in Denpasar, and i want to know, Can you recomend A prepaid sim card with 3G data ??

    Best regards Nikolaj (Denmark)

    1. Hi Nikolaj, a few years ago we used a simPATI by TelkomSel, which I believe is the best. Otherwise there is free wifi in most Bali hotels and cafes/restaurants, which is what we use mostly.
      Have a great NYE in Bali :)

  17. Awesome list!
    Definitely a few things that I realised I had forgotten when I cross checked against your list.
    Thanks!
    Jules

  18. I also take a power board with a safety switch. Means you only need one adapter but also that if everything goes wrong your laptop doesn’t get fried!

      1. The power board suggestion was a fantastic one, thank you Jess! Frank has just suggested including an extension cord too as power points aren’t always in the best spot. I would also suggest a small torch as well, just in case the power goes out and you can’t find your phone or it’s dead : ))

  19. Thousand thanks Mandy!!
    its helps so much For first timer like me n hubby!!
    I’m so headache in packing but now …release!!

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