Planning your trip to Bali requires thoughtful preparation, especially when it comes to packing. With Bali’s tropical climate and diverse activities, having the right items can make your vacation much more enjoyable. Here’s a comprehensive packing guide to ensure you’re well-prepared for your Bali adventure.

Essential Clothing

Lightweight, breathable clothing is crucial for Bali’s warm and humid weather. Bali temperatures are around 82°F (28°C) with high humidity and passing showers, so pack accordingly for these tropical conditions.

  • 4-6 t-shirts or tank tops in light, quick-drying fabrics
  • 2-3 pairs of shorts (quick-dry materials are ideal)
  • 1-2 lightweight dresses or rompers for women
  • 2-3 casual shirts for evenings (linen or cotton work best)
  • 1 pair of lightweight pants or linen trousers
  • 1-2 smart-casual outfits for nicer restaurants or evenings out
  • Activewear for yoga, hiking, or other activities
  • 2-3 swimsuits (having spares allows wet ones to dry)
  • Underwear and socks (one set per day, or 10-14 sets for longer trips)

Weather Considerations:

  • Light cardigan, jacket, or long-sleeve shirt for air-conditioned places
  • Hooded sweatshirt (especially useful for sunrise volcano hikes)
  • Rain jacket or poncho (particularly important during wet season)

With the current forecast showing thunderstorms expected tomorrow and Saturday with high humidity levels, waterproof items are essential for your comfort during your Bali trip.

Temple Attire

For visiting Bali’s sacred temples:

  • Sarong (essential for temple visits and doubles as a beach cover-up)
  • Longer skirt or pants that cover knees
  • Shirts that cover shoulders

Footwear

Your choice of shoes can make or break your Bali experience:

  • Casual sandals or flip-flops (your daily footwear in Bali)
  • Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers for hiking and longer excursions
  • Water shoes (optional but recommended for waterfalls and rocky beaches)
  • One pair of dressier sandals for nicer restaurants or evenings out

Accessories and Bags

These items help you stay organized and protected:

  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Sun hat or cap for shade
  • Day pack or small backpack for excursions
  • Beach bag or tote for beach days
  • Waterproof dry bag for electronics (especially during wet season)
  • Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
  • Cross-body bag for evenings out
  • Packing cubes to keep your luggage organized

Toiletries and Health Items

Sun Protection:

  • Reef-safe sunscreen (it’s expensive to buy locally)
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • After-sun lotion or aloe vera gel

Personal Care:

  • Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, body soap
  • Feminine hygiene products (these can be hard to find and expensive in Bali)
  • Razor and shaving supplies
  • Hair products and tools (if needed)

Health Items:

  • Insect repellent (essential for mosquito protection)
  • Basic first-aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers
  • Anti-diarrhea medication (like Imodium for potential “Bali belly”)
  • Anti-histamine for allergic reactions
  • Any prescription medications you take regularly
  • Hand sanitizer

It’s worth noting that “Bali belly” is a common traveler’s diarrhea that can affect visitors to Indonesia, typically caused by consuming contaminated food or water. Most travelers recover within 1-3 days, but having medication on hand can help manage symptoms if they occur.

Electronics and Power

Bali uses Type C and Type F power plugs with 230V supply voltage:

  • Universal travel adapter (Type C/F plugs are used in Bali)
  • Smartphone and charger
  • Camera and charger (if bringing separate from phone)
  • Portable power bank for charging on the go
  • Headphones or earbuds

Travel Documents and Money

Keep these items secure and easily accessible:

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months from arrival date)
  • Visa documentation (if required)
  • Return or onward ticket (required for entry)
  • Travel insurance details
  • International Driving Permit (if planning to drive)
  • Cash in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) and physical bank cards
  • Photocopies of important documents
  • Completed electronic customs declaration
  • SATUSEHAT Health Pass (required for all international travelers)
  • Tourist tax payment (IDR 150,000 per person, approximately USD 10)

Remember that the currency in Bali is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR), and while some larger hotels may accept US dollars or euros, they generally charge extra for this convenience. Notes come in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 IDR, with the 10,000 and 100,000 notes looking quite similar, so take care when handling them.

For visa requirements, Australian citizens (and many other nationalities) need a Visa on Arrival (VOA) or e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) to enter Indonesia. This costs IDR 500,000 (approximately USD 35) and allows a stay of up to 30 days, with the possibility to extend for an additional 30 days.

Customs Considerations

When entering Bali, you must complete a customs declaration form. Here’s what you can bring without declaring:

  • Personal belongings for your own use valued at less than USD 250
  • Alcoholic beverages up to 1 liter
  • Tobacco products: up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 100 grams of tobacco
  • Electronic devices: up to 2 items like smartphones, tablets, or laptops for visits less than 3 months

You must declare:

  • Cash worth more than IDR 100 million (approximately AUD 10,000)
  • Prescription medications (always bring your prescription)

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance for your Bali trip. Good policies cover expenses related to medical emergencies, personal accidents, COVID-19, medical evacuation, repatriation, and pre-existing conditions during emergencies. Non-medical coverage typically includes lost baggage, essential documents, missed flights, trip delays, interruptions, cancellations, and personal liability.

What Not to Bring

  • Heavy jackets or winter clothing
  • Excessive formal wear (Bali is generally casual)
  • Valuable jewelry or accessories
  • Too many shoes
  • More than IDR 100,000,000 in cash (approximately AUD 10,000)

Final Tips

  • Don’t overpack – Bali is hot, and casual clothing is all you’ll need most of the time
  • Wear your bulkiest items (like sneakers) during travel to save luggage space
  • Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on in case of delayed luggage
  • Leave some space in your luggage for souvenirs
  • Check your airline’s baggage limits before packing
  • Consider laundry services, which are widely available and inexpensive throughout the island

With this comprehensive packing list, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy all the beauty, adventure, and relaxation that Bali has to offer!