Ultimate Bali Packing List: What to Pack for Bali in 2026

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• Shorts, T-Shirts & Dresses - The basics for daily wear in Bali. We pack mostly casual and comfy fits. Prioritise fabrics that are light, breathable, and dry quickly.
• Swimwear - Like most people, we spend most of our time in Bali either in or by the water (pools, the beach, waterfalls, etc.). Bring at least 2-3 bikinis or swim trunks so you can easily alternate while the other dries.
• Beach Covers - Pack something light to throw on over your swimwear while you travel to and from the beach or pool club. Don't be that person riding a scooter or walking around a supermarket in your bikini.

• Conservative Outfit (for temples) - Bring a t-shirt or long-sleeved shirt for visiting temples and holy sites. Sarongs are usually given at the entrance.
• Activewear - For hikes, yoga, gym, padel, or Bali's many adventure activities.
• Evening Wear - Most people dress casually in Bali, even after dark. But it's still nice to have a couple of dressier outfits for upscale restaurants or nightclubs in Seminyak or Nusa Dua, like an elegant maxi dress or button-up shirt and chinos. Some high-end clubs have a no shorts, vests, or flip-flops policy for men.
• One Warmer Layer - If you plan on hiking Mount Batur at sunrise or traveling into the mountainous highlands, you may regret not having anything warm with you. A light hoodie or jacket will do.
• Rain Jacket - A lightweight and compact waterproof jacket is a must-pack in case of a sudden tropical downpour. Jackets are better than umbrellas in Bali. 33,000ft offers some great packable rain jackets. We both have ponchos, which are better for riding scooters or wearing over our backpacks during rainy season - SaphiRose and Mac in a Sac Ponchos are good options.

• Flip-flops - Whether it's lounging by the pool or taking a sunset stroll along the beach, this is what we both spend a lot of our time in Bali wearing. We're Havianas wearers, but any brand will do.
• Sturdy Sandals - A pair of durable and comfortable multi-purpose sandals is a must. Pick something you can walk long distances in during the day, but still dress up a little at night. I've lived in my super comfy KEEN Elle Backstrap Sandals for the last couple of years. Teva Sandals are a great option for men.

• Trainers/Walking Shoes - If you want to climb Mount Batur or do any hiking, you'll need a decent pair of trainers or walking shoes. The Allbirds Couriers are the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned and pack down well.
• Water Shoes (optional) - These CRESSI water shoes are ideal for walking on pebbly beaches, swimming in the ocean, and taking part in water sports.
• Dressier Shoes (optional) - Women usually get away with wearing sandals anywhere in Bali, but men may need a closed-toe shoe. You'll only need these if you plan on visiting the really high-end restaurants, bars, and clubs.

• Sunglasses - A must-have whenever you go outside in Bali! We both bought affordable sunglasses at Eyerizz Eyewear in Bali.
• Sun Hat - Protect your head and face from the sun with a baseball cap or simple sun hat.
• Bum Bag - A small bumbag is the best way to keep your valuables safe, whether riding a scooter, walking through the markets, or hiking to a waterfall. We both use the Uniqlo crossbody sling bags, which hold pretty much everything we need.
• Day Bag - A small backpack is useful when taking day trips around the island. Kieren has been using the Ospreys Daylight Plus Backpack for several years, and it's still going strong (it's made using sustainable materials too).

• Sun Screen - Sunscreen is surprisingly expensive to buy in Bali, so it's best to bring some from home. If you plan on snorkelling or diving, opt for reef-safe sunscreen to protect the island's coral reefs. This doesn't have to be super expensive. Many affordable, well-known brands like Nivea and Hawaiian Tropic are reef-friendly - just look for products without oxybenzone and octinoxate.
• Mosquito Repellent - While citronella-based insect repellent is widely available in Bali, it's not the strongest in our experience. If you're someone who's very prone to bug bites (like me), bring a stronger DEET-based repellent from home, such as this one. DEET has been proven to be the most effective repellent and perfectly safe when used according to the instructions (source).
• Probiotics - Taking probiotics before and during your Bali trip can reduce the risk of getting Bali Belly. We'd recommend Saccharomyces Boulardii.
• Anti-Diarrhoea Tablets - If you do end up with Bali Belly during your trip, Imodium Instants will be your best friend. You can bring these from home just in case, but they are widely available in Bali's pharmacies too.
• Personal Prescription Medications - Pharmacies in Bali are well stocked, but it's best to bring anything you urgently need.
• Sanitary Products - Tampons are quite difficult to come by in Bali, especially outside of the main tourist areas, so it's best to bring a few with you.

If you do bring your own toiletries to Bali, try to pack biodegradable and eco-friendly products. And take any empty plastic containers back home with you. Don't contribute to Bali's trash and pollution problems.

• Converter Plug - Bali uses type-C and type-F plugs (these are similar in shape but one is grounded). These are the same plugs used across most of mainland Europe with two round prongs. A universal adapter is super useful to have.
• Camera - Don't miss Bali's countless fantastic photo ops. Of course, you can use your phone, but a proper camera will capture the island's beauty even better!
• Underwater Camera - We love having a GoPro when we go snorkelling in Bali. It helps capture some amazing underwater shots like the ones we took above. If you don't have your own, you can rent a GoPro in Bali for a few days.
• Power Bank - A power bank is useful when you're out on long day trips and you're worried about your phone running out of power. It's also useful when there's a power cut, which can sometimes happen. We've been using this Anker power bank, which recharges our phones four times before needing a top-up.

• Reusable Water Bottle - Tap water in Bali is not drinkable. But instead of buying loads of plastic water bottles, bring your own reusable bottle that you can fill up from filtered water fountains at your hotel or resort. We have a Chilly's Bottle and a Hydroflask and would highly recommend both.
• Dry Bag - A small dry bag is great for keeping your belongings dry while hiking through waterfalls or taking boat trips. During the rainy season, we often use a dry bag as our main day bag to keep our valuables from getting wet.
• Compact Beach Towel - While hotels and resorts provide bath and pool towels, a small microfibre towel is perfect for shoving in your day bag to take to the beach, pool club, or waterfalls. We both use Dock & Bay's lightweight, quick-dry, and 100% recycled beach towels.
• Waterproof Case for Phone - Even if you don't have an action camera, this waterproof phone case lets you take photos on your phone underwater.

• Passport - To enter Bali, your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months and not have any damage to it. Don't forget to have proof of your return flight printed or on your phone too. See our full pre-travel Bali checklist.
• International Driving Permit - If you want to rent a vehicle in Bali, you'll need your home license and an International Driving Permit (IDP). While they may not ask for it at the rental company, you could be fined if pulled over by the police, and it can invalidate your insurance should you have an accident. We explain how to get an IDP in this guide.
• Money/Cards - Make sure to bring a couple of travel-friendly credit/debit cards (in case one gets lost). You can easily withdraw Indonesian Rupiah once you arrive in Bali. Read our full guide to money in Bali.

• High Heels - Of course, if you want to bring heels, feel free. But most people in Bali dress casually, and sandals are completely fine in almost all restaurants and bars. Paths and roads on the island can also be pretty uneven and are not particularly stiletto-friendly.
• Hair Dryer, Straighteners, etc - There's really no point blow-drying or straightening your hair in Bali. The high humidity will undo all your hard work 5 minutes after you step outside. I ditched my hair straighteners after my first visit to Bali. Read my full guide to looking after your hair in Bali.
• Jeans - We also learned this the hard way. Bali is simply too hot for heavy full-length jeans. Plus, once they get damp, they'll never dry in the high humidity. Pick light-weight, easy-dry trousers instead.
• Expensive Jewellery - It's not worth risking losing your valuable jewellery while swimming in the ocean or trekking through the jungles. Leave valuables at home and treat yourself to something affordable from the local markets.
• Expensive Designer Clothes - Bali isn't exactly known for its cleanliness. You may also take part in outdoor and adventure activities. Don't risk expensive clothes getting dirty or ruined. Things can also occasionally be ruined or go missing when using local laundry shops.
• Adult Toys - While this is a grey legal area, customs officials at Indonesian airports, including Bali, have been known to confiscate obvious adult toys for violating cultural and religious norms.