The Only Bali Packing List You’ll Ever Need

Planning a trip to Bali feels like stepping into a dream, and packing for it shouldn’t be a nightmare. Fresh off our latest trip, where we roamed from the rice terraces of Ubud to the reef-lined beaches of Nusa Lembongan, we’ve fine-tuned exactly what works. After more than a few trial-and-error carry-ons, we’ve nailed down what to pack for Bali so you’re ready for anything: temple hikes, sudden downpours, or rooftop cocktails at sunset. Here’s your no-fluff, field-tested guide to packing light, living well, and leaning all the way into that island rhythm, so you can focus on the moments, not your luggage.

TL;DR: Bali Pre-Trip Musts

A trip to Bali is equal parts surf, sweat, and soul. But before you throw everything into a duffel and hope for the best, it’s also worth taking care of the “boring” stuff that makes the rest of the trip friction-free. Trust us—just a few smart moves before takeoff can save you hours (and headaches) once you land. Let’s go through the TL;DR Bali checklist:

Bali Seasons: It’s warm and humid year-round, with temps ranging from 77°F to 90°F (25°C–32°C). Dry season runs April to October. Rainy season (November to March) brings fast, heavy showers—think ponchos, not umbrellas.
Destinations: Canggu (surf + nightlife), Ubud (rice fields + temples), Amed (diving), Uluwatu (cliffs + sunsets). Each spot has a different pace and micro-climate, so pack for variety.
Bali Documents & Entry Checklist:
Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date—no exceptions.
- Visa: Most travelers get a visa-on-arrival, but applying online can save serious time at the airport.
- Travel Insurance: A must. Especially if you’re riding scooters, make sure it covers accidents and medical care.
- International Driver’s Permit: Required to rent scooters or cars. Yes, they do check.
- Customs QR Code: Fill this form online 3 days before arrival for saving your time.
Money Moves: Cash is still king in Bali. Not all places accept cards, especially in smaller towns or markets. Bring some cash (100,000 IDR ≈ $7 USD), and use a Wise or Revolut card for better exchange rates and fewer fees. Also, notify your bank so your card doesn’t get frozen halfway through lunch in Ubud.
Connectivity Tip: We use Airalo eSIMs, which are cheap, reliable, and installable before you land. Skip the SIM line and get connected fast for maps, rideshares, and last-minute dinner finds.
Luggage Strategy: Keep it light, mobile, and modular. We recommend a 40L backpack or carry-on suitcase, paired with a small daypack like the Voyager™ RollTop for your daily essentials. Use packing cubes to compress and organize, and stash a dry bag for beach trips or unexpected rain. And yes—leave space. Bali has a way of filling it with textiles, art, and a few too many bags of coffee.
Transportation: Scooters are the way to go. If you're renting one, bring your international driver’s permit, wear closed-toe shoes, and pack clothing that won’t fly up in the wind.
Health & Safety: Dengue fever is a thing. Pack mosquito repellent with DEET and use it daily. For stomach issues, even experienced travelers aren’t immune to Bali belly. Bring probiotics, charcoal pills, or Travelan just in case.
Water: Don’t drink the tap water. Bring a reusable bottle and refill from filtered dispensers, common in hotels and villas.
Temples & Culture: Modesty matters. Shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting temples (yes, even for guys). A light scarf or sarong is your easy, packable solution.
Laundry & Style: Laundry in Bali is fast and cheap, so pack light. Stick to neutral, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that go with everything and dry fast in humid air.

Prep now, relax later. This isn't the stuff you'll post on Instagram, but it’s what lets you show up calm, comfortable, and ready to chase the good stuff. Now, let’s talk about what to actually pack for Bali.

What to Wear in Bali For Men

Bali’s style leans relaxed but intentional. Think: surf-town ease meets temple-side respect. You won’t need anything too formal, but you will want clothes that breathe, move, and clean up well. It’s a place where you might go from a sunrise hike to a cliffside café or from a scooter ride straight into a sacred temple, so your gear should flex with your day. From personal experience, having a few key pieces that do double-duty can make packing lighter and traveling smoother. Here’s what we pack from clothes for a bit more than a one-week Bali trip:

2-3 lightweight t-shirts: Go for breathable, moisture-wicking options like the X Cotton Tee, Henley or Merino Tee. They handle sweat, dry fast, and double as dinner shirts in a pinch.

1–2 short-sleeve button-ups or polos: For nicer dinners, temples, or evenings out. The Limitless Merino Short Sleeve Shirt is a great travel all-rounder that is odor-resistant, naturally wrinkle-resistant, and sharp enough for a rooftop dinner. Want something with a bit more island flair? The Outbound Camp Collar brings relaxed structure and just the right hit of personality.

1 long-sleeve merino shirt: Versatile enough to wear buttoned up or open over a tee. Great for cooler evenings, temple visits, or dressing up without adding bulk. Look for odor-resistant, breathable merino that doesn’t need ironing.
1 long-sleeve layer: Not for warmth, but for sun and bug protection. Choose something like the Venture Hoodie, which offers UPF protection, breathability of waffle fabric, and packs down small for temple visits or scooter rides.

2 pairs of shorts: Quick-dry or hybrid shorts like the Evolution Short work for hikes, beach walks, and casual cafés. Stick to neutral colors that mix and match.

1 pair of lightweight pants: For temple visits, dinner spots, and sun coverage. The Evolution Pant is made for this. They are breathable, stretch-woven, and polished enough for upscale spots.

1-2 pairs of swim trunks: If you’re living in the water, bring a backup.

Underwear & Socks: Pack 5–7 pairs of underwear made from moisture-wicking, odor-resistant fabrics—you’ll likely be showering twice a day, so comfort matters. Also, bring 2–3 pairs of lightweight socks that dry quickly, plus a pair of StrongCore Compression Socks for long Bali flights, travel days, or recovery after hikes. Don’t forget 1–2 sets of loungewear or sleepwear.
2 Pairs of Footwear: 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes or travel sneakers that are breathable with grip. And 1 pair of sandals with grip (not foam flip-flops). Look for waterproof or quick-dry materials. Optional: water shoes, if you’re planning on exploring waterfalls, rocky beaches, or doing serious snorkeling.
Extras: 1 hat or cap for midday sun or scooter rides, and a pair of polarized sunglasses.
1 light rain jacket or poncho: If you're traveling between November and March, expect short but heavy downpours. Go lightweight and packable.

Bali isn’t about looking flashy, but about feeling free and staying ready for whatever the day throws at you. Pack smart, layer light, and lean into gear that can handle heat, humidity. Once you’ve got your wardrobe sorted, shift your focus to the hygiene and health essentials that’ll carry you through heat, humidity, and the occasional travel curveball.

Hygiene & Medical Essentials

Let’s be real—Bali’s a place where you’ll sweat, swim, scooter, and probably hit a few spots with no soap in sight. But with a few smart hygiene essentials and health items you take to Bali, you’ll stay fresh, feel human, and avoid most of the discomforts that come with tropical travel.

Hygiene Essentials

Sunscreen: Bring plenty, especially reef-safe. It’s expensive and limited in Bali.
Mosquito repellent: DEET sprays work best. Local brands like Soffell are solid. Add patches or roll-ons as backups.
Hand sanitizer + antibacterial wipes: Key for markets, street food, and public restrooms.
Stay-in conditioner: Bali’s water can dry out your hair, while conditioner helps keep it under control.
Tissues or toilet paper: Many public bathrooms don’t supply it—BYO just in case.

Health & Medical Musts

Travelan (or similar): Take it before meals to help prevent Bali belly.
Charcoal pills, Imodium, GastroStop: Bring them in case prevention fails. Don't count on finding quality brands locally.
Electrolyte packets / Liquid IV: Crucial after long hikes, beach days, or food mishaps.
Basic first aid kit: Pack band-aids, antiseptic, and general pain relief.
Prescription medications + doctor’s letter: Always bring your own supply. In most cases, pharmacy availability is hit or miss.
Thermometer: Handy for spotting a fever early, especially during the rainy season or with kids.
Children’s meds (Panadol, Nurofen): More expensive and harder to find in Bali, so pack your own.

Prep just a small kit of these Bali must-haves, and you'll be set for nearly anything the island throws your way. Once you've covered your health and hygiene, it's time to dial in your gear stuff.

Tech Gear Essentials

We've found that a little pre-trip tech planning makes life in Bali a lot smoother, whether you're navigating back roads in Ubud, working remotely from a villa in Canggu, or just trying to keep your phone alive long enough to grab a sunset photo. So here is our list of tech things to take to Bali:

Universal Power Adapter (EU 2-pin): Bali uses European-style plugs (Type C). Pack one you trust, not a cheap airport grab.
Power Board or Surge Protector: Outlets are limited and sometimes weirdly placed. This lets you charge your gear all at once.
Portable Power Bank: Essential for long scooter days, beach lounging, or if the power goes out (which happens).
eSIM (Airalo or similar): Skip the airport SIM card chaos. Install before you fly and connect the minute you land.
Rechargeable Flashlight: Handy for late-night walks, scooter rides, or unexpected blackouts in quieter parts of the island.
Noise-Canceling Headphones or Earplugs: Between roosters, traffic, and beach clubs, silence is golden.
Laptop & Phone Chargers: Bring them, obviously. If you work remotely, double-check your voltage compatibility.
GoPro or Waterproof Camera + Mini Tripod: Great for surf sessions, waterfall hikes, or just capturing the chaos in Monkey Forest.

Other Adventure Gear

Quick-Dry Towel: Compact, lightweight, and a game-changer for beach days, waterfall hikes, or hostel hopping. Dries fast, packs smaller.
Reusable Water Bottle: Filtered water is widely available at cafés and hotels. Remember to stay hydrated and skip the plastic trail behind you.
Voyager™ RollTop 15L Backpack: A reliable daypack is key. Whether you're wandering Ubud's markets or heading to a sunrise hike, this one’s weather-resistant, lightweight, and made to move. Add a waterproof dry bag if you're heading offshore or chasing waterfalls.
Snorkel Gear or Boogie Board: Optional, but ideal for spots like Amed or Nusa Lembongan. Skip the rental hassle, and you're ready to jump in whenever the mood strikes.
Mini Safe or Lockable Pouch: Not all hotel safes are trustworthy. A portable pouch adds extra peace of mind for passports, cards, and cash.

Bali invites you to slow down, breathe deeper, and live with a little more intention. The same mindset works for how you pack. You don’t need much—just smart, versatile gear that lets you move freely, explore spontaneously, and focus on the moments that actually matter. From sunrise hikes above the clouds to late-night nasi goreng on a beachside curb, this island rewards curiosity, not clutter.

So pack light. Leave space for souvenirs, for stories, for stillness. Travel with less, experience more. And let Bali do what it does best: shift your rhythm and remind you why you wander.