Bali Travel Essentials & Packing List

Here are the best tips on how to pack for Bali. Spend less time guessing ‘What should I pack for Bali’ and spend more time planning your adventure and getting excited about traveling to this incredible fun-filled island!

You’ve booked your flight, and you can’t wait to visit the exotic magical island of Bali! All that’s left for you to do is pack your bags and count down your days until you catch your flight out to paradise.

The most important thing to consider when planning your Bali holiday packing list is the time of year you are visiting Bali. Although Bali has a tropical, hot climate with high humidity throughout the year, there are two seasons, dry season and rainy season. The dry season is during Bali’s high season and runs from April to September, and the rainy season runs from October until March.

 

What To Pack for Bali? | Bali Travel Essentials

 

Photo by @ericbriggs 

 

Sunshine Bali Essentials

 

Bali has soaring temperatures with extremely high UV levels. During the dry season you can expect 10 hours of sunshine every day, sounds like paradise right? To make sure you turn bronzed instead of lobster red, sun protection is a must. Keep those in mind when packing for Bali.

• Sunglasses – Beware, the sun In Bali is powerful! Make sure you protect your eyes from sun damage with a pair or two of your favorite UV filter sunglasses. I personally opted for “Oh My Woodness!” sunglasses which also help the planet! (SmartBuyGlasses also delivers to Bali, which is amazing considering I never managed to receive parcels here before!)
• Sunscreen – No one wants the leathery red skin on holiday, protect and hydrate yourself with a high-quality SPF sun cream.
• Aloe Vera Gel – Slap this on your skin to make sure your body is kept supple and hydrated after being exposed to the extreme sun.
• Hat – Pack your trusty hat with you if you want to ensure your face is kept out of the intense sun rays.
• Sarong – A sarong is an essential piece to pack in your beach bag. Throw it over your head and shoulders or wrap around your body if you need immediate protection from the blazing sun or use as a cover-up after the beach, also an essential cover up when visiting sacred temples. (Remember to always cover up after the beach and on sacred grounds to respect the local religion and culture).

 

‘Stay Dry’ Bali Essentials

 

Instead of being caught by surprise by the weather in Bali, I would recommend you are always prepared for the rain as sudden and short heavy downpours can appear out of nowhere. Yes – even in the middle of the dry season! Here are more things to pack for Bali.

• Raincoat  – Pack a lightweight raincoat or poncho and carry it with you on your day trips, especially if you are traveling to North Bali or Ubud as short torrential downpours are common. Trust me, driving through the downpours without a rain poncho may sound adventurous but the novelty wears off fast!
• Waterproof Dry Bag – Perfect for visits to the beach, exploring waterfalls, trekking through mountains and hopping on and off boats when visiting the many islands surrounding Bali, all whilst keeping your belongings safe and dry.
• Waterproof Camera – Ensure you get that perfect Bali waterfall shot without worrying about destroying your beloved camera.
• Quick Dry Towel  – Backpacking with a lightweight microfiber towel will help you save space in your bag and keep you dry after surfing the famous Echo Beach or after those unexpected dips in the waterfalls.

 

Packing Tips from Expats Living In Bali

 

Photo by @ericbriggs

 

Don’t forget these things to bring to Bali – here are some super valuable insider packing tips from expats living in Bali:

• Bug Spray – Rice fields are scattered throughout Bali, making it home to many mosquitos. Pack ‘deet’ mosquito spray, they start to bite after sunset through the night.
• Electrolyte Sachets– Bali Belly can happen, even the most careful person can get a bad tummy. These sachets will quickly and effectively replace lost salts and ensure a speedy recovery so you can spend less time sick in bed and more time exploring the tropical paradise!
• Portable Charger – With the huge variety of things to see and do across the island, you don’t want to be missing out on documenting your adventures!
• Unlocked Phone – If you can, take an unlocked phone with you and buy a cheap local SIM card with data when you get to Bali.
• First Aid Kit – The best and most common way to get around Bali is by scooter. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but scooter accidents happen every day, especially involving tourists who are getting used to the new rules of the road and bumpy terrain as a fall can happen. Be prepared and always carry bandages, iodine, disinfectant and wipes. Having a travel insurance would also be smart! Side note: Always wear a helmet!
• Fanny Pack – Wherever you are in the world, tourists can be a target for thieves. In Bali, you can avoid being a victim of infamous bag snatchers by not using over the shoulder bags and wearing a discreet bum bag to carry around your phone, money and other valuables. Side note: most scooters have a compartment to store things… such as valuables!

 

Sustainable Travel and Packing Tips

 

The huge plastic waste crisis in Bali is real. Seeing the plastic rubbish first hand on the once unspoiled beaches of Bali is hard to believe, but we can all do our bit to cut down unnecessary plastic trash and avoid single-use plastic with these travel essentials:

•    Reusable Straw (Bamboo, Metal, Glass)
•    Steel Water Bottle
•    Shampoo Bar
•    Bamboo Cutlery Set
•    Canvas Tote Bag
•    Menstrual Cup i.e. mooncup

 

You can also get involved in the weekly beach cleanups around Bali and meet awesome like-minded travelers and expats all whilst having fun – what better way to do your bit for the planet!

Above all, I urge you to bring an open mind and an adventurous spirit! Explore and dive deep into the island where you will fall hard in love with the places, people and culture.

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READ MORE ABOUT BALI

 

‣ What to do in Ubud
‣ Surf Trip in Bali
‣ Backpacking Bali Tips

 

BEFORE YOU GO TO BALI

 

☑ Book your flight: If your flight isn’t booked yet – check out the flights on Skyscanner or via Google Flights. My top saving tip is flexibility. If you’re flexible, you should be able to find a cheaper flight.

☑ Book your accommodation: I always use Airbnb and Booking.com. If you’d rather stay in a hostel, you should take a look at the options on Hostelworld. If you click on the Airbnb link and you don’t have an account yet – you’ll get a $30 discount on your first booking.

☑ Protect your cute face: Oh, you may want to protect your cute face with a travel medical insurance. I would suggest SafetyWing as they offer the best rates, especially for long-term travelers. Otherwise, you can also take a look at World Nomads.

☑ Pack the essentials: You can consult this list when it’s time to pack your bag! Do not leave without a universal charger, a power bank and your passport!

☑  Do you need a visa? If you aren’t sure if you need a visa, it would be a smart idea to take a quick look before you go. You can use iVisa – it’s super useful and easy to use.

 

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