Trying to decide what to take to Bali? Well, I like to think of myself as a seasoned Bali visitor, so here are the 10 things I recommend taking to Bali and adding to your Bali packing list STAT.

I am back with another Bali post, because I can’t get enough 😉. But seeing as I have been there a number of times, there are a few things I always include in my Bali packing list. Especially because it’s a hot and sunny destination, and people mistake me for a ghost sometimes because my skin is that pale. I wanted to share my tips on what to take to Bali, so you get the most out of your Balinese holiday.

Before you dive in, here are my general travel essentials

What to take to Bali – the 10 most important items

1. Sunscreen

When you’re choosing what to take to Bali, sunscreen should definitely be first on the list. Bali has a tropical, humid climate. This means it’s hot no matter what time of year you visit. So it’s in your best interest to pack sunscreen. Remember to reapply throughout the day as well, as you will undoubtedly sweat the first layer off. I recommend using Hawaiian Tropics because it smells like the tropics and has hydrating properties.

2. Crossbody bag

Sometimes I buy a crossbody bag once I arrive, but I also always bring one from home. They are the best bag for feeling safe and secure. In Bali, you will be carrying cash with you at all times, so a crossbody bag ensures you can always see where your money is. They’re fantastic for going out at night and walking around the streets during the day. Just make sure they are big enough to store a water bottle. We don’t want you getting dehydrated!

Check out my top 20 Bali travel tips for everything you need to know before you go!

3. Thongs (flip flops)

It doesn’t matter what you call them, just make sure you add them to your Bali packing list. Thongs come in handy when you want to go to the pool, watch a beach sunset or visit the spa. Bali is also a very casual place, so I have been known to wear my thongs out at night too. Don’t worry, all the Aussies do it. Havaianas is the most popular brand in Australia, and their thongs are of fantastic quality. The company also has stores in Kuta, in case you want to pick up a pair while you’re on holiday.

4. Travelan

Most travellers have heard of the dreaded terms, Bali Belly and Delhi Belly. It’s common for people visiting developing countries to contract bugs. My Dad and I have been known to spend a day or two of our holidays indoors thanks to Bali Belly. But recently we discovered Travelan, which is a fantastic medication you take before meals to prevent illness. It isn’t a pretty topic, but you don’t want Bali Belly to ruin your holiday – trust me. Check out this page on the Travelan website for further ways you can avoid getting sick.

On that note, my other recommendations for what to take to Bali in your first aid kit are Imodium and Buscopan, just in case. Bali Belly is also why it’s always necessary to purchase travel insurance before any trip to Bali.

5. Duffle bag

This is a great tip I have heard from quite a few family friends that regularly visit Bali. They usually bring their clothes in one suitcase and bring a foldable duffle bag as well. They then fill the duffle bag with plenty of Balinese clothing, accessories and artwork for family and friends back home. I love this idea, as I always buy so many products when I am there. How can I not when it’s all so cheap?

6. Cotton clothing

Seeing as I am from a tropical place myself, I know how important cotton clothing is in a humid climate. Cotton is the best breathable fabric to wear, so your clothes don’t stick to you. A lot of the clothing you will find on the streets is cotton, but if you include mostly cotton-based clothes in your Bali packing list, your body will thank you.

7. Bathers and towel

These are perhaps the most important things to take to Bali. You can’t go to this island province and not swim. Whether you are hitting the beach or the hotel pool, you will be living in your bathers (swimsuit) the entire holiday. I recommend bringing at least two pairs, so you can wear one while the other dries. I also suggest bringing a beach towel. Most hotels will offer you a free pool towel, but these can’t leave the hotel, so it’s best to bring your own towel as well. I mentioned this in my travel essentials post, but I love this travel towel from Kmart.

Speaking of hotel pools, here’s where to stay in Legian on any budget

8. Mosquito repellent

It’s so important to bring some kind of mosquito repellent with you to Bali. It doesn’t smell great, I know, but you do not want to get bitten by mosquitoes on your holiday. I always recommend Aerogard, because they have an excellent reputation in Australia, and they have an odourless option.

9. Hat and hair ties

As they say in Australia: slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat. Fortunately, hats are quite fashionable these days, so you can definitely find a style that suits you. But I highly recommend wearing one during the peak sun hours, as you do not want to be that person with the constant sunburned nose. The humidity wreaks havoc on my locks too, so my hair can usually be found in a ponytail, plait or top knot 99% of the time (please see above photos). If you are one of those lucky people that doesn’t get frizzy hair, congrats. But for everyone else, embrace the top knot.

10. Adapter and power board

For any non-Europeans, you definitely need to add an adapter to your Bali packing list. Indonesia uses the two-prong adapter like Europe. My family also always bring a surge-protected powerboard so we can charge all of our appliances simultaneously. Some people don’t think about powerboards when they’re deciding what to take to Bali, but the little extra weight is well worth it.

Fortunately, all of these things won’t take up a lot of room in your suitcase. If you are looking for some new luggage for your trip, I recommend checking out Australian-based online company, Luggage Direct. They have the perfect luggage for Bali, including a massive range of backpacks, suitcases and duffle bags.

Do you have any other suggestions for what to take to Bali?

Related reading

♥ Where to eat in Legian and the best Legian hotels for every budget

♥ My top Bali travel tips

♥ My carry-on packing tips

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