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Om Swas-ti-as-tu!
Hey there, I’m Tim Gillespie, one of Under30Experiences' Regional Managers. During my time managing operations in Asia, I’ve built up quite a travel resume exploring not only the region's famous attractions, but also the remote corners where tourists rarely visit. These experiences, as well as living my everyday life in the region, have afforded me some amazing opportunities.
Traveling to Bali with Under30Experiences will provide you with an opportunity to slow your everyday routine down and embrace the local culture and customs of this beautiful Indonesian island. Ubud, Bali’s art and cultural capital, will serve as your base for the first few days of the trip before venturing out to the Gili Islands to relax on the beaches. This eight-day trip is packed with adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Indonesia’s tropical monsoon climate has two distinct seasons. The dry season, between May and September, and the wet season, between October and November. The majority of our trips, and the main tourism seasons, operate during the dry season. However, the more prepared you are for your trip, the better off you’ll be. Packing smartly will ensure you stay comfortable throughout your trip.
If you are unsure of what to pack, no worries, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive packing list, which covers everything you need.
As an expat who has lived in Asia for over a decade, I’ve come to learn a thing or two about what is needed to be comfortable. Though travelers often pack all of their gear into a carry-on, it is more common for people to check their luggage due to the variety of items they travel with.
Some of these items are Bali-specific, while others are essential for solo travelers on any adventure. Follow this guide, and you will be fully prepared for an incredible journey through the Island of Gods.
In this Guide to Packing for Bali, I’ll cover:
- Bag & Luggage
- Must-Bring Items
- Toiletries
- Stomach Essentials
- Optional Items
- Things to Leave Behind
Bags & Luggage
Travel Backpack vs. Rolling Suitcase
This is always the most common debate when traveling. To be honest, it all comes down to your comfort and preference. I like the travel backpack for its easy maneuverability, especially on Bali’s uneven terrain and sandy beaches. Travel backpacks also allow me to be hands-free, making it easier to check Google maps or drink my smoothie while navigating the streets. However, many travelers come on this trip with a rolling suitcase and are just as comfortable.
The Under30Experiences’ Bali itinerary doesn’t move around too often, only staying in three different accommodations during your trip, meaning you won’t have to pack and repack too often. Though a majority of the transportation is private, there is a public ferry where you will be responsible for maneuvering your luggage along crowded piers, so please pack light.
A Small Day Pack
A smaller, secure bag is necessary for your daily outings. Your day pack will need to carry your water bottle, cash, phone, hand sanitizer, and tissues. It should also have space for a change of clothes, a hand towel, or a scarf, so you can easily cover your shoulders if you randomly come upon a temple.
Must Bring Items for Bali
Money & Payment Methods
- Cash (Indonesian Rupiah): Cash is king in Bali, especially in all the markets. Everyone's spending habits differ, but you can expect to spend $250-350 USD throughout your trip. This money should cover tipping guides, all food and drinks not included in the itinerary, a massage (or two), plus optional activities such as the Bali Swing, a yoga class, and cycling around the Gili islands.
- Credit & Debit Cards: Restaurants and other establishments accept credit cards but expect a charge of at least 3% to be added to the bill. There are several opportunities to visit an ATM or exchange additional money throughout the trip.
Electronics
- Adapters & Converters: Type C and Type F plugs are the most common, with two round pins. Bali's standard voltage is 230V at 50Hz. A universal travel adapter is recommended, particularly for visitors from the US, UK, or Australia.
- Phone/Camera: Look into downloading Airalo before your trip or you can purchase a tourist SIM at the airport upon arrival.
- Portable Charger: Days are packed, and you’ll want your phone fully charged for photos
Clothing
When you’re exploring Bali, dress appropriately. Modesty is key, especially when visiting temples and sacred sites. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees—this applies to men and women. Sarongs are often provided at temple entrances if you’re not dressed appropriately, but coming prepared with your own is a good idea. Opt for lightweight, breathable, loose-fitting clothes to keep cool while maintaining modesty.
Here are some tips for putting together outfits:
- Flowy or loose-fitting, lightweight pants (leave the jeans at home!)
- Long Skirts or Maxi Dresses: Natural fibers like linen or cotton work best in the heat
- Loose, Lightweight T-Shirts
- Lightweight Jacket/Sweatshirt: Especially for your sunrise hike up Mount Batur.
- Athletic outfit: you’ll want this for the yoga class and the hike
- Bathing Suit
- Lightweight rain jacket: Especially during the wet season from October to April
- Socks & Underwear
- Hat & Sunglasses
- Scarf: You’ll need to cover your shoulders to enter temples. A scarf can also help keep the sun off your shoulders.
- You’ll have access to laundry facilities throughout the trip.
Shoes
- Comfortable sneakers or walking shoes
- Sandals
Travel Documents
- Passport
- Secondary Identification: Driver’s License or State ID
- Health Insurance Card
- Printed Copy of Accommodation Address
- Travel Insurance
Additional Items
- Reusable water bottle: tap water is not safe to drink. However, there will be clean drinking water will be available at the hotels and from our activity vendors
- Cloth shopping bag: having your own shopping bag allows you to say no to all the plastic bags vendors will be giving you at the markets
Toiletries
- Hand Sanitizer
- Sunscreen: Waterproof SPF 30+. Please note that sunscreens containing Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, 4-methylbenzylidene Camphor, and Butylparaben are banned from Indonesia's National Marine Parks due to their harmful effects on the coral.
- Insect Repellent: try to be eco-friendly and avoid aerosol
- Tissues: Toilet paper is not available in most public bathrooms.
- Personal Medications: These must be in their original packaging with legible labels for customs. Specific health information for traveling to Indonesia can be found on the CDC’s website.
- Probiotics: Helps your digestive system adjust to new foods and strengthens your immune system while traveling.
- Mini First Aid Kit: Band-aids, pain relievers, fever reducers, throat lozenges, anti-itch cream, and antibiotic cream
- Travel-Size Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste
- Cosmetics
- Glasses & Contacts
- Tampons: Western-style tampons with applicators may not be available in Bali. Plan accordingly.
Ready to travel comfortably and confidently? Check out our Plus-Size Travel Tips for Adventurers!
Stomach Essentials for any Bali Trip
When traveling through Bali, your digestive system will be in shock with all the new spices and flavors. That’s not to say you will get extremely sick, but Bali Belly is a regular occurrence for first-time travelers to Bali, and even long-term expats.
It’s best to prepare for the worst, and these items will help if your belly does get a little upset:
- Something for an Upset Stomach: Activated charcoal, ginger tablets, Imodium, Tums
- Something for Digestive Support: Fiber gummies, dandelion tea, Miralax for travelers' constipation.
- Electrolytes: Stay hydrated!
- Emergency Snack: Protein bars, nuts, rice crackers.
Optional Items
Everyone has those items they don’t like to travel without. These are a few that I can think of:
- Crossbody bag: This allows you to keep your money and phone within close proximity to you at all times, making it an ideal choice for a day bag
- Portable fan: The heat can get intense, you are in a tropical climate!
- A quick dry towel: again, due to the heat, you will sweat. Having a small towel on hand can be beneficial.
Things Not to Bring to Bali
- Denim: trust us, it gets hot and you will sweat!
- Bulky hiking boots: A comfortable, sturdy pair of shoes is all that you’ll need to reach the summit of Mount Batur.
- Beach towel: The accommodation on Gili Island provides these
- Water Bottle Filter/Purification Tablets: Bottled or filtered water is available at all times.
- Expensive Jewelry: Avoid unnecessary risk.
You’re ready to travel to Bali!
Following this packing list will prepare you for an unforgettable 8-day adventure through Bali. Packing light with the proper clothing and essentials means you can focus on Bali’s beautiful scenery and rich culture. Check out the Under30Experiences trip to Bali if you’re looking to join other like-minded travelers on an unforgettable experience. Happy travels!
