60+ Bali Packing List Items Perfect for Beaches, Temples, and Rice Terraces

Bali is one of those places where you can start your morning at a beach café, spend the afternoon floating in a turquoise pool, and the next you’re barefoot in a temple courtyard or watching the sun melt into a sea of rice terraces.

On my first trip, I packed like I was heading to any tropical beach. The country is relatively conservative, so you will need those sarongs and rain jackets more often than you think. The nice thing is, you will never need to bring any winter wear any time of the year.

This Bali packing list is designed to make the transition between beach days, cultural visits, and nature adventures seamless.

Things to Know Before Packing for Bali

Bali isn’t just beaches. One day you’re weaving through Ubud’s rice terraces, the next you’re surfing in Canggu, then hiking up Mount Batur at sunrise. That means your suitcase has to cover tropical heat, sacred temples, and muddy trails. Bali rewards travelers who pack light but smart as you’ll be scootering around yourself or lugging it on Grabs all the time.

Bali’s Weather Curveballs

Bali has two main seasons: wet and dry. The dry season (April–October) brings sunny skies and warm beach days, while the wet season (November–March) means heavy afternoon downpours. But even in the rainy months, mornings are often clear enough for adventures.

Dressing Right for Temples and Traditions

Bali is deeply spiritual and more conservative than visitors sometimes expect. Hindu temples are active places of worship, and showing respect is taken seriously. Shoulders and knees must be covered at sacred sites, and sarongs are a must. Most temples lend them out, but it’s easier to bring your own.

Low-cut tops, super short shorts, and revealing swimwear should stay at the beach; wearing them in villages or markets draws unwanted attention. Slip-on sandals are handy, because you’ll often need to remove your shoes before entering a temple or someone’s home.

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What to Wear in Bali: Everyday Clothes That Travel Well

Generic “jeans and a sweater” won’t cut it here. In Bali, you’ll spend time scootering between cafes, climbing temple steps, and maybe hiking a volcano before sunset cocktails. Breathable and quick-dry fabrics are a must because of the humidity.

• Loose cotton tops – tank tops are fine for the beach, but bring short-sleeve tees for towns and temples.
• Swimwear (2–3 sets) – saltwater, chlorine, and waterfall swims mean you’ll rotate daily.
• Sarong – doubles as temple cover-up (required) and works at the beach too.
• Light sweater or wrap – Ubud evenings and Mount Batur mornings get surprisingly cool.
• Slip-on sandals – perfect for “shoes off” culture at homes, cafes, and temples.
• Sturdy sneakers – useful for hikes, rice terraces, and exploring waterfalls.
• Quick-dry shorts or pants – great for scooter rides where you’ll get splashed or rained on.

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Beach and Pool Must-Haves

Bali’s beaches are gorgeous, but they’re not always soft-sand perfect. You’ll find volcanic black-sand stretches, rocky tide pools, and coral edges.

• Rash guard – stops board rash if you’re surfing in Canggu or Kuta.
• Quick-dry towel – thin but powerful, for both the beach and waterfall treks.
• Dry bag – essential for boat transfers to Nusa Penida or Lombok.
• Polarized sunglasses – the equatorial glare is intense.
• Reef shoes – coral and rocky entries can slice your feet.
• Aloe vera gel – sold everywhere in Bali, but nice to pack your own to avoid tourist prices.

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Day Trip Explorations to Rice Terraces, Temples, and Jungle Trails

This is the Bali you see in postcards: green fields, mossy temples, and hidden waterfalls. But it comes with mud, mosquitoes, and long days outdoors.

• Small daypack – easy to wear on scooter rides and hikes.
• Reusable water bottle with filter – Bali tap water isn’t drinkable; a filter saves money and waste.
• Natural mosquito repellent – especially around Ubud, waterfalls, and rice fields.
• Portable charger – navigation + Instagram will kill your phone fast.
• Travel umbrella or poncho – afternoon downpours in rainy season are short but heavy.
• Headlamp – for sunrise hikes up Mount Batur.

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Eating, Drinking, and Avoiding “Bali Belly”

Street food, night markets, and smoothie bowls are part of Bali’s charm, but new travelers often underestimate the stomach adjustment. A basic health kit makes sure a bad nasi goreng doesn’t ruin your whole trip.

• Hand sanitizer – useful at warungs and roadside food stalls.
• Electrolyte packets – helps after heat exhaustion or stomach issues.
• Charcoal tablets or stomach meds – the go-to for travelers who get “Bali belly.”
• Basic first aid kit – small but packed with bandages for scooter scrapes.
• Prescription meds – always in original packaging; pharmacies can be limited outside Denpasar.

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Tech That Survives Scooters and Salt Air

Bali’s beauty begs to be photographed, but its climate is unforgiving. Between humidity, salt spray, and rainstorms, unprotected gadgets won’t last long. If you’re scootering, a mount for your phone is almost essential for navigation.

• Waterproof phone pouch – works at waterfalls, beaches, and on scooters in sudden rain.
• Action camera or GoPro – perfect for snorkeling, surfing, or climbing Mount Agung.
• Extra SD card – you’ll fill storage with temples, sunsets, and drone shots.
• Universal adapter (Type C plugs) – Bali uses European-style sockets.
• Scooter phone mount – Bali traffic + maps = hands-free navigation.
• Power bank – for long day trips and remote island ferries.

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🚫 Things You’ll Wish You Left Behind

Some items just don’t fit Bali. Heavy fabrics stay damp, heels are useless, and anything too valuable makes you worry more than enjoy.

• Heavy jeans and jackets – too hot and too heavy to dry.
• High heels – impossible on Bali’s uneven paths and scooter rides.
• Expensive jewelry or watches – unnecessary and risky.
• Large hair tools – the humidity wins anyway.
• Bulky toiletries – everything is cheap and easy to buy in Bali.