bali family villa
04 Oct 2025

What to Pack for Bali: Must-Have Items for Your Trip

Parents usually overthink about what to pack for Bali holidays with kids, especially families traveling with kids. Bali is located on the Earth’s equator with a tropical climate, which means sunshine, humidity, and occasional sudden downpours, requiring a specific packing list to keep you comfortable.

This comprehensive guide will cover all the essential things to take to Bali, from clothing suitable for temples to the necessary electronics and medical supplies, ensuring you have all the essentials covered. By following our step-by-step advice, you’ll know exactly what things to pack for Bali so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

Things to Know About Bali

Understanding the local climate, culture, and practical details will help you choose the right items without overpacking. This island is hot and humid year-round, with temperatures averaging around 86°F (30°C).

  • The dry season (April to October) offers the most sunshine, which is the best time to visit Bali. 
  • The wet season (November to March) brings higher rainfall, typically in short, heavy bursts.
  • Regardless of the season, lightweight, breathable fabrics are your best friends.

Culturally, this island is conservative, especially when visiting sacred sites like temples. It is essential to pack a sarong or cover-up to respectfully cover your shoulders and legs. 

Finally, remember that you can buy many common items like basic toiletries, clothes, and snacks locally, so there’s no need to overpack and make a long Bali travel checklist. You just need to bring the specific medicine you usually take if you get sick or experience Bali Belly

What is the 5-to-1 Rule for Packing?

To help you pack efficiently and avoid over-stuffing your luggage, consider the "5 to 1" rule for creating a travel capsule wardrobe. The basic formula often follows this structure:

  • Five Tops, making it easy to mix and match with different bottoms. 
  • Four Bottoms, such as shorts, skirts, or pants that suit the weather.
  • Three Pairs of Shoes which are for casual wear, formal occasions, and outdoor activities.
  • Two Dresses or Layers bring some versatile options for evenings or cooler nights.
  • One of Each Main Accessory, you can bring some essentials like a hat, belt, watch, or bag.

This method is excellent for shorter trips, but can also be adapted for a one-week or longer stay in Bali by doing laundry. By sticking to a simple color palette, you can mix and match these few items to create numerous outfits, making your things to pack for tropical holidays both manageable and versatile for every occasion and tourist destinations in Bali.

What to Pack for Bali for a Female

Women can easily overpack but still miss the essentials. The key to a female Bali packing list is light, comfortable, and versatile clothing.

1. Clothing:

  • 5 - 7 light tops such as tanks, t-shirts, and light blouses.
  • 2 pairs of light shorts.
  • 1 - 2 breathable skirts or dresses.
  • 1 pair of lightweight long pants for temple visits or cooler evenings.
  • 2 - 3 swimwear items like bikinis or one-piece swimsuits.
  • 1 sarong for temple visits and as a beach cover-up, this a non-negotiable essential, but if you don’t have one, you can easily buy it when you land in Bali. 

2. Footwear:

  • Comfortable walking sandals or flip-flops.
  • One pair of fashionable sandals or flats.
  • One pair of comfortable sneakers for rice field walks or hiking.

3. Accessories:

  • Sun hat
  • UV-protected sunglasses
  • Small day bag
  • Reusable water bottle

4. Toiletries & Essentials:

  • Sunscreen with high SPF and reef safe. You should bring one because sunscreen is expensive locally. 
  • Basic toiletries
  • Feminine hygiene products

5. Optional Things

Pack 1 - 2 nicer evening outfits, such as a maxi dress and a stylish set of sandals. Perfect as your villa or resort outfit if you are staying in beautiful ambiences like Earth Villa or Kanadea Villa, which are ideal choices for family hotels in Bali.

What to Pack for Bali for a Male

For a male Bali packing list, focus on comfort and fast-drying materials to handle the heat and humidity. Essential items include:

1. Clothing:

  • 5 - 7 t-shirts or tank tops
  • 2 - 3 pairs of board shorts or swim trunks
  • 2 - 3 pairs of lightweight shorts
  • 1 pair of lightweight long trousers or chinos, perfect for temples or smart-casual dining. 
  • 1 light collared shirt for formal dinners because some of the dining spots have formal dress code. 

2. Footwear:

  • Flip-flops
  • Comfortable walking sandals
  • Comfortable trainers or sneakers

3. Accessories:

  • Cap or sun hat
  • UV-protected sunglasses
  • Small daypack
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sarong which is for temple visits. 

4. Toiletries:

  • Sunscreen that has a high SPF and is reef-safe. 
  • Preferred deodorants from specific brands can be expensive locally. It’s better if you can bring an anti-perspirant. 

Essential Things to Pack for Kids

For families traveling with kids, especially if you travel with 2 year olds or younger, you should prepare everything in advance. So, don’t miss these must-have things to take to Bali, which include a few extra considerations on your packing list:

1. Clothing & Swimwear:

  • Lightweight and bright clothing that can absorb sweat properly. 
  • 2–3 swimsuits for a fun beach day. 
  • Rash guards for superior sun protection. 
  • Sun hat with a neck flap

2. Health & Safety:

  • Children’s pain relievers such as Paracetamol/Ibuprofen. 
  • Electrolyte packets or oral rehydration salts for first aid for kids getting Bali Belly
  • Mosquito repellent with DEET-free for younger kids. 
  • Small first aid kit

3. Other Essentials:

  • Reusable swim diapers, if applicable, help reduce disposable diaper waste. 
  • Small, favorite toys or books for downtime. 
  • A small portable fan to keep your kid fresh even in really hot weather. 
  • Preferred brand of medication, local equivalents may be unfamiliar or more expensive. 

Medical Pack for Bali

A well-stocked medical kit is one of the most important essentials you can prepare, especially if your family has allergies or since most travelers often experience Bali Belly. Here is what to include in your Bali travel checklist before plan a family holiday in Bali:

1. For Gastrointestinal Issues:

  • Anti-diarrheal tablets like Imodium. 
  • Charcoal tablets
  • Electrolyte sachets or rehydration salts
  • Probiotics, start to consume it maximum a week before your trip. 

2. General Essentials:

  • Painkillers such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen. 
  • Antiseptic wipes.
  • Band-Aids/Plasters.
  • Anti-itch cream for bites or minor rashes. 

3. For Insects:

  • Mosquito repellent with DEET or Picaridin. 
  • Anti-itch cream for bites because Dengue fever is a risk, so apply repellent diligently, especially at dawn and dusk.

4. Prescription Medication:

  • Bring in the original container
  • Include a doctor’s note
  • Pack enough for your entire trip

Electrical Pack for Bali

Ensuring your devices stay charged is a key thing to take to Bali, particularly for long-term stay digital nomads or explorers. Essential items include:

1. Power & Charging:

  • Universal Travel Adapter, since this island uses Type C and Type F electrical outlets, this is a non-negotiable Bali essential.
  • High-capacity Power Bank, which is a portable charger and crucial for long days of exploring.
  • Multi-plug adapter or power strip

2. Devices:

  • Unlocked smartphone (for a local SIM/eSIM).
  • Laptop or tablet.
  • Camera or GoPro.
  • E-reader.

3. Protection:

  • Waterproof phone case.
  • Dry bag to safeguard electronics from unexpected rain or water activities.

Avoid Packing These Items for Your Bali Trip

To keep your Bali travel checklist light and avoid unnecessary hassle, leave these items at home:

1. Heavy or Bulky Clothing

Jackets, thick jeans, or winter sweaters will take up space and won’t be worn in the island tropical heat.

2. Expensive Jewelry

It’s safer to leave flashy items at home to avoid theft. Even though Bali is considered one of the safest provinces in Indonesia, this is still the best decision.

3. Lots of Cash in Your Home Currency

Many travelers are confused about what currency is accepted in Bali, the answer is rupiah but you don’t need to exchange much in your home currency. Exchange a small amount at the airport and use ATMs or trusted local money changers for better rates, and you can use credit cards with Visa or Mastercard in many places in Bali. 

4. Hair Dryer

Most quality accommodations, including villas like Earth Villa and Ayona Canggu, provide one, so you don’t need to bring it.

5. Too Many Shoes

Stick to the “3 pairs of shoes” rule from the 5-to-1 method. Too many shoes will only make your luggage unnecessarily heavy.

Final Thought On Packing List for Bali Holiday

Packing smart for Bali means focusing on light, breathable clothing, essential toiletries, and a reliable medical kit, especially when traveling with kids. By planning carefully, you’ll avoid overpacking and enjoy more freedom to explore.

Beyond clothes and gadgets, the key is preparing responsibly for the climate, culture, and comfort of your family. For families or groups, choosing the right accommodation makes all the difference, and one of the best recommendations is Stay at Solo.