Updated: 27 August, 2024
Here’s a guide on what to pack for Bali, covering clothes, shoes, accessories, and a few handy tips so you’re fully prepared for your trip.
Bali is one of the most unique and beautiful destinations you can visit, known for its tropical climate. The year is split into a dry season (April to September) and a wet season (October to March).
If you’re getting ready for your trip and wondering what to wear in Bali, you’re in the right place! I’ll walk you through everything you need to pack so you don’t overpack but still have all the essentials.
Clothing for Bali
First, no matter how many days you’ll be in Bali, I suggest packing enough clothes for just 5 days (7 at most) and planning to do laundry while you’re there. I’ll share some info about laundry services at the end of the article.
For fabrics, it’s best to go with natural, breathable materials like cotton or viscose. You can also opt for lightweight fabrics that handle Bali’s heat and humidity well, such as silk or linen.
To give you an idea, this is my packing list for Bali:
- 2 pairs of shorts (1 athletic)
- 1 skirt
- 1 pair of pants
- 2 dresses (1 beach dress)
- 3 t-shirts
- 2 blouses
- 1 set of pajamas
- 1 bikini
- Underwear for 5 days
I can confidently say that this was more than enough, and I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. The best part is that since summer clothes are so light, I managed to travel with just carry-on luggage. ✌😃
Plus, if you do run out of clothes because of rain or a missed laundry day, you can always buy more there—clothes in Bali are quite affordable.
You might notice I didn’t mention any specific outfits for going out at night. That’s because Bali’s nightlife is pretty laid-back.
For exploring rice fields and waterfalls, I prefer more sporty clothes, which is why I packed shorts and t-shirts along with a beach dress.
The rest of the clothes I brought were versatile and easy to mix and match for different situations, whether I was visiting temples or going out in the evening.
Footwear for Bali
You won’t need to bring a lot of shoes for your trip to Bali, and it’s best to stick with versatile options.
Here are a few that will come in handy:
- Rubber flip flops (like Havaianas): Ideal for the beach, pool, and even walking around Ubud.
- Water shoes: An essential for swimming in waterfalls.
- Comfortable sneakers : Great for trekking through rice fields and the jungle.
💚 Alternative
If you want to save space and pack light, the best choice is to bring a pair of hiking sandals. They’re practical and comfy enough to replace all three types of footwear mentioned above.
I have a pair like these for women, and here’s a link to some men’s options.
If hiking sandals aren’t your style, there are also some cute and comfy sandals for women that are perfect for walking all day without hurting your feet, like these.
Accessories and Toiletries
Here are some essentials to pack for Bali:
- A hat or cap.
- A sarong, useful for covering up at temples or for the beach. If you don’t have one, a compact travel towel like this one is a great alternative.
- Sunscreen.
- Mosquito repellent—I recommend Repel 100; it keeps the mosquitoes at bay. 😅
- A foldable backpack like this one, perfect for day trips. It fits easily in your main backpack or suitcase since it folds up small.
- A rain poncho, especially if you’re visiting during the wet season. This one is great because it’s open on the sides for breathability, and you can fit your backpack underneath it.
👍 Friend's Tip: If you don’t already have a sarong, you can wait and buy one in Bali. They’re beautiful and affordable. Some are even decorated using the traditional Balinese batik technique, like the ones in the photo below. 😍
⭐ In this other article you can read about What to bring to Southeast Asia? – 47 Essentials in your Backpack, where I cover even more useful accessories.
Clothing and Footwear for Hiking or Trekking
Bali, also known as the Island of the Gods, is perfect for hiking or trekking through its stunning mountains, with one of the most beautiful trails leading to Mount Batur.
Here’s what you’ll need for hiking in Bali (or trekking):
- Hiking shoes or sneakers good grip: Smooth-soled shoes won’t cut it. I saw people struggling because they didn’t have proper traction.
- Trekking poles: Lightweight and compact options like these are a great choice.
- Headlamp: Essential if you’re doing a sunrise hike and also handy in case of a power outage.
- Warm layers: I recommend leggings or pants paired with a light fleece or windbreaker jacket.
⭐ You may be interested in this other article about What to do in Bali: 18 essentials, where I cover Mount Batur and everything you’ll need to bring. 😉
Gear for Surfing and Yoga in Bali
Surfing and yoga are two of the most popular activities in Bali, with the island being one of the top global destinations for both.
If you plan to surf, I recommend a surf swimsuit if you’re a woman. It’s comfortable, stays in place, and provides sun protection. For men, surf shirts are the best option.
For yoga, whether you’re doing a single class, a retreat, or a full course, studios usually provide all the necessary equipment.
However, if you have room in your luggage, it’s better to bring your own mat or at least a yoga towel —it’s more hygienic and easy to pack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When visiting temples, you’ll need clothing that covers your shoulders and knees—this applies to both men and women.
You can either wear suitable clothing or carry a sarong in your bag to cover up before entering.
This is a common question for female travelers since Indonesia is mostly a Muslim country, but Bali is an exception, where Balinese Hinduism is the main religion.
Many Balinese women wear traditional, conservative clothing called Kebaya, especially at work. Others opt for more Western-style outfits.
For your trip to Bali, don’t worry—you can comfortably wear Western clothing, including short skirts, shorts, and tank tops. Just remember to cover up when entering temples, as mentioned earlier.
A carry-on suitcase (or a 40-liter backpack) and a small bag should be enough to hold everything you need. Plus, if you forget something, it’s easy to find whatever you need on the island.
You’ll find laundry services everywhere in Bali, usually close to your hotel. They’re affordable and return your clothes neatly ironed and smelling fresh.
If you search on Google Maps you will find them by laundry or laundromat.
The best approach is to gather enough clothes and have them washed every 3 to 4 days. Typically, you drop them off one day and pick them up the next.
I paid around 50,000 rupiahs (about 3 euros) for 3 kg, but prices vary by location. Some laundries even offer pick-up and delivery for a small extra fee.
One thing to be aware of is that these services don’t usually separate clothes by color or delicate fabrics, even if they say they do. 🙈😅 You'll thank me later!
My advice? Avoid packing delicate items that need special care. If you have to bring them, hand-wash them to avoid any damage.
Alternatively, you can hand-wash everything at your hotel. Just keep in mind that during monsoon season, drying times can be long, especially for thicker fabrics.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article helps you figure out what clothes and essentials to pack for Bali based on the activities you plan to do.
Check out my Bali guide with all my articles full of tips to help you plan your trip.
If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘
More about Bali
- 6 Best Villas in Bali: luxury holidays at a good price
- Best time to travel to Bali: climate and prices
- Surfing in Bali: everything you need to know
- 5 Best Yoga Retreats in Bali, Indonesia
- 5 Best Yoga Teacher Courses in Bali
- Thailand or Bali? Which one should I visit?
Hello, I’m Andrea, the creator and writer of Viajeros Activos (Active Travelers). I’m a nomad, so I consider myself a full-time traveler. I’m passionate about good food and always looking for new adventures.
Mil gracias por la guia.
Gracias por comentar Carolina!
Have a good trip 🙂