Our Ultimate 65 Item Backpacking Bali Packing List!

Bradley Williams
Written By:
Bradley Williams
Last Updated:
April 18, 2023
If you're looking for help with what to pack for Bali, then look no further! Here's my ridiculously in-depth Bali packing list, perfect for any traveller!
Bali packing list

I just wanted to start by saying that I absolutely LOVE Bali!

We’ve been there twice already in the last 3 years, and combined spent almost 2 whole months exploring it from top to bottom!

We’ve done it all ...

  • Riding mopeds through the mesmerising rice paddies? Check!
  • Lounging around on breathtaking beaches? Check!
  • Heading for big nights out in Seminyak and Kuta? Check!
  • Swimming in the many breathtaking waterfalls? Check!
  • Trying and failing epically at surfing? Double check!

So it’s fair to say that we know what we’re talking about when it comes to planning a trip to and knowing what to pack for Bali.

That’s why I wanted to give you an in-depth rundown of exactly what we took with us when backpacking Bali, and what you should pack for Bali to make for the most epic trip ever!

So sit back and relax with the only Bali packing list you're ever going to need!

First up ...

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Our #1 Thing to travel with!
Travel insurance tip
Psst!! ... Do you have travel insurance sorted?

Before traveling anywhere, make sure you have your travel insurance in place. We recommend SafetyWing.

Why?

Here's a few reasons ...

  • They Cover for Covid-19
  • You can pause and restart policies each month
  • They are more affordable than many providers

For more info, check out my in-depth SafetyWing review.

Ultimate Bali packing checklist

Men's Packing List

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Laptop
Laptop
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Digital camera
Digital camera
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Drone
Drone
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
Extension cord
Extension cord
External hard drive
External hard drive
Water shoes
Water shoes
Action / underwater camera
Action / underwater camera
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hiking Socks
Hiking Socks
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
Mosquito spray
Mosquito spray
International Driving License
International Driving License
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Jeans
Jeans
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Memory cards
Memory cards
Hiking socks
Hiking socks
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Money belt
Money belt
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
DSLR camera
DSLR camera
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Flip flops
Flip flops
Snorkel
Snorkel
Power bank
Power bank
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
Surf sunscreen
Surf sunscreen
Hat
Hat
Wash bag
Wash bag
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Unlocked smartphone
Unlocked smartphone
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Socks
Socks
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
DSLR camera lense
DSLR camera lense
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
First aid kit
First aid kit
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel locks
Travel locks
Tweezers
Tweezers
Bug repellant
Bug repellant
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Waist bag
Waist bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug

Women's Packing List

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Laptop
Laptop
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Digital camera
Digital camera
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Drone
Drone
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
Extension cord
Extension cord
External hard drive
External hard drive
Water shoes
Water shoes
Action / underwater camera
Action / underwater camera
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hiking Socks
Hiking Socks
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
Mosquito spray
Mosquito spray
International Driving License
International Driving License
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Jeans
Jeans
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Memory cards
Memory cards
Hiking socks
Hiking socks
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Money belt
Money belt
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
DSLR camera
DSLR camera
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Flip flops
Flip flops
Snorkel
Snorkel
Power bank
Power bank
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
Surf sunscreen
Surf sunscreen
Hat
Hat
Wash bag
Wash bag
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Unlocked smartphone
Unlocked smartphone
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Socks
Socks
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
DSLR camera lense
DSLR camera lense
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
First aid kit
First aid kit
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel locks
Travel locks
Tweezers
Tweezers
Bug repellant
Bug repellant
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Waist bag
Waist bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug

Travel essentials

First aid

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Laptop
Laptop
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Digital camera
Digital camera
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Drone
Drone
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
Extension cord
Extension cord
External hard drive
External hard drive
Water shoes
Water shoes
Action / underwater camera
Action / underwater camera
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hiking Socks
Hiking Socks
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
Mosquito spray
Mosquito spray
International Driving License
International Driving License
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Jeans
Jeans
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Memory cards
Memory cards
Hiking socks
Hiking socks
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Money belt
Money belt
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
DSLR camera
DSLR camera
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Flip flops
Flip flops
Snorkel
Snorkel
Power bank
Power bank
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
Surf sunscreen
Surf sunscreen
Hat
Hat
Wash bag
Wash bag
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Unlocked smartphone
Unlocked smartphone
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Socks
Socks
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
DSLR camera lense
DSLR camera lense
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
First aid kit
First aid kit
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel locks
Travel locks
Tweezers
Tweezers
Bug repellant
Bug repellant
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Waist bag
Waist bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug

Toiletries

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Laptop
Laptop
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Digital camera
Digital camera
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Drone
Drone
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
Extension cord
Extension cord
External hard drive
External hard drive
Water shoes
Water shoes
Action / underwater camera
Action / underwater camera
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hiking Socks
Hiking Socks
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
Mosquito spray
Mosquito spray
International Driving License
International Driving License
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Jeans
Jeans
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Memory cards
Memory cards
Hiking socks
Hiking socks
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Money belt
Money belt
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
DSLR camera
DSLR camera
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Flip flops
Flip flops
Snorkel
Snorkel
Power bank
Power bank
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
Surf sunscreen
Surf sunscreen
Hat
Hat
Wash bag
Wash bag
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Unlocked smartphone
Unlocked smartphone
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Socks
Socks
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
DSLR camera lense
DSLR camera lense
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
First aid kit
First aid kit
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel locks
Travel locks
Tweezers
Tweezers
Bug repellant
Bug repellant
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Waist bag
Waist bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug

Documents

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Laptop
Laptop
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Digital camera
Digital camera
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Drone
Drone
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
Extension cord
Extension cord
External hard drive
External hard drive
Water shoes
Water shoes
Action / underwater camera
Action / underwater camera
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hiking Socks
Hiking Socks
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
Mosquito spray
Mosquito spray
International Driving License
International Driving License
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Jeans
Jeans
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Memory cards
Memory cards
Hiking socks
Hiking socks
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Money belt
Money belt
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
DSLR camera
DSLR camera
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Flip flops
Flip flops
Snorkel
Snorkel
Power bank
Power bank
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
Surf sunscreen
Surf sunscreen
Hat
Hat
Wash bag
Wash bag
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Unlocked smartphone
Unlocked smartphone
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Socks
Socks
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
DSLR camera lense
DSLR camera lense
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
First aid kit
First aid kit
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel locks
Travel locks
Tweezers
Tweezers
Bug repellant
Bug repellant
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Waist bag
Waist bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug

Other

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Laptop
Laptop
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Digital camera
Digital camera
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Drone
Drone
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
Extension cord
Extension cord
External hard drive
External hard drive
Water shoes
Water shoes
Action / underwater camera
Action / underwater camera
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hiking Socks
Hiking Socks
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
Mosquito spray
Mosquito spray
International Driving License
International Driving License
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Jeans
Jeans
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Memory cards
Memory cards
Hiking socks
Hiking socks
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Money belt
Money belt
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
DSLR camera
DSLR camera
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Flip flops
Flip flops
Snorkel
Snorkel
Power bank
Power bank
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
Surf sunscreen
Surf sunscreen
Hat
Hat
Wash bag
Wash bag
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Unlocked smartphone
Unlocked smartphone
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Socks
Socks
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
DSLR camera lense
DSLR camera lense
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
First aid kit
First aid kit
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel locks
Travel locks
Tweezers
Tweezers
Bug repellant
Bug repellant
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Waist bag
Waist bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug

Tech/gadgets

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Laptop
Laptop
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Digital camera
Digital camera
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Drone
Drone
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
Extension cord
Extension cord
External hard drive
External hard drive
Water shoes
Water shoes
Action / underwater camera
Action / underwater camera
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hiking Socks
Hiking Socks
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
Mosquito spray
Mosquito spray
International Driving License
International Driving License
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Jeans
Jeans
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Memory cards
Memory cards
Hiking socks
Hiking socks
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Money belt
Money belt
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
DSLR camera
DSLR camera
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Flip flops
Flip flops
Snorkel
Snorkel
Power bank
Power bank
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
Surf sunscreen
Surf sunscreen
Hat
Hat
Wash bag
Wash bag
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Unlocked smartphone
Unlocked smartphone
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Socks
Socks
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
DSLR camera lense
DSLR camera lense
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
First aid kit
First aid kit
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel locks
Travel locks
Tweezers
Tweezers
Bug repellant
Bug repellant
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Waist bag
Waist bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug

Health & Safety

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Laptop
Laptop
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Digital camera
Digital camera
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Drone
Drone
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
Extension cord
Extension cord
External hard drive
External hard drive
Water shoes
Water shoes
Action / underwater camera
Action / underwater camera
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hiking Socks
Hiking Socks
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
Mosquito spray
Mosquito spray
International Driving License
International Driving License
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Jeans
Jeans
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Memory cards
Memory cards
Hiking socks
Hiking socks
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Money belt
Money belt
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
DSLR camera
DSLR camera
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Flip flops
Flip flops
Snorkel
Snorkel
Power bank
Power bank
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
Surf sunscreen
Surf sunscreen
Hat
Hat
Wash bag
Wash bag
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Unlocked smartphone
Unlocked smartphone
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Socks
Socks
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
DSLR camera lense
DSLR camera lense
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
First aid kit
First aid kit
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel locks
Travel locks
Tweezers
Tweezers
Bug repellant
Bug repellant
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Waist bag
Waist bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug

Miscellaneous

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Laptop
Laptop
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Digital camera
Digital camera
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Drone
Drone
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
Extension cord
Extension cord
External hard drive
External hard drive
Water shoes
Water shoes
Action / underwater camera
Action / underwater camera
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hiking Socks
Hiking Socks
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
Mosquito spray
Mosquito spray
International Driving License
International Driving License
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Jeans
Jeans
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Memory cards
Memory cards
Hiking socks
Hiking socks
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Money belt
Money belt
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
DSLR camera
DSLR camera
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Flip flops
Flip flops
Snorkel
Snorkel
Power bank
Power bank
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
Surf sunscreen
Surf sunscreen
Hat
Hat
Wash bag
Wash bag
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Unlocked smartphone
Unlocked smartphone
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Socks
Socks
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
DSLR camera lense
DSLR camera lense
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
First aid kit
First aid kit
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel locks
Travel locks
Tweezers
Tweezers
Bug repellant
Bug repellant
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Waist bag
Waist bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug

Other items to consider

Aftershave
Aftershave
Antimalarials
Antimalarials
Laptop
Laptop
Bandages & Tape
Bandages & Tape
Bluetooth speaker
Bluetooth speaker
Digital camera
Digital camera
Shorts
Shorts
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Travel Insurance
Copy Of Vaccinations
Copy Of Vaccinations
Deodorant
Deodorant
Diarrhoea kit
Diarrhoea kit
Disposable razors
Disposable razors
Drone
Drone
Document wallet
Document wallet
Driving license
Driving license
Dry bags
Dry bags
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo
Ear plugs
Ear plugs
Earphones
Earphones
Electric razor
Electric razor
Extension cord
Extension cord
External hard drive
External hard drive
Water shoes
Water shoes
Action / underwater camera
Action / underwater camera
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer
Hiking boots
Hiking boots
Hiking Socks
Hiking Socks
Hoody
Hoody
VPN
VPN
Mosquito spray
Mosquito spray
International Driving License
International Driving License
Jeans
Jeans
Jorts
Jorts
Kindle
Kindle
Travel pants
Travel pants
Light jacket
Light jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight Travel Towel
Lightweight Travel Towel
Jeans
Jeans
Local travel guidebook
Local travel guidebook
Memory card hard case
Memory card hard case
Memory cards
Memory cards
Hiking socks
Hiking socks
Moleskin Tape
Moleskin Tape
Money belt
Money belt
Multivitamins
Multivitamins
Needles and thread
Needles and thread
DSLR camera
DSLR camera
Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
Passport
Passport
Perfume
Perfume
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Phone Sim Tray Opener
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of passport
Plasters
Plasters
Playing cards
Playing cards
Playsuit
Playsuit
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Sunglasses
Flip flops
Flip flops
Snorkel
Snorkel
Power bank
Power bank
Swim shorts
Swim shorts
Swimsuits
Swimsuits
Surf sunscreen
Surf sunscreen
Hat
Hat
Wash bag
Wash bag
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Sunscreen
Sunscreen
Unlocked smartphone
Unlocked smartphone
Scissors/nail clippers
Scissors/nail clippers
Selfie stick
Selfie stick
Shampoo & conditioner
Shampoo & conditioner
Shirts
Shirts
T-shirts
T-shirts
Socks
Socks
T-shirts
T-shirts
Tank tops
Tank tops
DSLR camera lense
DSLR camera lense
Toothbrush
Toothbrush
Toothbrush travel container
Toothbrush travel container
Toothpaste
Toothpaste
Trainer socks
Trainer socks
Cap
Cap
Travel Cards
Travel Cards
First aid kit
First aid kit
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Tripod
Tripod
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel trainers
Travel locks
Travel locks
Tweezers
Tweezers
Bug repellant
Bug repellant
Underwater GoPro dome
Underwater GoPro dome
Waist bag
Waist bag
Waterproof phone case
Waterproof phone case
Flip flops
Flip flops
Worldwide Travel Plug
Worldwide Travel Plug

Choosing the right bag for Bali

Deciding which bag to buy for Bali is a very important topic, so I thought it right to give this it’s own section.

Of course, this is also very personal and will depend on the exact nature of your travel plans.

So when choosing which bag to take, consider the following.

  • How much travelling will you be doing around Bali?
  • Are you planning on visiting other countries after Bali?
  • How long is your trip going to be?
  • Will you be travelling alone or with others?

Choosing a larger backpack

For all of our backpacking adventures, Bali included, our policy has been to have a large backpack and then a day bag each.

For us, Osprey have long proved to be the ideal choice for backpackers, as they are fantastic quality, great value and last for a very long time!

In fact, if you have backpacked anywhere in the world then it’s hard to disagree as you quickly realise that most other travellers like you are also carrying an Osprey bag.

Mine was one of the first backpacking gifts I received and it's still going strong since 2015.

When picking a large backpack, I would say that something in the range of 50-65 litres is absolutely tonnes for one person.

In fact, Cazzy and I carry just one 70 litre bag between us (more on that below).

And bear in mind that we travel for at least 2 or 3 months at a time, and this is plenty of space.

Here are our 2 recommendations:

Bradley's choice

OSPREY PACKS FARPOINT 70 (FOR MEN)

Cazzy's choice

OSPREY PACKS RENN 65 (FOR WOMEN)

Choosing the perfect day bag

A day bag is a crucial thing to take to Bali, as there are so many wonderful day trips to be had.

In fact, on our second visit here, Cazzy and I rented a moped for 4 days from Kuta, left our bags at our hotel and ventured out on an epic road trip all around the north. 

We had just one day bag between us and it was all we needed to carry what we actually wanted.

Of course, it was important that it was great quality and comfortable.

My chosen day bag is a smaller Osprey day bag that’s perfect for more adventurous activities and is super lightweight and comfy (I’ve had the same one for 4 years).

And for Cazzy, she has a slightly bigger bag that’s well suited to carrying our laptops and other tech and gadgets when we’re out photographing or working remotely for the day.

**As of 2021, I would actually recommend picking up a Tropicfeel Shell backpack. I WISH we had this in Bali, as it would have been the perfect bag for our trip! Being able to expand and contract to our needs. It also serves as a great camera backpack. Read more in our review of Tropicfeel's Shell backpack.

Alternatively, grab yourself a Loctote Flak Sack. These anti-theft bags are amazing and can be tucked away in the bottom of your rucksack when not in use.

So, with that being said, here are our two recommendations.

Bradley's choice

OSPREY PACKS STRATOS 24

Cazzy's choice

Tropicfeel Shell backpack
Tropicfeel Shell Backpack

Or how about roll-on luggage?

If you're not into backpacks, then roll-on luggage definitely can be a much more convenient way to travel!

If you read Cazzy's review of Horizn Studios Luggage, you'll see that we are a big fan of their range.

They are more a of a luxury carry-on brand, but offer a lot of advanced features you don't find in most other luggage brands.

Such as in-built portable chargers, and the chance to customise your luggage with initials or more.

They are also super lightweight, offering more weight allowance your actual luggage, and are premium quality so built to last.

I recommend checking out their M5 Smart range as a good option for Bali.

carry-on luggage from Horizn Studios

Final thoughts on picking bags for travel to Bali

The first time we visited Bali was as a part of our 3 month backpacking trip that included packing for Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.

Our second visit was our 2 and a half month Indonesia adventure.

So both times we were in full backpacking mode; but with one key difference …

The first time, Cazzy and I each had a large 50-65 litre bag each; and the second time we only shared one between us.

Based on both experiences I can confidently say that just one such bag is plenty for 2 people!

Especially when you consider that Cazzy and I carry a lot more tech and gadgets than the average traveller seeing as we work when away.

There are a lot of benefits that come with having just one bag, such as:

  • It saves you a lot of money on checked baggage fees
  • It means you have less bags to worry about
  • It encourages you to not take unnecessary items with you when travelling

For me, this last one is the most crucial.

It’s so liberating when you travel with only what you need as opposed to packing everything but the kitchen sink!

But if you take a bag that’s too big, then your natural impulse is to fill it with things you don’t really need or want.

For more backpack ideas, check out my full review of Solgaard. They produce backpacks specifically designed for digital nomads. And as a digital nomad haven, Bali is a great place to take one!

You might also like: Best Sustainable Travel Backpacks
our bali day bag
Our only bag for our 4 day Bali road trip

What to pack for Bali: Travel Essentials

Okay, now that you’ve picked your bags to take to Bali, it’s time to start filling them!

First up, I’m going to give you a run down of all the travel essentials you’re going to need for your trip, as well as what to wear in Bali.

I broke it up into 6 sections that you can skip to using the links below if you want ...

  • Men’s clothing
  • Women’s clothing
  • First Aid
  • Toiletries
  • Travel banking
  • Important documents
Skip to:

What to wear in Bali for men

Here’s what I would take to Bali for a trip or holiday lasting 2 to 3 weeks ...

  • 4 or 5 t-shirts
  • 2 tank tops
  • 2 evening shirts - Come evening time it can still be pretty warm and muggy in Bali, so I always opt for thin, short-sleeved shirts.
  • 1 pair of jorts
  • 1 lightweight rain jacket - You mostly need this if you’re heading up into the hillier part of the country, or if you’re visiting in the wet season. Outside of that, you will unlikely really need this.
  • 2 pairs of swim trunks
  • 1 pair of jeans - I used these when doing a sunrise hike up Mount Batur; other than that one time I’m not sure I used them again.
  • 4 pairs of trainer socks
  • 1 pair of hiking socks - For any hiking you might want to do; one of the most popular being the Mount Batur sunrise hike.
  • 1 light hoody - Again, the main use I had for this was when we hiked up Mount Batur and it was freezing cold before the sun came up.
  • 1 cap
  • 1 pair of sunglasses
  • 1 pair of trainers - For most of your getting around in Bali, flip flops are fine; but a pair of great travel trainers are great for riding mopeds, light trekking and visiting waterfalls.
  • 1 pair of flip flops - I’ve always used Reef flip flops for travelling as they are great quality and well suited for longer amounts of walking than cheap flip flops.

What to wear in Bali for women (from Cazzy)

You’ll be happy to hear that there are no real strict rules when it comes to women’s clothing in Bali. 

Actually, you can wear pretty much what you want, except of course when visiting religious sites.

In general, think light clothes, bikinis, dresses etc that are easy to pack, wash and you can mix and match. 

This is an example of what I would bring for a 2-3 week Bali trip. 

  • 1 pair of water shoes - Water shoes are perfect for Bali because you’ll be spending a lot of time at waterfalls and on beaches. 
  • 1 pair of sunglasses - Sunglasses are crucial in Bali, the sun is strong and you’ll need to protect your eyes. 
  • 1 pair of hiking socks - If you plan on hiking Mount Batur, having decent socks and shoes is a good idea.
  • 5 pairs of trainer socks
  • 1 stylish hat - Protect your head from the sun and look good!
  • 1 pair of flip flops - Essential for all those Bali beach days ...
  • 4 t-shirts
  • 3 pairs of shorts
  • 2-3 swimming costumes/bikinis - Bali is a “water based” island so you’ll be using a lot of swimwear. 
  • 3 sun dresses
  • 2 long skirt
  • 1 pair of light trousers: Check out Buddha pants for lightweight, stylish travel pants perfect for Bali travel.
  • 2 playsuits or jumpsuits - These are perfect for the evening too if you want to dress up an outfit for a night out in Bali. 
  • 1 light jacket - This is a good idea for any early morning hikes or tours, it can be a little chilly on some mornings. 
  • 1 pair of trainers - I recommend checking out our Tropicfeel shoes review, for a great all-in-one travel trainer for Bali.

Washing clothes when backpacking Bali

Almost all of the hotels, hostels and villas that we have stayed in in Bali have had some sort of washing facility.

And even if not, you’ll find someone locally who can take your clothes and have them washed and returned within a day.

It’s not very expensive either, so this has always been our policy for washing clothes in Bali.

clothes in Bali
It's pretty easy to buy clothes in Bali if you left anything at home

First aid kit

We take a small first aid kit to us to every country we visit.

It doesn’t have to take up very much room and is there to deal with the majority of any minor cuts or scrapes you might take.

  • Tweezers
  • Paracetamol
  • Scissors/nail clippers
  • Bandages & tape
  • Antiseptic cream
  • Moleskin tape - A much better equivalent to Compeeds, especially if you’re doing a lot of hiking in Indonesia.
  • Plasters
  • Needles and thread
  • Diarrhoea kit - I highly recommend having one of these with you when backpacking anywhere in the world as there’s a good chance you will be in dire need of it at some point down the road.

Ready-made travel first aid kit

If you don’t yet own a travel first aid kit, then here’s a good option to buy.

It contains the majority of what you need and you can then just add in any other items you want to take with you.

Plus, it’s small enough to tuck away in your backpack and not take up much space.

Toiletries

We tend to pick up most of our toiletries before we leave for the country, and I recommend you do the same when travelling to Bali.

Toiletries can be a little pricey here, especially in the popular tourist areas, and they don’t have any large supermarkets offering cheap versions.

  • Wash bag - When choosing a wash bag, make sure yours has a strap so that you can easily hang it up in all of the typically small bathrooms that Bali hotels & hostels have.
  • Shampoo & conditioner 2 in 1
  • Dry shampoo
  • 2 x toothbrush 
  • 2 toothbrush travel container
  • Toothpaste
  • Disposable razors
  • Shaving foam
  • Electric razor
  • Small perfume
  • Small aftershave
  • Men’s deodorant
  • Women’s deodorant

Travel Banking

A crucial part of your Bali packing list should be how you plan on withdrawing cash.

Another one of the great things about Bali is that they have ATM’s absolutely everywhere and they don’t charge you to withdraw!

This is a big plus compared to many countries in Asia which charge ridiculous fees to withdraw cash (just one of the many reasons I dislike Thailand).

For us, we always take 4 travel cards with us; it sounds like a lot but they’re free and it means we have plenty in case of emergencies.

In fact ...

  • 2 live in my wallet
  • 1 lives in my big rucksack
  • 1 lives in Cazzy’s big rucksack or day bag

That way, if ever a situation arose whereby my wallet got stolen, or one of our bags got lost or stolen, we are not stranded without means to getting cash out.

We also usually keep a few dollars hidden away in one of the bags so that it’s there just in case; USD is a pretty universal currency.

What are the best banks in Bali?

There are lots of different banks in Bali and we have never had difficulty getting cash out, so in that matter I don’t think we actually have a favourite bank.

They typically all take both Visa and Mastercard and we have never had trouble using our UK-issued travel cards in them.

Which travel cards do we use?

We’ve tried a number of different travel cards since we started travelling and the two favourites that we have settled on are Monzo and Revolut.

These are digital banking companies founded in the UK that have grown rapidly in popularity and customers.

And it’s really not very hard to see why when they are better than typical banks in almost every way!

Not least the fact that they can be used in any country around the world and have no fees for exchanging or paying in foreign currencies.

If you’re from the UK then I recommend giving them a go, if you're from outside the UK then look into them but I’m not sure whether they are yet being offered to customers from outside the UK.

They are both completely free to use; simply download the app through the links above, enter the standard personal details and they then send your card to you directly.

You just need to allow up to a week for it to arrive; though in our experience they have always arrived in just 3 or 4 days.

You then activate your card via the app and you're good to go.

You top up from your regular UK bank and can then use it in the UK or any other country.

Just be sure to always pay in the foreign currency so as to get the best exchange rate.

This also includes at ATMs where you choose the “pay in local currency” option as opposed to the “charge in GBP '' option; in which case you’ll be given a bad exchange rate through the ATMs bank.

Read Also: Monzo vs Revolut: Which Is Best For Travel?
wearing a long dress in bali

Important Documents

Before travelling to Bali, make sure you’ve got all the necessary travel documents you need.

This includes those for entering the country, for renting vehicles and even for emergencies.

Here’s the important documents we took with us to Bali.

  • Passport - Pretty obvious one ...
  • Wallet to hold important documents - We have a plastic wallet that Cazzy is firmly in charge of and which she uses to keep all our important documents organised.
  • Driving license and international driving license - This is vital for if you plan on hiring a car or moped in Bali. If you’re from the UK, you can get the necessary international driving license from The Post Office.
  • Copy of your vaccinations - Many countries in Asia might require you to show proof of your vaccinations before they allow you in. This has not been the case with us for Bali before, but we have it with us regardless.
  • Copy of your passport and travel insurance - It’s always useful to keep a copy of this when heading to Bali. Some hotels and tour providers might need your passport details, and you don’t always want to be handing over your actual passport. And a copy of your travel insurance is great to have on hand, just in case you do need emergency treatment.
  • Travel insurance - On that note, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS buy travel insurance. If you're from the US or a number of other countries, then SafetyWing can oftentimes be a great value choice for backpackers. If you're from the UK, then they may be more expensive. I find that Compare The Market offers the best range and prices on travel insurance. I feel really hypocritical now as on my first visit to Bali it took me 4 days to realise that my previous travel insurance had already expired and I had been without cover up til that point (riding mopeds and get taken under by humongous waves when learning to surf!). I then had to pay for emergency travel insurance which cost me £200 more because I was already on my trip. So yeah, buy before you go! Also, check the small print to see how long each of your trips can be. For example, I could only find one UK provider offering me cover for trips of up to 90 days at a time, all the rest are usually 2 - 4 weeks maximum.

Cameras & other tech for backpacking Bali

The reason Bali has become so incredibly popular in recent years, is largely due to how spectacularly beautiful it is.

It really is a very scenic country, with endless rice paddies, gorgeous waterfalls, old temples and white sandy beaches.

In fact, even after exploring many of the other islands in Indonesia (like Java and Nusa Penida), I can honestly say that Bali is the most naturally picture perfect one I’ve seen.

So, when you visit, it’s only fitting you have the right gear necessary in order to take full use of nature all around and capture those Instagram worthy Bali photos.

When we backpacked Bali, here is the camera and other gadgets that we took with us.

DSLR

A DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera is a great way to up your photography game beyond using your smartphone. There are all kinds of DSLRs on the market and it doesn’t matter too much which one you get so long as it’s a good quality one that is compatible with a wide range of lenses. We purchased a wide angle lens before our visit to Bali in order to take full advantage of capturing the landscapes (notably the rice paddies up north). Here are some useful lens guides for many of the best travel cameras: Sony a7 / Sony a7ii / Sony a7iii / Sony a7riii / Sony a6000 / Sony a6300 / Sony a6400 / Sony a6500 / Sony a6600 / Sony z6 / Canon M50 / Canon 80D / Canon 90D / Canon 6D Mark II / Panasonic GH5 / Nikon D750 / Nikon D850 / Nikon D3100 / Nikon D3200 / Nikon D3300 / Nikon D3400 / Nikon D3500 / Nikon D5600

G7 X Mark II
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
Check Price on Amazon

Handheld video camera

We’ve used this blogging camera now for a number of years and it’s a great way to capture high quality pictures and videos everywhere we go. It also has great quality sound recording, perfect for then editing together videos from our travels. We use this extensively in our travels, particularly for times when we don’t want to carry the DSLR around with us and need something more compact.

GoPro Hero 8
GoPro HERO8 Black
Check Price on Amazon

Underwater camera / action camera

Newer models of GoPro (notably the 7 onwards) have incredible image stabilisation which means that it smooths out any videos you record. They also now come with far better sound recording technology and you no longer need to fit them in a waterproof case. When it comes to photography, you get some really incredible, high quality fish-eye lens shots. You’ll get a lot of use out of these when you’re in Bali, particularly if you plan on surfing. Just be sure to pick up a few surfboard mounts before you visit. Alternatively, you could pick up a GoPro alternative, many of which are cheaper these days, though often don't match up like-for-like on quality.

Drone

We bought our drone just before visiting Sri Lanka in 2018 and have not looked back! It really is unbeatable in its ability to capture the most breathtaking photos and videos. You simply can’t get the sorts of shots it allows for and it’s also a lot of fun to fly. You’d also be surprised by how easy the best travel drones are to fly, though I have always stuck to the DJI range which is easily regarded as offering the best range of hobbyist drones on the market. That being said, the latest alternatives to DJI do come in far cheaper, whilst still offering much of the same technical specification.

Other Gadgets we travel with

unlocked phone
Unlocked Smartphone (with local sim)
Check Price on Amazon

Health & Safety

In Bali, two of your biggest natural hazards are the sun and the mosquitos. 

As mentioned earlier, it’s usually 30 degrees and above all year round in Bali, so having a good quality sunscreen is a must-have. 

Mosquitos aren’t quite as frequent, but do become more prevalent in the rainy season.

  • Mosquito repellant spray - Sure it can be a little stinky, but it does the job!
  • Plug in mosquito deterrent - You plug this into the wall at your hotel or hostel and it emits a high frequency noise that helps keep mosquitos and other kinds of bugs away.
  • Sunscreen - We usually opt for SPF 50+ and UPF close to 30 because it does get really hot in the midday Bali sun!
  • Face sunscreen for surfing - I’ve found that having sunscreen like this is much better for surfing as it tends to remain on a lot longer. Ideal if you do plan on making the most of Bali’s famous waves.
  • Antimalarials - Typically speaking, the risk of malaria in Bali is very low, however it does exist and becomes more common in certain parts of the island at certain parts of the year. It’s best to consult with your travel doctor before visiting Bali to see if you need to pack any antimalarials.
  • Travel Padlock - We carry around a small travel padlock for all of our bags, which just gives you peace of mind if you ever need to leave your bag unattended.

Miscellaneous things to pack for Bali

Here’s a few other items we packed that you may want to consider adding to your own packing list for Bali.

  • Fold down coffee mug - A great way for Cazzy to maintain her coffee addiction without using up so many plastic cups! Also, the fold down ones are great for packing away when not in use.
  • Worldwide travel plug - This is a must have for any packing list, not just Bali! Having an international adaptor means that, no matter where in the world you find yourself next, you will always have the right charger at hand.
  • Pin to open sim card hole on phone - A small yet usually forgotten tool! I carry a small metal opener in my wallet that is there whenever we need it for changing the sims in different countries.
  • Dry bag - A high quality dry bag can serve lots of purposes. If you plan on doing lots of trips out onto the water around Bali, then get a heavy duty one with straps. This means you can leave all your belongings in the boat, safe away from water.
  • Quick drying towel - If you’re backpacking Bali and other countries in Southeast Asia, then having a big, fluffy towel simply isn’t practical. It’s one of the few home comforts I really miss, but there you are! We’ve always found that any hotels we’ve stayed at in Bali have provided towels, so you only really need your own one for the beach or day trips to Bali’s waterfalls. So that’s why it’s best to get a small, quick drying towel.
  • Playing cards - A must have for any seasoned traveller! Do you have any great 2 person card games to recommend for us? Let me know in the comments below.
  • Earphones - Much more practical than big headphones.
  • Hand sanitiser - We keep a small tube of this in our day bag so that we can wash our hands before eating when we are out and about exploring in nature; this is definitely a must-have for Bali.

What NOT to pack for Bali!

Now that we’ve covered most of the things you do need to take with you, here’s a few things that I don’t think you need in your final Bali packing list.

  • A bag that is too big - I mentioned it above but I’ll say it again; if you plan on backpacking around a number of countries, don’t take a ridiculously big bag as you will only fill it with stuff you don't need. You can spot couples like this a mile off, sometimes with a giant 70 litre bag each, as well as two overflowing day bags and each carrying a carrier bag. God knows what they have with them!
  • A sleeping bag - Not necessary in Bali where everywhere will provide you with proper bedding, even hostels.

Other items to add to your Bali packing list

Finally, here’s a few things that we didn’t take with us to Bali but which you might want to consider yourself.

  • Anti-theft bag - Anti-theft travel bags are especially good if you need to travel a lot in crowded places with lots of tech and other valuables, and want a way to deter pickpockets.
  • Packing cubes - So many backpackers swear by these as the best way to keep your bag properly organised when travelling for long periods of time. They are probably right, and we definitely need to start using these ourselves!
  • Money belt/waist bag - Not really my thing, but again lots of travellers carry them.
  • Kindle - A great alternative to carrying lots of real books around. Personally I just use my phone for this as we have lots of gadgets to worry about as it is!
  • Hiking boots - We didn’t do a lot of hiking in Bali, except for climbing Mount Batur, and even then these weren’t necessary.
  • Physical books/travel guides - Nothing beats an actual book, but just not practical for space-saving.
  • Ear plugs - If you plan on sleeping in a lot of hostels in Bali, then these could be a good investment.
  • Multivitamins - I’ve taken these on a few longer term trips, but I’m really not sure how much benefit they had.
  • Waterproof phone case - Personally, I would only ever take my GoPro in the water; but tonnes of people instead used a waterproof case over their smartphone when taking pictures in the ocean and the waterfalls.
  • Selfie stick
  • Underwater dome for GoPro - We really want to get one of these!
  • Extension cord - Great for if you plan on having lots of devices on charge at one time; we’ve taken one of these away a few times but it wasn’t a part of our Bali packing list.
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Snorkel - If you plan on doing a lot of snorkelling in Bali, then this could be a good shout; alternatively a lot of places do rent these or include them in tour prices.

A few quick Bali packing tips

Think carefully about where you plan on visiting

If you’re just heading to Bali for a relaxed holiday, then you don’t need to worry quite so much about being strict on what you pack. But, if like us you plan on renting a moped and exploring much of this island and neighbouring islands; then plan ahead by having the right sort of day bag that will allow you to carry all you need.

Remember, it gets hot and muggy!

Regardless of whether you’re a guy or a gal, make sure your clothes are lightweight and not made of heavy fabrics. Even once the sun goes in, it’s typically warm and muggy in Bali so loose-fitting clothing is best.

You can buy almost everything out there

Don't panic and pack everything but the kitchen sink. Bali is a very developed country, especially in Kuta where they now have a massive shopping mall! So if you do find you’ve forgotten any clothing for toiletries, then it’s easy to pick up new ones there.

swimsuits and elephants in bali

Well, that’s about it!

If you do have any other questions about what to pack for Bali, then just drop a comment below and I’ll help where I can.

Other than that, I hope you have a really memorable time in this truly crazy country!

For more Bali travel tips and help planning the rest of your Bali backpacking adventure, here’s some other guides you might find useful:

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