Exploring Bali: Packing Essentials For Your Trip

Bali is a tropical island with warm and humid weather all year round, so lightweight clothing is a must. It is also home to many Hindu temples, so it is important to pack clothes that cover your knees and shoulders when visiting these sites. Bali is known for its beautiful beaches, so don't forget to pack your swimwear and beachwear. It can rain a lot in Bali, so a lightweight rain jacket is also recommended.

In addition to clothing, there are a few other essentials you should consider packing for your trip to Bali. These include:

- Sun protection, such as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses

- Insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes

- A small first aid kit with basic medications and supplies

- Travel documents, such as your passport, visa (if required), and travel insurance

- Electronics, such as a phone, charger, and adapter

- A reusable water bottle, as tap water is not safe to drink in Bali

- A small amount of local currency, Indonesian Rupiah, for purchases and tipping

Clothing

When deciding what to pack for Bali, it's important to consider the climate and the activities you plan to do. The weather in Bali is warm and humid all year round, so lightweight and breathable clothing is essential. Here are some recommendations for what to pack in terms of clothing:

• Pack at least one longer dress, preferably a maxi dress.
• For a two-week trip, bring a white button-down shirt, 2-3 pairs of loose pants, exercise clothes, linen or rayon shorts, and a few breathable shirts.
• If you plan on snorkelling, consider bringing a rash guard to prevent sunburn.
• For visits to religious sites and traditional villages, make sure to dress conservatively by covering your legs and shoulders.
• Pack lightweight and comfortable footwear such as sandals, flip-flops, and walking shoes.
• Bring a light rain jacket if you're visiting during the rainy season (November to April).
• Pack swim trunks and 2-3 pairs of shorts (athletic or khaki shorts are fine).
• Bring t-shirts in a colour that won't show sweat stains.
• Include a button-down shirt and 1-2 short-sleeve button-up shirts.
• For footwear, bring rubber thongs (flip-flops), sturdy sandals with good traction, and tennis shoes or sneakers.
• A light rain jacket is recommended for the rainy season.

In general, casual and comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities in Bali. However, if you plan to visit luxury resorts or restaurants, you may want to dress up slightly, although the dress code is still relatively relaxed. It's also important to pack modest clothing that covers your legs and shoulders when visiting religious sites and traditional villages.

Toiletries

When packing toiletries for a trip to Bali, it's important to consider the availability of certain products on the island. While Bali has supermarkets and pharmacies that stock international brands, some products may be more expensive or difficult to find. Here are some recommendations for toiletries to take with you:

• Toothpaste, toothbrush, and other dental care items are readily available in Bali, but bringing your preferred brands in travel-sized containers can be a good idea.
• Sunscreen is essential, especially if you plan to spend time at the beach or pool. Choose a reef-safe, biodegradable option that is environmentally friendly.
• Mosquito repellent is a must-have to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever. You can opt for a spray, stick, or soap with mosquito-repelling properties.
• Feminine hygiene products, such as tampons, may be challenging to find in Bali. It is advisable to bring your preferred products to ensure you have sufficient supply during your trip.
• Bring a small travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer for encounters with public toilets and to maintain hygiene on the go.
• If you have prescription medications, ensure you bring an adequate supply for your trip. It may be challenging to find the exact equivalent at local pharmacies without a prescription.
• Pack a small umbrella or poncho, especially if you're visiting during the wet season (November to April), to stay dry during sudden downpours.
• Shampoo, conditioner, and other hair care products are available in Bali, but if you have specific preferences or needs, bring travel-sized containers of your favourite brands.
• Pack any other personal care items you usually use, such as deodorant, aftershave, makeup, and hair tools.
• Remember to bring any contraceptive methods or protection you may need if you plan a romantic holiday.
• Pack laundry detergent if you intend to wash clothes during your trip, especially if you're travelling for an extended period.

Gadgets

When packing gadgets for your trip to Bali, there are a few essentials to remember.

First, a portable power bank is a must-have item. You'll be using your phone a lot, and the tropical climate means you'll be outdoors and may not always have access to a power outlet. A slim, lightweight power bank that can charge multiple devices at once is ideal.

Next, consider your preferences for reading. If you plan to do a lot of reading by the pool or on the beach, a Kindle Paperwhite is a good option. It's lightweight, waterproof, and can store many books. However, if you don't plan to read much, you can always use the e-reader app on your phone or tablet.

For music lovers, AirPods are a great option for travelling light and saving space. They are pricier than other earphones, but they are lightweight, offer superior sound quality, and save a lot of space.

You'll definitely want to bring a camera to capture all the beautiful sights and memories. A mirrorless camera is a good choice, as it takes great photos without being as bulky as a DSLR. If you're travelling solo, a tripod with a wireless remote will ensure you can get yourself in the frame, too. For video content creators, a DJI Mini drone is a perfect gadget to bring along.

Don't forget your phone and its related accessories, such as a charger and adaptor. Bali uses Type C and Type F plugs, so an adaptor is necessary if your phone charger has a different plug type.

Lastly, a universal travel plug is a good idea, as the standard voltage in Bali is 230 V with a frequency of 50 Hz, and the typical plug types are C and F. A good travel adapter will work in many countries and often has multiple USB sockets to keep all your devices charged.

With these gadgets, you'll be well-equipped to enjoy your trip to Bali and capture plenty of memories along the way!

Money

The currency in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). It's a good idea to bring some cash in the local currency, but you can also use bank cards. Bring a couple of bank cards and keep them separate, so you have a backup in case anything happens, like losing your wallet.

ATMs are available on the island, but it's worth bringing some backup cash in US dollars in case the network goes down or your card is compromised. Ensure large denominations aren't torn, damaged, or marked in any way.

Rupiah comes in both banknote and coin form, although coins are less commonly used. Banknotes come in denominations of 1,000 (yellow), 2,000 (grey), 5,000 (brown), 10,000 (purple), 20,000 (green), 50,000 (blue), and 100,000 (red).

Be aware that mistakes can be made with Indonesian money, especially in busy crowded markets. Take your time to read banknotes properly to avoid handing over the wrong amount.

Although card payments are widely available, cash is still used to exchange goods and services in smaller markets, temples, and local food and drink places. Some businesses, like temples, smaller souvenir shops, and beachfront masseuses, may only take cash. ATMs can be unreliable and few and far between in some areas.

If you need to hail a taxi or tuk-tuk from the side of the road, you'll likely need to pay in cash. When using an ATM, opt for those connected with major banks to avoid withdrawal fees.

Bargaining is commonplace in markets and on the street in Bali. As a foreigner, you will likely be offered a higher price when shopping, so be prepared to counter-offer.

Tipping isn't generally expected in Bali, but if you're happy with the service, a 10% tip is appropriate. Check for a service charge on your bill before tipping.

If you need to change money, avoid doing so on national holidays or weekends, as official rates are not accessible when banks are closed, and rates may be less favourable.

First aid kit

When packing a first aid kit for Bali, it's important to be prepared for any minor ailments that may affect your trip. While Bali has walk-in pharmacies that sell most essentials, it's still a good idea to bring a small, simple travel first aid kit with basics. Here are some suggestions for what to include:

• Anti-diarrhoea medication: Traveller's diarrhoea is common when visiting a new country, and Bali Belly (an acute case of gastroenteritis) is also a risk. Loperamide (Imodium) is recommended, but only take it if access to a toilet is not an option.
• Painkillers: Pack something like ibuprofen or paracetamol for headaches and general pain relief.
• Anti-nausea medication: Nausea can ruin a holiday, so consider bringing medication to combat this.
• Rehydration salts: These are essential if you experience diarrhoea to avoid dehydration.
• Antihistamines: For any allergies or unexpected reactions.
• Insect repellent: To protect against mosquitoes, which are prevalent in Bali and can carry dengue fever.
• Hand sanitiser and antiseptic cream or wipes: To keep cuts and grazes clean and reduce the risk of infection.
• Plasters/band-aids: For minor wounds.
• Sunburn relief: Aloe vera gel or an equivalent is useful to soothe sunburn.
• Thermometer: To check for fevers.
• Prescription medications: Ensure you have adequate supplies of any prescription medications and a doctor's letter if necessary.
• Other medications: Depending on your needs, you may want to bring eye drops, ear drops, vitamins, and treatments for specific conditions like eczema or asthma.

Frequently asked questions