01Clothing essentials
Light, breathable fabrics are non-negotiable — Bali is hot and humid essentially all year, dry season included. A light rain layer is worth packing regardless of season, since even the "dry" months bring the occasional downpour. Swimwear obviously, but bring at least one smarter outfit if you're planning any nicer dinners or beach clubs with dress codes.
02Temple-appropriate items
A sarong is genuinely useful to bring or buy early — most temples rent them, but having your own means one less thing to arrange on the day, and they double as a beach towel or light blanket. Modest coverage (shoulders and knees) matters more broadly than just temple visits if you're spending time in villages away from the main tourist strips.
03Health & practical items
- Reef-safe sunscreen — some diving and snorkelling sites now actively discourage or ban non-reef-safe formulas.
- Mosquito repellent, particularly for evenings and less built-up areas.
- Basic rehydration salts and an anti-diarrheal, just in case — see our safety & health guide.
- A portable power bank — useful given how much a day of scooter navigation and photos drains a phone.
04What you can just buy there
Flip-flops, sarongs, beachwear, sunscreen, phone SIM cards, and most toiletries are all cheap and widely available once you land — no need to overpack these. Prescription medication is the one clear exception: bring what you need from home, ideally with the original packaging and a copy of the prescription.