So you have decided to travel across the world to the magical land that is Bali. Flights are books, you’ve mapped out your route/itenteray now the next question is….WHAT THE HELL DO I PACK?!
I had the same question and until I actually took the trip and realized I brought a lot more than what I needed…go figure. So hopfully this will help you prioritize some key packing essentials:
WHAT TO BRING:
- SUNSCREEN – This is a MUST as sunscreen in Bali is 100% needed, but insanely EXPENSIVE to buy once you arrive. Many of the stores do sell it at an increased rate and they normal do not carry very high SPF. Believe me when I tell you the sun us HOT here, bring more than you think and just leave with the locals when you depart. We brought some standard size but also stock up on travel sizes (great to throw in your backpack while exploring) Oh and don’t neglect your feet especially when riding a motorbike….speaking from experience!
- BUG SPRAY – this is an ABSOLUTE MUST!!! I am one of those people everyone wants at an outdoor get together because the bugs attract to solely me! I used THIS and never had an issue. I suggest a higher “deet” which repels pretty much anything.
- REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES – We found a great one on Amazon HERE: Love this because it folds up for packing ease and holds an abundant amount of H2O.
- REHYDRATE DRINK – I like to bring Advocare Rehydrate with me when I travel, because as hard as you try its very difficult to stay as hydrated as you need here.
- SMALL TRAVEL BACKPACK – We used backpacks everywhere we went. I opted for one as my “personal carry on item” This will allow you to pack necessities s: sunscreen, water bottles, shawl/scarf
- TRAVEL POUCHES – I love THESE to organize my stuff and be able to access with ease. You can throw them from your suitcase to your backpack to stay organized and dry! We used them for clothing as well as our camera etc.
- SMALL TOWEL – Loved having this for yoga classes, scooter rides (if it rains or hot seats) you can buy these while you are here or borrow one from you hotel, but something to think about as you travel around Bali.
- UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER – This is a MUST! I also suggest bringing a travel charger for when you are on the go.
- WATERPROOF RAIN JACKET/TRAVEL UMBRELLA – Bali is a tropical climate so there are bound to be some pop up storms no matter when you travel, and when it rains it can pour. I found THIS gem on Amazon and was perfect because not only inexpensive, cute, but it also rolled up into its own pouch for easy and dry packing. Through in your backpack or scooter and you are covered (Pun intended)
- PAW PAWS OINTMENT – THIS stuff is great for jut about anything. Bug bites ,dry skin, rashes; (which I got one…on my neck no less) burns…. You name it this stuff covers it. In other words, don’t EVER leave home without it!
- CONDITIONER – This is actually just for my curly girls out there. Bring your travel size conditioners because even at the nicest of resorts the conditioner dried out my already humid frizzy hair
- LIGHT LONG SLEEVE TOP – believe it or not there were times that I wish I had a light top as it gets cool sometimes in the evenings depending on where you are staying, I typically will wear this on the plane so I have it along our journeys. Especially in Bali where some restaurants are air conditioned and its super chill. Again you can buy one for very little USD
- TAMPONS – this is for the ladies our there, if you are going to be on your cycle during the trip don’t forget to pack tampons as you will be hard pressed to find
- ACTIVATED CHARCOAL – Bali Belly is real and this came in handy when Jerome experienced it first hand. We got some off Amazon HERE and it was worth it!
- TRAVEL PILLOW: Ok, this is not for everyone, but those pillow snobs (Hand raise) or light sleepers it came in handy. Depending on where you stay this may not be an issue, but there is nothing better than having a small pillow to sleep soundly verse a cement block. My travel pillow is feather and I stuff it into a condensed packing cube to minimize the room. Again not a must but I don’t travel internationally without it. HERE is one from My pillow that can fit into any luggage.
- SD CARDS: If you are into travel photography Bali does not lack in AMAZING photo opportunities. Make sure you bring with you extra SD cards to capture all the amazing sites you will encounter
- EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE: When I travel I like to make sure all the photos I capture are backed up because you just never know what can happen. I always bring my external hard and try to store the images daily. Since I travel with my MacBook Air I use THIS one I scored on Amazon.
WHAT NOT TO BRING:
- HEELS– I always pack a small pair just in case but I never ended up wearing them. Literally you will live in sandals. My advice bring a pair you can dress up or down.
- TOO MANY DRESSES – Look I get it we all have our favs, and I am a dress kinda girl, but let me tell you the shopping here is phenomenal and you really only need a few of your go tos. I was skeptical when I kept reading about the shopping because to be honest on my last trip to Thailand I heard the same thing, and was underwhelmed, but the dress shopping here is spot on. Very breathable boho vibes, perfect for the HOT HUMID Bali weather.
- TOO MANY SHOES– I brought numerous pairs of sandals for our 2 week trip and soon realized I should have brought 1 everyday and 1 nicer sandal. Again the leather shopping here is fantastic and I ended up getting 2 pairs of incredible quality and unique sandals for only $20 USD.
- CLUTCHES– The purses in Bali are beautiful and abundant. Save room in your bag for an assortment of purses for every occasion and a great gift for family and friends back home
- TRAVEL TIP => to travel home: roll small items and pack inside the purses to fit all these amazing finds in your return luggage
- EXPENSIVE JEWELRY: No need to bring flashy expensive jewelry on your trip. The only piece I brought/wore was my wedding ring. It draws attention you are a tourist and with all the travel in between towns there is a chance of loosing your pieces. There are so many amazing places to buy unique jewelry here in Bali and for very good prices. There are small indepentdent sellers all around, but also check out Monsieur Blonde for some quality opal pieces.