Bali is a tropical island, so you can wear anything that’s comfortable. You’ll be relaxing in the sun and by the pool, so you don’t have to worry about what you look like. If you’re going for a swim or surfing, it’s best to wear a bathing suit and flip-flops or sandals. Bali is a tropical island that’s known for its beautiful beaches and friendly people. The best thing about it? You can experience all of this without having to leave the comfort of your hotel room. Today, we will discuss What to wear on plane to bail, what to wear when travelling by plane and what not to wear in bali. What’s even better? When you dress appropriately, you won’t have to worry about sweating up a storm in hot weather—or worse, having to change clothes in an airport bathroom! Here’s how:

Bali is a tropical island in Indonesia and the perfect place to escape the cold weather. It is also known as “The Island of the Gods,” due to its beautiful beaches, mountains, and natural attractions. If you are planning on visiting this beautiful island, it is important that you pack appropriately. The following article will guide you through what clothing items will help keep you comfortable during your flight and during your stay in Bali.

If you’re going to Bali, the first thing you need to know is that there’s nothing to worry about. The people of Bali are known for their warmth and hospitality, so don’t be afraid to wear whatever you feel comfortable in. That being said, it can help to dress a little more conservatively than normal when traveling. This is especially true if you’re going with family or friends who might not be as used to foreign cultures as you are. As far as what to wear on the plane, look for lightweight clothing that won’t get too hot or heavy if it gets wet from rain or sweat. You’ll want something comfortable enough for sleeping on long flights, but also stylish enough that you don’t look like a slob when getting off the plane in Bali!

What to Wear on Plane to Bali

I know that when you’re traveling to a new place, you want to fit in with the locals and show off your style. But at the same time, you also don’t want to stand out as a tourist and make things more difficult for yourself. So what do you wear?

Fear not! In this blog post, I’ll give you some tips on what to wear when flying to Bali so that you can look good without getting ripped off or scammed by locals.

Bali is a popular backpacker destination, so casual clothes are common. Many wear shorts, t-shirts, summer dresses and trainers or sandals. Anything goes, but it’s important to be respectful of the local culture, especially if you’re visiting sacred sites or temples.

Bali in Indonesia is an amazing holiday destination. It offers something for everyone. Want an adventurous trip? Spend your days exploring volcanoes and waterfalls. Fancy a week of relaxation? Enjoy the spas and beaches of the island. Enjoy the cultural side of life? Take trips to temples or attend an interesting festival.
Then there’s the food scene, which countries across Southeast Asia are famous for. In Bali, you’ll find traditional Indonesian dishes sitting side by side with photogenic millennial brunches. Snap photos of your smoothie bowls in Canggu or sample some tasty nasi goreng in Ubud.
With so many types of trip possible in Bali, you’ll need to plan your packing carefully. It could be easy to overpack or to leave out one crucial item.

Most people enjoy a mix of activities on the island. On my last trip I hiked a volcano, enjoyed several massages, lazed on a beach, explored the island’s waterfalls, wandered through rice paddies and visited a few temples. My partner even went scuba diving while I popped on some snorkel gear and spotted lots of colourful fish in the crystal clear waters.

If you’re starting to think about your packing list for Bali, I’m here to help. Not only will I share what to wear in Bali, but also a few useful extras you shouldn’t travel without. From bug spray and a reusable water bottle, to sun cream and a camera, there’s plenty to think about before you leave.

If you still need to plan where to visit in Bali, I’d recommend having a good look at my Bali travel blogs. I’ve covered everything from where to stay in Bali to what to do, tours to book and more.

Dry season runs from April to September. Humidity is lower during this period, and you’re less likely to encounter rain. Peak season tends to be from July to August, as well as two other high periods across the Easter and Christmas holidays.

In terms of temperatures, you can expect lows around 23 and highs up to 33 degrees celsius. The sea is warm all year round too – perfect if you fancy taking a dip during your trip.

If you can pick your timing, and aren’t restricted to school holidays, I’d recommend travelling to Bali in April, May or September, when crowds are reduced but it’s still dry season. Also, unless you’re used to high humidity, avoid March – it’s a lot to handle!

Pool at The Legian, Seminyak Bali
How about relaxing here at The Legian in Seminyak, Bali?
What To Wear In Bali
There are a mix of styles to the fashion seen across Bali. Traditional Balinese outfits are colourful and beautifully embroidered, often made from luxurious fabrics like silk. When it comes to tourists though, there are a few ways people tend to dress.

Balinese clothing
traditional Balinese clothing
Bali is a popular backpacker destination, so casual clothes are common. Many wear shorts, t-shirts, summer dresses and trainers or sandals. Anything goes, but it’s important to be respectful of the local culture, especially if you’re visiting sacred sites or temples.

Bali has some smart places too. There are 5* resorts (lots are in my guide to honeymoon hotels in Bali, with chic restaurants and stylish beach clubs. For these you may want to dress up a little more, but I still wouldn’t go as far as to wear heels. While a few people might, I think the island is a lot more relaxed than that!
A lot of tourists dress for the activities they’re doing, (mostly based around nature) so I’d recommend packing some sportswear and comfortable, lightweight items.

In general, I wore shorts or a midi skirt with a t-shirt or vest top during the day. This was suitable for most activities – from enjoying the beaches to adventures in the jungles.

If you’re wondering what to wear in Bali at night, a lot of the restaurants in towns like Ubud are very casual. I tended to wear short, but comfortable dresses in the evenings. It’s pretty warm all day, so I didn’t want any heavy layers!

For more adventurous hikes, like the Mount Batur volcano trek, I wore leggings with a sports bra, sports vest and trainers.


Bali has plenty of incredible beaches, so don’t forget to pack your favourite bikini or swimwear. You might also get the chance to take a dip in the cooling waters of one of the country’s spectacular waterfalls like Kanto Lampo Waterfall, Goa Rang Reng, Tegenungan or enjoy a warmer experience at Toya Devasya hot springs.

There is also a risk of dengue fever in Bali. Transmitted by mosquitoes, symptoms of this tropical disease include a fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a skin rash. It’s a serious disease, so my advice is to always wear insect repellent, even during the day.

While this might all sound a little serious, I didn’t find Bali to be as bad for mosquitoes as other places I’ve travelled to (Belize is still the worst for me!) but it’s definitely something to think carefully about and protect yourself as best you can. I’ve popped a few tips below of other things you could take to help either with protection or relief afterwards.

What To Wear In Bali: Men’s Clothes
Similarly to women, men dress in a casual fashion in Bali. The main thing it to consider the climate and activities you’ll be doing. Most men I saw wore shorts or chinos with t-shirts, vests or shirts.

Men And Women’s Footwear For Bali
For visiting towns and cities, I’d recommend flat shoes, trainers or sandals. For exploring the jungles or rice paddies, you might want to wear hiking boots or sports trainers.

Checking in at The Bale, Nusa Dua, Bali
Checking in at The Bale, Nusa Dua, Bali
If you’re planning some adventurous activities, like white water rafting, a pair of water shoes would be handy.

Unless you’re visiting really smart restaurants or staying in fancy hotels, and you really want to dress up, you won’t need high heels. For dinners, I usually wore sandals while men wore basic leather shoes or espadrilles.

To help you prepare for your trip, save this Bali packing list to your phone.

Bali packing list
Download this ultimate Bali packing list
Bali Packing List: Other Useful Items
If you’re planning your packing list for Bali, you should think about more than just clothing. Here are a few items I’d recommend adding to your suitcase…

Insect repellent – Don’t leave home without a decent bug spray. I got a few mosquito bites on my first trip to Bali, mostly around dusk when the sun was starting to set. There are plenty of environmentally-friendly insect repellants like this one. Some hotels and restaurants spray a mist of repellent each day across their grounds, while others offer sprays you can use for free.

As bugs love me, I’ve tried a few things over my time, from covering myself in malt vinegar (ick!) to wearing mosquito deterrent bands. I can’t say I noticed anything working that well, so these days I opt for repellent sprays and pack a few things to help ease the itch afterwards…

Bite relief – I usually take an after bite / anti-itch cream like this, that helps to soothe any bites. I also invested in this gadget (bite away- electronic relief from insect stings and bites) which sends a small electric shock to the itchy part of the bite. It takes a bit of getting used to at first (and sometimes hurts a tiny bit), but it does work. I’ve done a full review of the item (as it goes everywhere with me!!) so feel free to read more here.

Travel towel – A microfibre fast-drying towel like this one will come in handy in Bali. Not only for when you fancy a swim, but also when you want to sit down on the ground or to wipe your sweaty face!

Sun cream – It’s important to apply suncream throughout the day. I’d recommend finding a brand which isn’t too heavy on chemicals, or is almost totally natural, like this one.

Sunglasses – It’s important to protect your eyes when you visit a holiday destination like Bali. I’d recommend investing in some high-quality UV protected sunglasses.

Sun hat – Again, a useful addition for sunny days in Bali.

After sun or aloe vera – Don’t forget some soothing cream incase you do burn.

Rain jacket – Be prepared for those sporadic rain showers in rainy season (October – April)! As you won’t need to it for warmth, I’d recommend a lightweight waterproof jacket that packs down small. Something like this would be perfect.

Umbrella – I’d also recommend an umbrella for rainy season. I’d been looking for a super compact option for ages, and finally found this one which fits in my smallest handbag and is nice and sturdy.

Backpack – I used a small backpack for day-to-day adventures, which could fit a water bottle, camera, sun cream and bug spray. I also took a small shoulder bag to use for going for dinner in the evenings.
Reusable water bottle – Drinking the tap water in Bali is not recommended – many think it causes Bali belly and other stomach related problems. However, a reusable water bottle is still a great idea as you can buy big bottles of water and keep them in the fridge of your hotel or apartment, then top up a smaller bottle to take out with you each day. I have a Chilly’s bottle that I was given for Christmas last year, and I take it everywhere with me!

GoPro – Bali is proper GoPro territory! It’s adventurous and fun, and you’ll want to capture everyhing you do, from surfing in Uluwatu to exploring the rice paddies near Ubud and hiking Mount Batur. GoPro’s are great for photos and videos, hard wearing, shockproof and waterproof. Whether you’re snorkelling, hiking, white water rafting, wildlife-spotting or zip lining, it’s the perfect accessory. Don’t forget to take out travel insurance that covers your gadgets too.

Portable battery pack – It depends how much you use your phone on holiday, but I used mine a lot during my trip to Bali, snapping photos and videos along the way. A portable battery pack is a great idea so you don’t have to worry about running out of charge at an important moment.

I have a few made by Anker and they’re great quality and last ages. This is the one I’m using at the moment, which is really small (similar size to my phone) but stores lots of charge, plus it has a fast charging capability.

Plug adapter – Plug sockets in Bali are the same as in most of Europe. It’s a two-pin plug, with round pins. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. I pack this adapter on all of my travels. It charges multiple items at once, using plugs or USB and can be used anywhere in the world. It’s one of my fave travel gadgets.

Dry bag – Since going to Thailand I’ve invested in a dry bag. They’re made from a thick plastic and are totally waterproof, so they’re perfect for adventures on the water, visiting waterfalls, or if you think it’s going to rain heavily. I’d recommend a small one for your phone and camera gear, or a larger one if you want to use it as your main bag for an activity. They really do keep your gear safe and dry.

Hopefully this post has helped you figure out what to wear in Bali and how to plan your very own Bali packing list. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below. Don’t forget to check out my Bali travel blogs, which are packed full of travel tips to make the most of your time on the island, including the best things to do, where to stay as well as what to pack for your trip.

What to wear in Bali

what not to Wear in Bali

Balinese culture is full of rich tradition and beautiful art. But what about the clothes? You can’t just show up in a pair of flip-flops and a tank top and expect to blend in with the locals.

Here are some things you shouldn’t wear while visiting Bali:

  1. White clothing after dark. This is an ancient rule, intended to protect the wearer from evil spirits who may be drawn by the white color. It’s best not to mess with these rules!
  2. Shoes that are made out of plastic or rubber (like Crocs). These materials are considered impure by Balinese Hindus, and wearing them can offend local people.
  3. Anything that resembles a religious symbol (e.g., crucifixes). This also goes for images of Jesus or Buddha—even if they’re only on a keychain or bracelet! It’s just not appropriate in this culture.
  4. A sarong as an outfit in public! There’s no need to wear one unless you’re going to the beach or jungle—and even then, it should only cover your upper half (not your legs).

Clothes to Pack for Bali

You won’t need much for your trip to Bali. If you forget something, you’ll most likely find it available for purchase locally anyway — Bali is hardly a deserted island! Instead, pack like a pro; bring less to drag around. Plan to take advantage of unique shopping experiences on the island. You’ll have even more of an excuse to pop into the many boutique shops for beachwear and other items that will look good at home, too.

Not only can you avoid overpacking, but you’ll also get to brag a little at home when people ask where you got that cute sundress.

What to pack for a trip to Bali
TripSavvy
Clothing to Pack for Bali
Although thoughts of vacationing on an exotic island conjures images of skimpy beach attire, locals dress quite conservatively.

Plan to cover up when you come off of the beach. You should cover your knees and shoulders when visiting Hindu temples, sacred sites such as the Elephant Cave, or when exploring small villages in the island interior. Casual attire is fine for daily wear other than when dining or clubbing at pricey establishments.

Aside from some public transportation with super-powered air conditioning, you don’t have to worry about being cold while on Bali. Opt for lightweight, cotton clothing; jeans will be too hot and heavy for most circumstances. Quick-dry garments will work, too, but don’t leave the expensive athletic brands hanging to dry somewhere they could be stolen.

You won’t need as much clothing as you may expect; keep your packing for Bali simple, and plan to purchase items locally if you run out of outfits to wear. That said, you’ll probably want to change tops every evening after sweating all day. If on an extended trip, you’ll find plenty of inexpensive places that do laundry. The fee is typically based on weight.

Don’t forget to pack what you need to take advantage of the many opportunities for practicing yoga.

The Best Shoes for Bali
As with most of Southeast Asia, the default footwear for Bali is just a pair of reliable flip-flops.

Some shops, temples, bars, and restaurants may ask you to remove your shoes at the door. Flip-flops are easier to quickly slide on and off than sandals with straps. If you’re worried about leaving your pricey sandals at the door (they do sometimes disappear), keep a plastic bag so you can carry them inside with you. If needed, you can purchase cheap flip-flops in shops and stalls all over the island.

You’ll need proper hiking shoes or sandals if you want to climb Mount Batur or Gunung Agung. Some of the nightclubs in Kuta and Seminyak may enforce dress codes that prohibit sandals and flip-flops. If you plan to do any serious clubbing, bring a better pair of shoes with you.

What to Put in Your First Aid Kit
You don’t want some annoying ailment to affect your precious time on the island. But at the same time, you don’t need to carry more medical supplies than a Green Beret medic. Fortunately, walk-in pharmacies sell nearly everything you may need — including prescription drugs — without the need to visit a clinic first.

Pack only a small, simple travel first aid kit with basics then purchase the rest if necessary. Hopefully you won’t need anything more than an ibuprofen or two after too many beach cocktails.

Tip: Every first aid kit should have anti-diarrhea medicine such as loperamide (Imodium), but don’t take it unless access to a toilet isn’t an option (like if you’ll be on transportation all day). Antimotility drugs may exasperate simple cases of traveler’s diarrhea by preventing troublesome bacteria from passing naturally.

Money and Documents for Bali
Make two copies of your passport, travel insurance papers, receipts for any traveler’s checks, and other important travel documents you should have on every trip. Diversify your copies by hiding them in both your money belt or day bag and big luggage to avoid disaster if one or the other gets lost. Keep your vaccination records with your passport.

Hide credit card information (scramble the numbers in a way that only you understand) and emergency contact phone numbers in an email to yourself in case you need to contact banks. You’ll want to bring along a few additional passport-sized photos with you if you intend to apply for tourist visas to visit other countries in Southeast Asia.

Bali has plenty of ATMs that work on the usual networks, however, bring backup cash just in case the network goes down. Traveler’s checks are an option, but bring some U.S. dollars that can be cashed in for emergency funds in case your ATM card is compromised. Ensure large denominations aren’t torn, damaged, or marked in any way.

If you’re arriving in Denpasar with a one-way ticket, you may be asked to show proof of an onward flight. This is at the whim of the immigration officer. Have a printed copy with details for your next flight to save some hassle.

Tip: Should you lose your passport, having a photocopy of it and your birth certificate will greatly expedite getting a replacement from an embassy in Southeast Asia.

Bringing Electronics to Bali
You may want to bring along your smartphone, tablet, ebook reader, or even a laptop for taking advantage of free Wi-Fi in cafes and guesthouses. If you opt to bring fragile electronic devices, know how to protect them in a tropical environment.

Indonesia uses the round, two-pronged, CEE7 power outlets common in Europe. Voltage is 230 volts / 50 Hz. Unless you intend to pack a hair drier (don’t!), you won’t need a step-down power transformer because USB device chargers (for mobile phones, laptops, etc) should handle the higher voltage automatically. Although many hotels have universal outlets that work with many cord types, you may need a small travel adapter (passive) to change the socket type in certain places.

Tip: You can purchase a relatively cheap 4 GB data package for your smartphone after arriving. Know if your smartphone will work in Asia before you arrive.

Other Items to Consider Packing for Bali
Along with the obvious stuff, consider bringing along the following:

Small knife for enjoying fresh local fruit on the beach. This obviously needs to be packed in your checked bag!
If staying in a hostel, bring a small padlock with you for cabinets and security lockers.
Hand sanitizer and toilet paper for encounters with public squat toilets.
Earplugs or headphones in case you end up with neighbors who like to party.
Bring a reusable straw for enjoying coconuts and cocktails without contributing to the plastic waste problem in Asia.
Mosquito repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes that could carry dengue fever.
Flashlight for unexpected power outages and dark walks on the beach.
Plastic bags or weatherproof cases for waterproofing electronics and valuables.
What to Buy in Bali
Purchasing what you need on a trip after arrival not only helps the local economy, but also it’s fun! Leave space in your luggage for new purchases and unique items not easily found at home.

You can enjoy plenty of shopping in Bali, particularly in Ubud where boutique shops carry colorful, lightweight clothing that is perfect for the island. Local artisans sell their creations everywhere. Along with stalls and small shops, you’ll find a few shopping malls in Kuta with familiar brands. Outside of malls, you need to negotiate — particularly in the tourist stalls — to get acceptable prices.

Consider waiting until you arrive in Bali to purchase some of these common items:

Sarongs (for sun protection and some Hindu temples require men to wear one to enter)
Hats
Sunglasses
Beach bags
Swimsuits / beach cover-ups
Evening and sundresses
Flip-flops / sandals
Handmade jewelry
Aloe / after-sun lotion
Coconut oil (a great after-sun moisturizer that is popular on the island)
Snacks
You may wish to bring your own toiletries, sunscreen, and cosmetics in case the brands you normally use are unavailable. Some local, natural brands are available. Many soaps and deodorants in Asia contain whitening agents that can irritate sensitive skin.

Protect Your Belongings
Although violent crime is not really an issue on Bali, the influx of tourists does attract some petty theft.

Be mindful when choosing a bag. Backpacks or satchels with popular logos (IBM, LowePro, GoPro, etc) are more tempting to thieves who may be interested in the valuable contents.

What to Leave at Home
Leave the following items at home or purchase them locally if you need them:

Snorkel gear: You can rent snorkel gear daily when you need it. Shops and hotels provide inexpensive gear, but dive shops will have much better equipment available.
Water filters: Although the tap water is not safe to drink in Bali, bottled water is available everywhere. To cut down on plastic, use water refill machines whenever you can find them.
Expensive jewelry: Flashy bling will get you higher prices and make you more of a target for petty theft. Many jewelry designers call Bali home; consider purchasing some of their beautiful work.
Weapons / pepper spray: Arming yourself is certainly not worth the risk of trying to cross borders with it. Leave weapons off your Bali packing list!

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