What to Pack for Bali: A List for the Tropical Climate and Temples

The basics of a Bali suitcase are light, breathable clothes, tops that cover your shoulders and a sarong for temples, strong sun protection, mosquito repellent and a light raincoat for the rain. If you are heading to the mountains or doing the Mount Batur volcano trek, a warm layer and sturdy shoes are also essential. You can find most things in Bali itself, but preparing with the list below reduces the rush of the first few days.

Clothing: light, layered and respectful

Bali is hot and humid all year round. When choosing clothes:

• Choose cotton, linen or technical fabrics; quick-drying pieces make a big difference in humid weather.
• T-shirts, shirts and light trousers form the basics. Shorts and dresses are fine for coastal areas.
• Tops that cover your shoulders are important for temple visits and everyday wear in villages.
• A light cardigan or shawl protects you from the sun and is handy in air-conditioned places.
• A swimsuit and beach cover-up for the beach. Walking around town and village centres in swimwear is frowned upon.

For temples: sarong and sash

At almost all temples in Bali that are open to tourists, you are expected to tie a sarong and sash around your waist. Large temples lend or rent them at the entrance, but carrying your own sarong is both practical and hygienic. You can also easily buy a sarong at Bali's markets and use it as a beach cover-up or shawl too. For the full set of temple rules, take a look at our article on Bali culture and temple etiquette.

Shoes

• Sandals or easy-to-remove flip-flops: In Bali, you take off your shoes when entering homes, some shops and accommodation. As you will be taking them off and putting them on often during the day, practical styles make life easier.
• Sturdy trainers or walking shoes: Essential for the Batur trek, the rice terraces and the steep paths on Nusa Penida.
• Water shoes: Handy for rocky beaches and waterfall visits.

Cooler areas and the sunrise trek

The coasts may be hot, but mountainous areas such as Bedugul, Kintamani and Munduk are noticeably cooler. On the Batur trek, which starts after midnight, it can be cold and windy at the summit while you wait for sunrise. So:

• A light jacket or fleece,
• Long trousers,
• A head torch (some tours provide a torch, but having your own is reassuring),
• A spare T-shirt (so you don't get cold at the summit in sweaty clothes)

should all be packed in your suitcase.

Rain and mosquitoes

Especially in the rainy season between November and March, a light, foldable raincoat and a waterproof pouch for your phone and documents will come in handy. We explain what to expect in each period in our article When to go to Bali.

Mosquitoes are present all year round in the tropical climate and increase after rain. Bring an effective mosquito repellent, long-sleeved clothing for the evenings and a cream for mosquito bites. For vaccinations and health precautions, consult official health sources and your doctor before travelling.

Sun protection

Bali is close to the equator, so the sun is very strong and you can burn even on cloudy days.

• High-factor sunscreen (a reef-safe formula if possible),
• A wide-brimmed hat,
• Sunglasses,
• A long-sleeved T-shirt or rash vest for snorkelling

are the basic tools for protecting yourself from the sun.

Health kit

• Your regular medication and a copy of your prescription,
• Medication recommended by your doctor for stomach upsets, and oral rehydration salts for fluid loss,
• Plasters and antiseptic,
• Hand sanitiser.

Tap water is not drunk in Bali, so bring a refillable water bottle. Bringing some medicines into the country may be restricted, so check with Indonesia's official sources.

Technology and documents

• Plug adapter: European-style round-pin sockets are common in Indonesia, so most devices brought from Türkiye can be plugged in directly. Even so, you may come across different sockets in some older buildings; keep a small universal adapter with you.
• Power bank: Very useful on long sightseeing days and boat trips.
• Waterproof phone case: For boat trips and rain.
• Passport and documents: Before travelling, check visa and entry requirements, along with any fees and registration procedures for tourists, with Indonesia's official sources and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye. Keep digital and paper copies of your passport in separate places.
• Travel health insurance certificate.

What you don't need to bring

• Too many clothes: Laundries are common in Bali, and it is easy to have your clothes washed by the kilo.
• Beach towel: Most accommodation provides one; a sarong does the job too.
• Heavy, formal clothing: Bali is generally a relaxed island. Unless you have a special invitation or corporate event, one smart outfit is enough.

Your needs may vary depending on where you stay; for this, take a look at our article Where to stay in Bali. We do not have a ready-made catalogue programme for this route; if you would like us to plan one for your group, you can write to us via our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

What do you wear in Bali?

Light, breathable clothes. Swimwear and shorts are fine on the beach; tops that cover your shoulders and a sarong are needed for temples and villages.

Do you need to take an adapter to Bali?

European-style round-pin sockets are common in Indonesia, so most plugs from Türkiye fit directly. Even so, carrying a small universal adapter for different sockets is recommended.

What should you wear for the Mount Batur volcano trek?

Wear sturdy walking shoes, long trousers, a T-shirt suited to sweating, and a light jacket or fleece for the chill at the summit. A head torch also comes in handy.

Do you need to buy a sarong in Bali?

It is not compulsory, as large temples lend them at the entrance. However, carrying your own sarong is both practical and hygienic, and you can use it on the beach too.