10 Bali Packing Essentials

So… What Do You Really Need For Your Bali Trip?

Are you struggling on what to pack for your trip to Ubud, Bali?

Well, we’ve got you covered.

After living in Ubud for the past few weeks, we have come up with a list of 10 Bali packing essentials that you will need.

If you are planning on coming to Ubud (especially during the rainy season, which is typically November – March) make sure that you have everything on this list to ensure you are fully prepared.

Here Are Our Top 10 Bali Packing Essentials:

• Hiking Sandals
• Bug Spray
• Waterproof Phone Case
• Activewear Set
• Crossbody Waterproof Bag
• Lightweight Dress/Romper
• Light Rain Poncho
• International Power Adapter
• Activated Charcoal
• Hair Oil

1. Hiking Sandals

Prior to our trip to Ubud, Bali, Matt told me to get myself a pair of hiking sandals. 

My immediate response- absolutely not. 

I didn’t even want to imagine how my feet would look in a pair of Teva’s. 

But, reluctantly, I ordered a pair. 

Now, I can’t even imagine living without them. 

During the rainy season in Bali, you never know when the next torrential downpour will be, so it’s nice to have these shoes on to prevent slipping on the roads. 

Ubud is filled with rice fields and waterfalls, so these waterproof hiking sandals also come in handy anytime you want to go on an adventure. 

The main reason why I would highly recommend getting these hiking sandals are not only because they are extremely durable and comfortable, but also because they are very lightweight and easier to pack than normal hiking boots. 

Here’s the link to the pair I ordered and absolutely love, and they also come in a variety of colors and sizes, all at an affordable price.

2. Bug Spray

When thinking about the tropical climate in Bali, it shouldn’t come to any surprise that there are a lot of bugs.

Now hear me out- I love nature, but the whole bug thing takes some getting used to. 

So, do yourself a favor and bring some bug spray with you, because it will be cheaper and way easier to find in your home country than here. 

Here’s the link to the bug spray, Matt and I each ordered 2 bottles prior to our trip, and even after using it everyday, we still have plenty left.

3. Waterproof Phone Case

If you’re new to Bali and plan on using your phone a lot while you’re here, whether to take pictures or look at Google Maps, you 100% need a waterproof phone case. 

The presence of the rain and wind during the rainy season here in Ubud is a disaster waiting to happen for any phone. 

Rather than taking the risk and coming without a waterproof phone case, trust us – you will regret not having one when you end up paying over-priced to get it fixed from water damage. 

Also, if you love waterfalls, a waterproof phone case is great to have so you don’t have to worry while getting upclose to take pictures. 

Here’s the link to the waterproof phone case (comes in a pack of 2 for $11.99 USD!) that Matt and I ordered prior to our trip to Ubud, Bali:

4. Activewear Set

If I’m not wearing a lightweight dress, I’m in an activewear set. 

Bali is hot and humid, so if you’re out and about, chances are you will be sweating… a lot. 

So, if you plan on living an active lifestyle during your time in Ubud, Bali, then I highly recommend bringing an active set with you. 

Sure, you don’t necessarily need to be wearing a set, but it just makes it easier when you don’t have time to put an outfit together and you still want to look cute. 

Whether you are off to a yoga class, going on a walk through the rice fields, or checking out one of Ubud’s many beautiful waterfalls, this set will have you covered. 

It comes in a ton of colors, made of good quality stretchy material, and it is super affordable!

Here’s the link to the activewear set I have, and I could not recommend it more. 

5. Crossbody Waterproof Bag

This is a MUST. 

If you are going to get one thing on this list, it’s this. 

Honestly, if you are going to be a tourist anywhere in the world, you need a crossbody bag. 

Just like every country, you never know if someone is going to try and snatch your bag right off your shoulder, so be prepared. 

We highly recommend getting a crossbody bag, so when you are walking on the streets or riding on your scooter, nobody is tempted to take that bag right off of you. 

Especially for female solo travelers – you should never be carrying a shoulder purse. 

I ordered this bag from Amazon right before Matt and I came to Bali, and not a day has gone by when I haven’t used it. 

There are zippers and different compartments, a built-in wallet, adjustable straps, waterproof, hidden earphone hole, AND it comes in a bunch of colors! 

Here’s the link to my absolute favorite waterproof crossbody bag. 

6. Lightweight Dress/Romper

If you don’t know what your outfits are going to look like when you get to Ubud, Bali – let me let you in on a secret: lightweight dresses/rompers. 

Although it is the rainy season here right now, it doesn’t mean the temperature is any less that 80 degrees every day. 

So, if you get hot easily like me, you will be living in lightweight dresses/rompers that you can just toss on. 

I packed about 20 dresses for Bali… I know, that seems like a lot, and honestly it is. 

But, if there’s one dress that I wear multiple times a week, it’s this one.

And I wish I got it in every color.

Here’s the link to my favorite lightweight dress.

7. Light Rain Poncho

Bringing a poncho for your Ubud trip is a must. 

If you are planning on renting a scooter or walking around, you absolutely need to have a rain poncho that is small and easy to bring with you wherever you go.

Like I said earlier, you never know when it’s going to rain here.

So, if you don’t want to get soaked when you’re out and about, pack wisely and bring a poncho with you.

Matt and I ordered this one on Amazon, it comes in a pack of 2 for US $15.99.

These ponchos are great, super affordable, easy to pack up and bring with us anywhere, and it comes in 5 different colors.

Here’s the link for the ponchos:

8. International Power Adapter

If you have a lot of electronics, work a lot from home, or always want your cameras and phones to be charged up and ready to go for the day – you NEED to bring a power adapter to Bali.

In the past, I always just bought cheap “world adapters” from the dollar store.

But this time, we decided to invest in a great power adapter that wouldn’t break after a couple uses. 

This power adapter has allowed Matt and I to charge both of our phones, a computer, and our camera all at once.

It also comes with 4 USB International charger slots, and works in over 150 countries.

Here’s the link to the International Power Adapter that we cannot recommend enough for any travel: 

9. Activated Charcoal

Have you heard of Bali Belly?

Well, in short, it’s pretty much just another term for travelers’ diarrhea (gross… we know).

But, here in Bali, it’s not uncommon for foreigners to fall sick to Bali Belly.

Symptoms of Bali Belly include: cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Getting Bali Belly is not the end of the world, but it’s certainly uncomfortable for several days.

By drinking the water here in Bali, or eating food that has been contaminated by certain bacteria, you can easily become sick with Bali Belly.

So, to stay safe just in case you do get sick, make sure you have activated charcoal.

Activated charcoal is pretty much the only “cure” to Bali Belly, so it is 100% something we recommend you bring on your trip to Bali.

Here’s the link to the activated charcoal (gluten-free and contains no GMOs) that we purchased prior to our trip:

10. Hair Oil

The heat, the saltwater, the chlorine, and the water pressure in the showers here in Bali are all bound to dry out your hair.

I mean, being in a tropical climate comes at a price.

So, if your hair is frizzy, dry, or prone to breakage already – I HIGHLY recommend bringing a hair oil that you can put in daily. 

I recommend using this oil by rubbing a small amount in your palms, and applying it starting at the mid shaft of your hair.

I use this oil almost every day because my hair is so dry in Bali.

 I even put it in before bed then sleep with my hair in braids to lock in the moisture.

Here’s the link to the hair oil I recommend packing.

You’re Ready To Go:

Now that we’ve shared the top 10 things that we recommend to bring on your Bali trip, we want to know your thoughts.

Do any of these items come as a surprise to you?

Are you more prepared now for your Bali trip?

Again, this list isn’t a complete packing list, but after living here in Ubud,  Bali – these are the items that we cannot live without. 

Also, if you are a young person reading this and you want inspiration to travel, check out our blog post about why it’s so important to travel while you’re young!

Thanks so much for reading, and please leave a comment below if you have any questions or found this post helpful!