What to Pack for a One-Month Trip to Bali

Bali is an enchanting mix of verdant jungles, volcanic mountains, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re heading to Ubud to immerse yourself in spiritual retreats or chasing sunsets in Canggu, packing right can make your month-long adventure smooth, fun, and unforgettable.

Packing for a whole month can feel daunting, but with the right planning, you can travel light and smart. Here’s your ultimate guide to everything you need to pack for a one-month trip to Bali—clothing, gadgets, toiletries, documents, and a few local-specific extras to make your stay perfect.

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🎒 Luggage: Choose Wisely

✅ Main Backpack or Suitcase

• Backpack (45-65L): Ideal for island-hopping and travelers planning to move around frequently.
• Rolling Suitcase: Better for long stays in one or two locations. Make sure it’s lightweight and durable.

🎒 Daypack

• A 15-25L backpack for daily excursions, beach trips, or hikes.
• Look for water-resistant options with secure zippers.

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👚 Clothing: Stay Cool, Look Good

Bali’s tropical climate calls for breathable, lightweight clothing. It’s hot and humid year-round, with occasional rain. Stick to versatile, mix-and-match pieces.

🧥 Essentials:

• 5-7 T-Shirts or Tank Tops – Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
• 2-3 Pairs of Shorts – Casual and comfortable.
• 2 Dresses or Skirts – Great for evenings out or temple visits.
• 1 Pair of Lightweight Pants – For temple visits or cooler evenings in the mountains.
• 1-2 Swimsuits – You’ll be in and out of the water often.
• 1 Sarong – Essential for temple visits (can double as a beach towel or scarf).
• 1 Light Sweater or Jacket – Especially useful in Ubud or if visiting Mount Batur.
• 1 Rain Poncho or Packable Raincoat – Rain can come out of nowhere.
• 2-3 Sets of Activewear – For yoga, surfing, or hiking.

🧦 Undergarments:

• 7-10 Pairs of Underwear
• 2-3 Bras (include one sports bra)
• 5-7 Pairs of Socks

👟 Footwear:

• Flip-flops or Sandals – Essential for the beach and daily wear.
• Comfortable Walking Shoes – For exploring towns, nature trails, or city streets.
• Water Shoes (Optional) – Great for snorkeling or waterfall hikes.

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🧴 Toiletries: Stay Fresh in the Tropics

While you can buy most toiletries in Bali, some personal favorites or specialty items might be hard to find.

🧼 Basic Toiletries:

• Toothbrush & Toothpaste
• Shampoo & Conditioner (consider solid bars)
• Body Wash or Soap
• Razor & Shaving Cream
• Deodorant
• Comb or Brush
• Nail Clippers
• Tweezers

🌞 Skincare:

• Sunscreen (reef-safe) – Crucial and often expensive in Bali.
• Moisturizer – Humidity can both dry out and clog your skin.
• Aloe Vera Gel – For sunburn relief.
• Lip Balm with SPF

🚑 First Aid Kit:

• Band-aids, antiseptic wipes
• Pain relievers (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol)
• Motion sickness tablets
• Antihistamines (for bites or allergies)
• Mosquito repellent (DEET or natural options)
• Rehydration salts

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🧘 Gear for Activities

Depending on what you plan to do in Bali, consider these:

🏄 Beach & Water:

• Snorkel Mask (Optional) – You can rent, but having your own is more hygienic.
• Quick-Dry Towel
• Dry Bag – Protect electronics on boat rides or during water activities.
• Rash Guard – For surfing or snorkeling.

🧘 Yoga & Fitness:

• Travel Yoga Mat or Foldable Mat Towel
• Reusable Water Bottle (with filter if possible)

📷 Tech & Accessories:

• Phone + Charger
• Portable Power Bank
• Universal Travel Adapter – Bali uses European-style plugs (Type C & F).
• Headphones or Earbuds
• Camera (Optional) – For capturing stunning landscapes.
• Laptop/Tablet (Optional) – If working remotely.
• E-reader or Kindle – Books are heavy and hard to find in English locally.

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📜 Documents: Be Ready for the Bureaucracy

✈️ Essentials:

• Passport – Valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.
• Visa – Depending on your nationality, you may need a tourist visa or Visa on Arrival (VOA).
• Flight Tickets – Proof of onward travel may be required.
• Travel Insurance – Highly recommended.
• Health Certificate or Vaccination Card (Optional) – Depending on current travel rules.

🗂️ Copies:

• Make photocopies of your passport, visa, travel insurance, and emergency contacts.
• Keep both physical copies and digital backups in the cloud.

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💸 Money & Financial Prep

💳 Cards & Cash:

• Debit/Credit Card – Make sure they work internationally.
• Cash (IDR) – Get some Indonesian Rupiah for taxis and small shops.
• Travel Wallet or Money Belt – Keep your valuables safe.

🏧 ATM Tips:

• Use ATMs inside bank branches for security.
• Avoid standalone ATMs at night.

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🌍 Digital Must-Haves

📱 Apps to Download:

• Google Maps & Offline Maps
• Grab or Gojek (ride-hailing, food delivery)
• WhatsApp – The go-to communication tool
• Google Translate
• XE Currency Converter
• Booking.com or Airbnb
• TripIt or Google Trips – For travel planning

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🕉️ Cultural Sensitivity & Etiquette

When visiting temples and sacred sites, it’s essential to dress modestly and act respectfully.

👗 Modest Clothing:

• Cover shoulders and knees.
• Use your sarong and scarf or shawl.

🙏 Cultural Tips:

• Avoid touching people’s heads.
• Don’t point your feet at people or religious objects.
• Use your right hand for giving and receiving.
• Always take off shoes before entering a temple or someone’s home.

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🧺 Optional But Useful

• Mini Sewing Kit – For quick repairs.
• Laundry Bag – Separate dirty clothes.
• Foldable Shopping Bag – For markets or beach outings.
• Snacks – Protein bars or nuts, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
• Notepad or Journal – Document your experiences.

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☀️ Bali-Specific Packing Tips

🐜 Bugs & Bites:

• Bali is lush and green—mosquitoes are part of the package. Use repellent, sleep under nets if provided, and wear long pants at dawn/dusk.

🚰 Water Safety:

• Don’t drink tap water. Always have bottled or filtered water on hand. A reusable bottle with built-in filter is eco-friendly and cost-effective.

💡 Electricity:

• Voltage: 230V
• Plugs: Type C and F (European)

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🧳 Final Packing List Summary

✔️ Essentials Checklist:

• Passport + Visa
• Flight Tickets
• Insurance & Medical Docs
• Wallet, Cards, Cash
• Clothes (as listed)
• Toiletries
• Tech & Chargers
• Daypack
• Swimsuits & Beach Gear
• Yoga/Fitness Wear
• First Aid
• Rain Gear
• Sarong
• Travel Adapter
• Journal/Notebook

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🌅 Final Thoughts

Bali is a destination that blends natural beauty, spiritual depth, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re surfing in Uluwatu, meditating in Ubud, or eating your way through Seminyak, packing smartly ensures your energy stays focused on enjoying the island, not worrying about what you forgot.

Remember that Bali’s local markets and shops offer affordable clothing and goods if you miss anything. Embrace the experience, stay light, and let the island spirit take you on a month-long journey you’ll never forget.

Safe travels and selamat jalan! 🌺