Heading to Bali and wondering what to wear? I’ve got you covered!
It seems everyone’s heading to Bali at the moment. And, having spent several months on Indonesia‘s most popular island myself, it’s easy to see why!
Bali has a little bit of everything: incredible beaches, impressive temples and heaps of healthy food. I mean, what’s not to love?
If you’re travelling to other parts of Indonesia, such as Lombok, Komodo National Park or even North Sumatra, packing for these places will be much trickier.
If you’re planning to hike volcanoes or go jungle trekking, you’ll want to prioritise your Bali outfit planning around these more adventurous activities.
However, if Bali is your one and only destination, packing for Bali won’t be hard at all.
Whether you’re staying in Ubud or Canggu, go-to Bali outfit will likely consist of casual summer wear that will keep you cool in the high humidity.
Keep scrolling to find out exactly what to wear in Bali based on the time of year, where you’re going and what you plan to do when you arrive.
If you’re choosing your Bali outfits in a hurry, all you really need is whatever you would wear for a beach break, plus a cute evening outfit and something a little more modest for visiting temples.
If you have these, you’re pretty much good to go for the most popular places in Bali.
If, however, you want to make sure you have everything you need, here’s what I recommend based on my multiple trips to Bali.
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Packing for the Bali climate
Unlike other places in Indonesia, your Bali outfit choices will be predominantly dictated by the climate here.
Located just below the equator, the weather in Bali is hot and humid all year round.
That means that heavy jeans, tight tops and other bulky clothing is out of the question.
Instead, you’ll want to be wearing loose clothing that keeps you cool while protecting you from the harsh equatorial sun and humid weather conditions.
Bali has two seasons: wet and dry. If you’re travelling during the latter, you won’t need to worry much about the rain.
If you’re travelling between October and March, though, you’ll need to come prepared for tropical storms and heavy showers.
During the rainy season, the inland areas of Bali can get a little chilly and the coast can get windy.
Therefore if you’re visiting Bali at this time of year, make sure you have at least one outer layer and a rain jacket!
Choosing what to wear in Bali
Seasonal considerations aside, deciding what to pack for Bali will depend very much on the type of trip you’re planning.
If you’re going to spend your time on Bali hiking volcanoes and exploring rice paddies, you’re going to be wearing very different clothing to someone on an island-hopping break.
When in doubt, it’s best to arrive prepared for everything.
Even if you’re not usually a beach person, you don’t want to miss out because you thought you wouldn’t need a swimsuit.
Similarly, you don’t want to turn down an epic hike because you only packed for the beach.
There are four main types of clothing you’ll want to wear in Bali:
Beach wear
As an island, Bali is a fantastic destination to go snorkelling, surfing or swimming. Many water activities require specialist equipment, but make sure you come prepared with all the essentials.
At the very least, you’ll need a swimsuit and flip flops (or sandals).
You may also want to pack a pair of water shoes or clothing to wear on the beach or boat when you get out of the water. It’s not always as warm as you might think!
If you plan to go surfing in Canggu, Ulawatu or the island’s many other surf spots, you’ll be happy to know that you won’t need a wetsuit here.
However, if it’s your first time surfing wetsuit-free, you may want to bring or rent a rash vest.
I (naively) wasn’t prepared for the rash and can say that grazed skin doesn’t look good with any Bali outfits!
Active wear
No matter which part of Bali you visit, you won’t be able to miss the fact that people here take fitness seriously.
Everywhere you look, there will be yogis, surfers and CrossFitters heading to and from their latest session.
It’s great news if, like me, you tend to live in your gym clothes.
Shorts, sleeveless tops and tanks won’t look out of place here, even if you’re not heading for a sweat – nobody will know, after all.
If you plan on making the most of the many, many sports and fitness classes available here, you’ll probably want to pack extra gym outfits.
I usually bring a week’s worth of gym clothes with me and do laundry every 5-7 days.
TIP: If you’re staying in Bali long-term and will need to do laundry, make sure you take this into consideration when packing your Bali outfits.
Sometimes it can take a day or two to get the clean laundry back, so make sure you have enough to cover you during this period and plan ahead!
Conservative & covered clothing:
Unlike most of Indonesia, Bali isn’t a Muslim island. Therefore, you don’t always need to dress as conservatively as you might elsewhere.
However, there are many parts of the island where you will want to be more covered – if not for respect, then for staying protected in the sun.
If you plan to visit Bali’s many temples, you’ll need to make sure you wear long trousers or a long skirt and keep your shoulders covered.
It’s usually possible to rent a scarf to wrap around your legs on-site, but it’s easier (and cheaper!) if you have your own already.
Likewise, longer sleeves, skirts and trousers will protect you from the sun if you plan to go hiking, visit one of Bali’s many rice terraces, or travel long distances on a scooter.
Other Bali outfits
The above will likely make up the bulk of your Bali outfit choices.
Other clothes you might want to pack for Bali include:
- one or two evening outfits if you plan to party or visit any “nice” restaurants or bars
- high heels (if you like to wear them – but many people don’t!)
- any activity-specific clothing, such as padel shoes
- minimalist clothes that you can mix and match on a day-to-day basis
- versatile pieces that transition from day to night
I like to travel with a minimalist mix of t-shirts, shorts and cropped trousers that work for most occasions.
Denim shorts and a flowy shirt are great to have, too.
Other essentials for Bali
Once you have your Bali clothes sorted, don’t forget the other parts.
Your choice of footwear and accessories may be just as important as your choice of clothes for Bali.
No matter what brings you to Bali, here are some things that should be on every Bali packing list:
- Good sunglasses: Cheap sunglasses just don’t cut it in Bali. Make sure you protect your eyes with a pair of good quality sunglasses. I always travel with a pair of Raybans because I know they won’t let me down.
- Walking shoes: Bali is full of rice terraces, waterfalls and volcanoes, and it’s almost impossible to visit without exploring some of them. Even if you’re not planning on hiking, you’ll want to have a good pairs of walking shoes.
- A waterproof jacket: A lightweight waterproof jacket is pretty much essential in Southeast Asia, and Bali is no different. A light, foldable option like this one won’t add any weight to your suitcase or day pack.
- A secure backpack: As with any popular tourist destination, theft does occur in Bali. Protect your belongings and explore worry-free with a secure theft-proof backpack like this one.
- A small bag: For day-to-day use and evenings, a small cross-body bag is the best option. It’s easy to wear on scooters or while dancing so you’ll never have to worry about losing it. One like this is the perfect size (and will keep your card safe from fraud thanks to RFID technology).
- A hat: Even with a good pair of sunglasses, you’ll be grateful you packed a hat for Bali. Whether you’re sun hat person or prefer a sporty cap, make sure you have something to protect your head.
Buying clothes in Bali
If you do forget anything – or even if you don’t – there’s no shortage of places to shop in Bali because Bali fashion is a big deal.
In fact, some really unique fashion brands are based in Bali, so leave plenty of room in your suitcase if you want to pick up some new clothes while you’re there.
As well as plenty of affordable boutiques, there are also a number of independent clothing shops run by local designers (or designers who have moved to Bali).
Inside these stores, you’ll find everything from sustainable t-shirts and flattering swimsuits, to hand-crafted jewellery and one-off bags.
Prices aren’t always as cheap as you might expect, but you can be sure the quality will be great.
Best of all, you’ll be able to support independent designers and upcoming brands, and remember your trip to Bali every time you wear whatever you buy.
Bali outfits for men
This post has largely focused on what to wear in Bali as a woman.
That’s because I write this blog from my own personal experience, and therefore from my own Bali packing list.
That said, I’ve spent enough time in Bali to have an idea of the Bali dress code for men.
When it comes down to it, it’s pretty much the same: active wear, beach clothing, a few long sleeves and a focus on lightweight fabrics that are multi-functional.
This packing guide is spot on! Bali’s weather and vibe can be tricky to pack for, but your outfit ideas really simplify things. I especially appreciate the tips on breathable fabrics and versatile pieces that work for both beach days and temple visits. It’s the kind of practical advice every traveler needs before heading to Bali. Thanks for making packing feel less stressful and more fun—I’m definitely saving this for my upcoming trip!