The short answer
Pack light and modest for a hot, humid climate with a real temple dress code, then spend ten minutes on the digital admin that actually gets you into the country. The physical essentials are breathable layers that cover shoulders and knees, reef-safe sunscreen, a universal adapter, your own medicines and some cash. Just as important are the things with no weight: offline maps, your e-VOA and arrival card, and a working eSIM. Laundry is cheap and quick in Bali, so bring less than you think and leave room for what you buy.
Clothes for temples and heat
Bring light, breathable layers and at least one outfit that covers your shoulders and knees for temple visits. Temples require a sarong and a sash, usually available to borrow or rent at the gate, but your own scarf saves the queue. Pack swimwear, quick-dry shorts and tops, one warmer layer for cool evenings in Ubud or on a boat, and a light rain jacket if you travel in the wet season, roughly November to March. Comfortable sandals plus one pair of proper shoes for walking or waterfalls cover almost everything.
Sun, bugs and the beach
Sun, insect and water gear is worth packing from home, because good versions cost more locally. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and after-sun, since trusted brands are pricey on the island and some sites now ask for reef-safe formulas. Add mosquito repellent, as dengue is present year-round, plus a small first-aid kit for the stomach upsets that catch many visitors. A dry bag protects your phone and documents on boats, scooters and in sudden downpours, and a reusable water bottle cuts both plastic and cost while you are out.
Power, medication and money
Indonesia uses Type C and Type F plugs at 230V and 50Hz, so bring a universal adapter, and sort medication and cash before you go. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 230V, but check older devices before plugging in, and a power bank helps on long day trips. Pack personal medicines in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription, and bring enough for the whole trip, because some drugs are restricted: pseudoephedrine and codeine are controlled and CBD is banned. Carry some cash for arrival plus a backup bank card kept separately.
Your pre-trip digital checklist
Do the digital tasks at home, on wifi, not in the arrivals hall. Download offline maps of the areas you will visit, complete your electronic visa on arrival (e-VOA) and the customs arrival declaration online in the days before departure, and save your accommodation and flight confirmations so they open without signal. Photograph your passport and store it securely. The one to do first is connectivity: install and set up a Goodbars eSIM before you fly, so your phone is online the moment you land and every other check works without hunting for airport wifi.
What to leave at home
Leave behind anything heavy, valuable or easily replaced on the island. You do not need a thick stack of clothes, since laundry services are cheap and turn around in a day. Skip expensive jewellery and keep valuables to a minimum, given the occasional opportunistic theft. A drone needs registration and permits for many sites, so research the rules before packing one. Most toiletries, snacks and beach basics are sold everywhere, so buy the bulky, cheap items after you arrive rather than filling your bag with them.
