Top Bali Packing Tips with Chelsea

Let’s be honest here, packing well can sometimes make or break a holiday, or at least make it very frustrating if you’ve left behind things you need but can’t buy easily at your destination or have overpacked and end up lugging around way more than you use…plus even worse have no room to bring home all the lovely things you may have picked up on your journey.

Goddess Retreats founder, Chelsea has been traveling the world since she was a baby with her adventurous parents, and first moved to Indonesia when she was 5 years old. Bali is a divine destination. From spectacular beaches to towering waterfalls, iconic rice terraces, and the friendliest locals and Chelsea’s explored just about everything you can do on this magical island and offers her tips on how to pack for your trip to Bali so you will have the best vacation!

Why is Bali Asia’s ultimate travel destination?

Did you know that Bali is one of the most popular tropical holiday destinations? World-renowned Travel + Leisure Magazine announce Ubud as it’s winner for best city in Asia for their annual World’s Best Awards in 2022.

It’s a fitting award as Bali truly has something for everyone, with its stunning temples, rain forests and white-sand beaches, Bali is a one-of-a-kind destination, especially if you’re looking for something with a wellness or healthy-living. Bali is home to some of the world’s most luxurious resorts and retreats, providing travellers with so many wellness options, set amongst and incredibly rich culture, with exceptional shopping.

Preparation is Key to Packing

The first and most important tip is to begin packing a few days before take-off. In Chelsea’s case she recommends7 days  The last thing you want to be doing is grabbing items in blind packing panic at the last minute. Not only is it stressful, but there is a good chance you will get to your holiday spot and wonder what made woman packed your bag ….and it’s was you….and yes, we have all been there!

So get out the suitcases and carry on you plan on taking and set them out empty and ready to start. curating your Bali vacation outfits like a pro.  Make it a creative and meditative process in putting together comfy long-haul outfits, effortless evening ensembles and sportswear that can take you anywhere, from the yoga mat to cycling through rice paddies.

How to Prepare your Body for a Bali Trip

Wait,..what?  Yes, you read that right. Preparing your body for a trip is just as important as packing your suitcase. Usually when we take a vacation it is not because we are feeling so rested we are just looking for a little get away. It’s often because we are at the end of our rope, the well is dry and our body and mind are craving some rest and rejuvenation.  It’s common then to hear about people who go on vacation and get a cold or feel sick. It’s almost as if the body has been holding out for a moment to just stop and let the wheels fall off.  YOU getting ahead of this by taking a quality multi-vitamin with an emphasis on Vitamin C and zinc or adding a super green powder mixture to your day in a smoothie  This is super food will not only boost your body’s natural energy but also help with digestion, bloating and immunity. Once you arrive on your Goddess Retreat, we make sure you have fresh fruit and green juices, along with healing herbal tonics and super food smoothies to help your body rejuvenate on your wellness getaway.

How do you start packing?

Chelsea recommends you starting at least a 7 days out.  Actually start trying everything on and adding and removing pieces as you go. The safer bet is to pack things you already like to wear and ‘spark joy’. “There are countless times I have packed ‘special’ items I have never worn at home, and returned home with them still not worn. Ultimately going on a vacation is about relaxation and feeling comfortable in your skin while getting out of your regular comfort zone, so pack clothes you feel comfortable in. It’s about letting go of impressing people so you can focus on experiencing your journey.” Says Chelsea “It’s great to have core items you love and then base your daily outfits around them. Feeling great in each item I pack is the most most important thing for me. There is literally no reason to bring items that are so-so.”
 

What do you pack?

To pack or not to pack… The age-old question. The short answer is, when heading to Bali, you can afford to pack on the light side. This is for two reasons, firstly Bali has a very laid back vibe If you’re going to the beach, you’ll probably wear shorts and a tank top, or sun dress over your swimsuit for your daily activities. Then, when the sun starts to go down, you can pretty much wear the same clothes you wore earlier in the day. Secondly, Bali shopping is amazing for fashion, jewellery, bags, hats, homeware….well just about everything! So if you are wondering if you need to pack that extra maxi dress, the answer is NO.
 

Essential Clothes & Accessories to Pack for Bali

• Shoes: When deciding what footwear to pack for Bali, it’s important to plan according to your itinerary. Make sure to pack comfortable sneakers for days when you’re exploring the markets or going cycling or hiking. You’ll also need a good pair of flip-flops or Birkenstocks for beach days and island hopping and a nice pair of sandals for dinner out. No need for any heels in Bali – they will just get stuck in the sand, or grass.
• Sun hat: Whether you’re hanging at the beach or pool, island hopping, or trekking through Bali’s jungle to an stunning waterfall, you’ll want to have some sun protection, but keep it light and breathable.
• Sunglasses: Don’t forget your shades, because you’ll be wearing them every day!
• Sarong: It’s important to be respectful of the culture when visiting Bali’s religious sites. Like most temples in Asia, Bali’s temples have a strict dress code. And you’ll need to cover your legs and shoulders. Some temples, like Uluwatu and Tirta Empul, offer sarong rentals, but this is not always the case elsewhere. Bring a sarong to keep handy no matter where you go! We provide you with a beautiful sarong on the retreat to keep, plus full traditional outfits for visiting temples, so you will fit right in.
• Swimsuits: Bali has loads of amazing beaches, and pool perfect for cooling off after a day out exploring all of Bali’s activities. This is another item you will use every day, so you will want to bring along at least 2 swimsuits, so you can alternate each day while you are drying out the one you wore the day before.
• UV jacket: If you’re going to spend lots of time hiking, it’s a good idea to pack a light UV jacket to keep you from getting sunburnt. Also good for spending time in air-conditioned cars between activities.

Travel Accessories & Toiletries

• Refillable water bottle: Please don’t drink tap water in Bali! While our retreat provides you with unlimited spring water daily, Make sure you include a reusable water bottle in your Bali packing list that you can refill at the retreats spring water dispenser and bring it with you on trips. this way you will stay hydrated and also cut down on single use plastic.
• Insect repellent: It’s the tropics so there are going to be a few mosquitos – especially at dawn and dusk. On the retreat we provide a all natural essential oil based spray, If you are planning on spending more time in Bali it’s always good to bring your own.
• Sunscreen: You won’t have any trouble finding sunscreen in Bali, but it’s important to know that many sunscreen brands in Asia contain whitening agents that can change your skin’s color. Moreover, not all of them are reef-save. Rather bring your favorite brand along so that you don’t need to worry about a thing.
• After-sun or aloe vera: If you’re prone to sunburn, it’s always a good idea to bring decent after sun or aloe vera to Bali or try out our Sun-Kisssed Aloe Treatment at the Goddess Spa which is included in your retreat package.
• Deodorant: Most deodorant brands in Asia contain whitening agents. If that doesn’t entice you, bring your favorite brand along.
• Hairstyling products:  Bali’s weather is hot and humid, so if you suffer from frizzy hair, it’s best to bring along your own styling products, or bring along some hair ties as the most comfortable way to wear hair in Bali is in ponytail or bun!
• Oral care products: Finding oral care products is quite easy in Bali, but it might not be your preferred brand. Pack your favorite brand of toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash for a hassle-free trip.
• Soap/ Bodywash/ Shampoo/ Conditioner: at Goddess Retreat we provide all this for you, with beautiful essential oil, sulphate free and paraben free products, but if you have a special brand you like to use, you’d be better off including it on your list of things to bring to Bali.
• Makeup: There’s not much need to pack much makeup for your Bali trip. To be honest, with Bali’s humid weather, there’s no way your makeup will stay flawless all day. Plus, with all the time in the pool or ocean, mostly we all go make up free. If you can’t bear to go without make up, keep things minimal. Pack a light BB cream or tint foundation, blush, neutral eyeshadow, eyeliner, waterproof mascara, and a nice lip gloss and you are good to go!

What Type of Luggage & Bags Should I bring to Bali?

• Suitcase/ Backback: The hardest part of packing for Bali is probably figuring out what kind of bags to put all your stuff in. But, in the end, it depends mostly on what kind of traveler you are. If you’ve booked yourself on to a Goddess Retreat, we provide private transfers to get you around, so you can bring along a big hard shell suitcase wheels. But if you plan to move around a lot, go to more remote places, or hop from island to island, a lighter backpack or soft suitcase is your best bet. Check out this great article on how to chose the best suitcase for you. 
• Carry-on Luggage: The same principles apply for carry on luggage. Pro Packing Tip: If you are taking multiple flights to get to your destination, be sure to pack an extra set of underwear, clothes and one bathing suit. This is your emergency back up, just in case your case shows up a little bit later than you do!
• Day bag / Night Bag : You’re definitely going to need a small day bag for your phone, water bottle, and personal items. On the retreat we provide you with a handy tote that is great for everything from the beach to the shops.  Other than that in most social situations, just a small crossbody bag will do, which there are plenty to buy at great prices in Bali.

What is the perfect Bali reading list?

Whether, you bring paperbacks or your kindle, having the right reading helps to set the scene for your Bali vacation.  If you are looking for some relaxing storytelling that will bring you into the Bali vibe, it may be time to revisit Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert or check out Bali Daze by Cat Wheeler who is a long time Bali local. If you are looking for some spiritual inspiration, we love Michael Singer’s The Surrender Experiment and Outrageous Openness by Tosha Silver. And if you are looking to find your zen after a few life challenges, another Bali local has some sage advice in her book Triggered as f**k: How to stay calm by Cate Dubois.
 

Travel Insurance

The final but probably the most important item to tick off on any packing list travel insurance. I have been.using World Nomads for decades and love that it offers simple, affordable  and flexible travel insurance that covers all the action sports I love from surfing, skiing to scuba diving.

If you liked this Bali packing list, please share it with your family and friends!

If you have any extra tips you’d like to share with us, feel free to let us know and we will add it to this blog. And if you’d like us to share on any other topics on our blog please let us know!

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