Bali is hot, humid and gloriously casual, which makes packing simpler than you'd think. But there's a handful of things travellers always wish they'd brought. Here's a practical checklist you can run through before you zip the bag.
Travelling prepared
NomadCare is a small team based in Canggu, and getting first-time visitors ready for Bali is what we're all about — so your first days feel easy and familiar instead of a scramble. Heading over soon? Look us up.
Clothes & footwear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing — you'll live in shorts, tees and dresses.
- Swimwear (pack two so one's always dry).
- A light layer for fierce air-con, scooter rides and cooler evenings in Ubud.
- A sarong or shoulder cover — needed to enter temples.
- Comfortable sandals, plus one pair of trainers for waterfalls, rice-terrace walks and volcano hikes.
Tech & documents
- A universal travel adapter (Indonesia uses type C/F plugs, 230V).
- A power bank for long day trips.
- An eSIM or local SIM for data — handy for ride-hailing and maps.
- Printed and photographed copies of your passport and travel insurance.
- A card or two, plus some cash in rupiah for warungs and markets.
Sun & outdoors
- Reef-safe sunscreen — kinder to the reefs you'll be snorkelling over.
- A hat and sunglasses.
- A reusable water bottle, ideally with a built-in filter.
- Mosquito repellent for dusk.
Everyday comfort & basics
- A few travel-sized toiletries to get you through the first day.
- Any personal medication you rely on, in its original packaging.
- A reusable bag for markets and beach days.
The stuff people forget
The items that catch people out aren't the obvious ones — they're the small day-one basics you only miss once you've landed, when the nearest shop is a hot, jet-lagged errand away. That's exactly the gap our kit is built to fill.