What to pack for Bali ?

Are you planning a vacation in Bali or Indonesia? Everything is ready, well almost. All that's left to do is packing, but what should you bring with you ? Don't worry, here's a list of essentials & tips: with us, the suitcase project = 100% success.

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Backpack or Suitcase?

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Before knowing what to put in your suitcase, the question of the container may arise. So, rather a hard suitcase, or a soft travel bag?

First of all, if your trip is in the form of a road trip, choose large backpacks rather than suitcases. On the other hand, if you are not going to travel too much, the suitcase is perfect!

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The ultimate packing list for Indonesia

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🚨 Spoiler alert: We advise you to choose natural and light materials such as linen or cotton, if you do not want to melt under the Indonesian sun.

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For clothes

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• 5-7 lightweight tops
• 4-6 shorts or dresses
• 1-2 chic outfits for evenings out
• 1 pair of sandals/flip-flops
• 1 pair of sneakers
• 2-3 swimsuits
• 1 sweatshirt and joggers
• 1 rain jacket/windproof jacket
• Underwear + socks
• 1 sarong
• 1 beach towel
• 1 pair of sunglasses: polarized lenses are ideal for UV protection and improved visibility. It would be a shame to come all the way to Indonesia and see nothing!
• 1 hat or cap
• 1 backpack/handbag/tote bag
• 1 pair of reef slippers / plastic shoes: useful to avoid hurting your feet on the pebbles or in the corals, and ESPECIALLY to avoid looking all tense with pain in the photos, which is not Instagrammable.

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The Toiletry case

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• Soap + shampoo
• Toothbrush + toothpaste
• Deodorant; cotton swabs
• Sanitary pads / Tampons: in Indonesia, they are very expensive (around 10 euros per pack)
• Makeup & makeup remover
• Brush, comb, hair ties & other hair/beard accessories
• Shaver + shaving foam & trimmer
• SPF 50 sunscreen (eco-friendly) -> Check out our sunscreen recommendations at the end of the list
• Pocket mirror: to admire your tan anywhere
• Hand sanitizer
• Tweezers/nail clippers (make sure you put them in your checked luggage, otherwise it's ciao))
• SPF 50 lip balm

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The Aid & Medical kit

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• Dressings, compresses and antiseptic (such as Betadine)
• Biafine or aloe vera
• Mosquito repellent (We recommend the “cinq sur cinq” brand)
• Antihistamines (Zyrtec)
• Seasickness tablets (we're not all Poseidon's children)
• Contraceptive pills
• Personal prescriptions (customs may ask you for a prescription for your medication. If you don't have it, they have the right to confiscate
• Eyeglasses/contact lenses (+ solution)
• Anti-nausea medication (like Vogalen)
• Anti-diarrhea (Smecta)
• Paracetamol/ibuprofen
• Spasfon

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What is Bali Belly?

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Bali Belly is a stomach infection often experienced at the beginning of your trip, caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli. It’s usually contracted from consuming contaminated food or water and lasts a few days.

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Multimedia & miscellaneous

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• Camera/video devices
• Drone + charger + memory card
• E-reader
• Flashlight
• Notebook + pen
• Earphones + music speaker
• Phone + charger
• Reusable water bottle
• Mask and snorkel: Don’t bother unless you want a full-face mask like the ones from Decathlon.

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NB : Electric plugs are G type. If you live in France, Belgique, Pologne, Slovaquie, Tunisie, République Tchèque, they are the same, otherwise you will need to take plug adapters.

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Baby stuff

• Baby bottles
• Comfort blanket & pacifier
• Bib
• Spare clothes
• Diapers
• Wipes
• A baby carrier
• Formula milk

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Important documents

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• Passport
• Visa for Indonesia
• Travel insurance certificate
• International driver’s license
• Health insurance card / European health card
• Credit card
• Cash in euros → to exchange locally

NB : For more information, see our article on entry formalities in Indonesia

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Eco-Friendly Sunscreen Recommendations

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• EQ Love
• SVR Ocean Respect
• Sol de Ibiza stick
• Lancaster sun protection water
• Ocean Commitment Sun Lotion - Laboratoires de Biarritz

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We don't want to sound like annoying parents, but prefer SPF 50 sunscreens. In Indonesia, UV levels often exceed 10. Prevention is better than cure : avoid sunburn and aim for a golden tan that will make your colleagues blush with envy

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The 9 tips to pack your suitcase well

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1. Do not take too much stuff & do not overload your suitcase: a lot of things can be bought on site. Get your biceps ready for the weight of the bags; the Balinese markets will awaken the Pretty Woman in you. This is valid for women as well as for men (0 discrimination here).
2. Loose clothes to withstand the heat (if we insist so much it's for the collective well-being)
3. A warm outfit just in case or for excursions: yes, it's true, it's hot in Bali. But go to the top of Mount Batur at 5 am, we'll see who laughs last.
4. Bring a first aid kit: it is very important on a daily basis but especially if you are planning excursions to remote areas!
5. Close your suitcase with a padlock: to avoid the theft of your belongings at the airport & misadventures. Even if it is hot in Indonesia, arriving with clothes is better.
6. Take a change of clothes in your cabin bag: if bad luck befalls you and your suitcase has decided to take a vacation without your sweet company (lost or delayed suitcase), having a spare outfit is quite useful.
7. Do not take more than 1L of alcohol per person: it is forbidden, the excess will be confiscated from you.
8. Chinese medicines are forbidden & you must always have a prescription for your medication.
9. No need to take shower/bath towels:

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We hope we've helped you with our great list of tips. Have a nice vacation, enjoy! Do not hesitate to share your adventures with us on Instagram and to subscribe! : @swarga.odyssey

We offer you the PDF version; so you can download it on your phone or print it to be sure not to forget anything!

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