There are so many different things that you need to take with you when you travel. One persons idea of ‘essential’ is very different to another, as is they type of travel that we prefer to do. Some lay by the pool for a week, whilst others never seem to stop moving between shops, bars and restaurants. Whatever type of traveller you are, when coming to bali there are a few basic items that should be on your packing list.
I am one of those crazy people that actually likes packing- yeah strange I know. Perhaps it is my personality that likes to be in control of a situation, of the fact that I loved playing Tetris as a kid. I am a sucker for organisation, and what could need more organising than a family of four going on holiday.
For this trip in August, it is just myself and thus the list below is just for one. Most items will be relevant to everyone, and I am sure you will find some other ‘essential’ items that you want on your list.
The basic Bali Packing List:
Travel Documents
- Passport
- Plane Tickets
- Accommodation Information- address, phone, confirmation number
- Credit card, Foreign Currency, Debit Card, Travel Money Card
- Drivers Licence- a good idea if you hire a car and for additional photo ID
- Copies of all of the above and a copy online emailed to yourself. If you loose everything at least you can access copies of these essential documents.
- Emergency phone numbers- embassy, insurance hotline, hospital, local police/ ambulance Bali
The type of luggage you use will be a huge deciding factor in what you can and should pack. For many people this will be some form of suitcase. I recommend something with 4 roller wheels as it makes life so much easier. Unless you plan on moving locations regularly or trekking, a backpack style is really not needed.
Luggage
- Locks for all zippers
- Zip ties- great for locking zippers for extra security
- Money belt
- Name tags for all bags
- Backpack or small carry on suitcase
- Packing cubes- if you don’t know what these are then you haven’t lived. They will save you time and frustration when packing and make it incredibly easy to organise things. I use the Eagle Creek packing cubes. They come in a range of sizes and colours for everything you will ever want to pack- http://shop.eaglecreek.com/packing-cubes/l/212
Toiletries
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Suncream
- Mosquito Spray (must have DEET)
- Brush
- Shaving Cream
- Razor
Not too much. remember you just need the essentials and anything out of the ordinary or incase of an emergency you will 99% be able to get there in Bali.
Medical
- Insect Repellent
- Bite cream
- Hand sanitiser
- Cold and flu tablets
- Panadol
- Simple First Aid Kit (Bandaids, antiseptic, etc…)
- Diarrhoea medication- Imodium or something similar
- Prescription Medication- some of thee will be available in Bali, but bring enough supply for your full trip
Clothes
Remember- Bali = Hot. Some months are hotter than others, but you are not going to need those jeans or heavy jackets.
- Underpants
- Shorts
- Long pants- light
- T-shirts
- Dressy shirt
- Socks
- Sleepwear
- Board Shorts
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Running/ walking shoes
- Thongs/ Flip Flops
- Dressy Shoes
- Casual shoes
Technology
This is where things become much harder for some people- especially the geeks of us. My terms f ‘essential’ is very different to others in this section. Granted as I run my own business I need to travel with my laptop in most instances. Other tech toys are just nice to have, so use at your discretion. Where possible buy items with similar chargers and cables (such as apple products) to help reduce the amount you will need to double up on.
- Camera- all chargers, cables, spare batteries and memory cards
- iPad and charger
- Smartphone and Charger
- GoPro and Accessories (not for everyone, but amazing for action shots and wide angles)
- Laptop and charger
- Headphones
- Wall adapter- I would recommend a global plug adapter that includes USB ports to cut down on chargers (http://www.dicksmith.com.au/navigation-travel/belkin-world-travel-surge-protection-mains-adaptor-dsau-m7447)
