Are you planning a trip to Bali for the upcoming summer? If not, you really should. The tropical destination in Indonesia is a popular destination among Australian tourists and travelers worldwide. The warm weather, the beautiful beaches, and the amazing rainforests make this place an awesome summer adventure.
If you had already planned a trip to the resorts and adventures of the island, or if you just now decided you need to take a vacation to Bali, there are a few things you need to take with you; some essentials that will make your stay more enjoyable, or that may be required in certain areas.
Here, we mention some of the top items you need to pack for your trip to Bali.
Camera
More than likely, you will be taking your smartphone with you to Bali. Even though your cell service probably isn’t available in Bali, there are still some apps that can allow you to communicate with family and friends back home. You were probably going to use it to snap some photos with, too; you probably even brought some extra SD cards with you so you would have plenty of memory for your photos.
Don’t! Don’t use your phone. The megapixels on today’s smartphones are powerful enough to capture clear, unpixelated pictures for everyday use, but not for somewhere as special as Bali. Make sure to bring a separate, high-powered digital camera for this purpose. You don’t want to miss anything, and you are still guaranteed to fill up all of those SD cards.
Travel Insurance
Not something you actually pack in your luggage for your trip to paradise but something you will need nevertheless. Travel insurance will cover your luggage in case it gets lost or damaged during your flight to Bali. More importantly, travel insurance will protect you in most of the activities you undertake while in Bali. If you plan on white water rafting or scuba diving, it will help pay for any trips to the hospital or other medical bills that you accrue. With travel insurance, you can focus on having fun rather than worrying about whether or not you should have fun.
Flip-Flops
This is the standard for footwear and fashion in Bali (and most of Southeast Asia, for that matter). While most Western cultures deplore the use of flip-flops, considering them a lazy man’s footwear, Bali culture has embraced them. They are used around town, acceptable for going to the restaurants. Of course, they are common on the beaches, but you will also need them if you intend to enter one of the many temples occupying the island.
Hiking Boots
For exploring the more uneven terrains of the tropical destination, make sure to bring a trusty pair of hiking boots. You will need them to hike through Bali’s mountains and the rainforests in the island’s center.
Swimwear
Bali is a beach destination. As such, you obviously will need to bring your swimsuit to enjoy the warm ocean waters. A word of caution: the locals do not appreciate tourists visiting their sacred temples in such clothing, especially women in bikinis. Crude and lewd behavior has led to the local government considering a ban on clothing at these locations. Be respectful if you are in your swimwear off of the beach.
Sarong
A sarong is an article of clothing that wraps around your waist. It is used throughout many parts of the world, stretching down to the floor. Travelers and locals are required to wear one of these when they enter sacred sites. If you wear a bikini to one of these sites, then one of these will help you respect the customs and traditions of the Bali natives.
Quick-Dry Clothing
Make sure you pack yourself some light clothes that are also fast-drying. Bali’s weather is warm, so you want to make sure the fabric is not too heavy and you can breathe. It is also moist, which is why the forests do so well on the island. You don’t want to walk into a club or shop in Seminyak and have your clothes cling to you the entire time.