Do I need to cover up for temples in Bali?

Yes. Shoulders and knees must be covered, and most temples require a sarong (often lent at the entrance). Pack a light scarf and you are covered anywhere.

Is two weeks enough for Bali and the islands?

Comfortably. A common split: a few days in Ubud, a few on the south beaches, then 4 to 5 days island-hopping. Build the list once, reuse it for each island.

Carry-on only for two weeks. Really?

Yes, if you pack for heat and do laundry once. Quick-dry fabrics and two swimwear sets are the trick.

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What to Pack for Indonesia: Bali & the Islands

June 20, 2026

I packed for two weeks in Indonesia: Bali, then island-hopping to the Gilis and Nusa Penida. Here is the list I actually used, and a few things I wish I had left at home.

The short version

Pack light, pack for heat, and plan for one good rain day. Everything below fits a carry-on.

Clothes

Light cotton or linen tops. You will sweat through them
One pair of long trousers and a scarf for temples (shoulders and knees covered)
Swimwear x2 so one can dry
A light rain jacket. The afternoon downpour is real
Flip-flops + one pair of trainers for volcano sunrise hikes

The easy-to-forget stuff

Reef-safe sunscreen (hard to buy locally, and the sun is brutal)
Mosquito repellent with DEET
A universal travel adapter (Indonesia uses type C/F)
Power bank for long ferry and scooter days
Any medication you need. Pharmacies vary outside the cities

What I wish I had left home

A heavy book, a third pair of shoes, and "smart" clothes I never wore. Two weeks needs less than you think.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to cover up for temples in Bali?: Yes. Shoulders and knees must be covered, and most temples require a sarong (often lent at the entrance). Pack a light scarf and you are covered anywhere.
Is two weeks enough for Bali and the islands?: Comfortably. A common split: a few days in Ubud, a few on the south beaches, then 4 to 5 days island-hopping. Build the list once, reuse it for each island.
Carry-on only for two weeks. Really?: Yes, if you pack for heat and do laundry once. Quick-dry fabrics and two swimwear sets are the trick.