Bali Packing List for Couples: Dress Codes, Temple Etiquette, Plug Types

Use this guide to pack once, stress never. It covers the must-bring items for Bali’s weather, what to wear at temples, and exactly which power adapters you need—plus couple-friendly tips so you don’t overpack.

1) 60-Second Packing Summary (print this bit)

• Clothes: light, breathable layers + a modest temple outfit (shoulders/knees covered)

• Temple kit: sarong + sash (or rent on site), sleeves or light scarf, slip-off shoes

• Footwear: comfy sneakers + sandals (anti-slip for wet tiles)

• Power: Type C/F plugs, 230V, 50Hz → bring a Type C/F adapter + dual-USB charger

• Sun & swim: reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, quick-dry towel, swimsuit/rash guard

• Health: motion tabs for boats, basic meds, insect repellent

• Docs & money: passport, e-VOA/visa details if applicable, travel insurance, debit/credit + some IDR cash

2) Wardrobe Capsules (per person)

Hot & Humid Capsule (works year-round)

• 3–4 breathable tops (linen/cotton/bamboo)

• 2 lightweight bottoms (one shorts, one pants or midi skirt)

• 1–2 sundresses/romper or extra shorts (optional)

• 1 thin long-sleeve or light scarf (temple sun/AC)

• 1 light rain jacket (green season Nov–Mar)

• 5–7 underwear + 3 socks (laundry is easy)

• Sleepwear + swimsuit/rash guard

Footwear

• Sandals (pool/beach/quick temple stops)

• Comfy sneakers (walks, uneven paths)

• Optional water shoes (rocky entries, waterfalls)

Couple tip: Color-coordinate 1–2 outfits for photos; pack one neutral layer each you can share (oversized linen shirt, scarf).

3) Temple Etiquette: What to Wear & How to Behave 

Dress code basics

• Cover shoulders & knees (both men and women)

• Wear a sarong (wrap around waist) + sash (belt)

• Close-toed shoes not required; slip-offs are easiest

• Avoid ripped/see-through clothing

On-site options: Most major temples have sarong/sash rentals—handy if you don’t want to carry your own.

Do:

• Move calmly; follow the crowd flow

• Step lightly around offerings (canang sari)

• Ask before photographing people or ceremonies

Don’t:

• Don’t enter inner sanctum zones without permission

• Don’t point feet at shrines; avoid public displays of affection

• Don’t climb on structures for photos

Note: Some temples restrict entry during menstruation; respect posted rules and local guidance.

4) Power & Plugs (Zero Drama)

Bali (Indonesia) electricity: 230V • 50Hz
Sockets you’ll see: Type C (two round pins) & Type F (two round pins with side earth clips)

What to bring

• Universal travel adapter that supports Type C/F

• Dual-USB/USB-C charger (fast-charge phones/cameras)

• If your device is only 110V (rare now), pack a voltage converter. Most modern laptops/phones are dual-voltage—check your charger label.

5) Toiletry & Health Kit (shared to save weight)

• Reef-safe sunscreen (reef-friendly = no oxybenzone/octinoxate)

• Insect repellent (deet or picaridin)

• After-sun/aloe gel (small)

• Basic meds: pain/fever, antihistamine, anti-diarrheal, rehydration salts

• Motion sickness tabs (for boats/curvy roads)

• Hand sanitizer + travel tissues

• Mini first-aid: bandages, blister pads

• Contacts/solution or glasses; mini lens cleaner

• Personal items (razors, period products)

Many items are available locally, but your favorite brands/reef-safe sunscreen can be pricier—pack from home.

6) Swim & Water Day Micro-Kit (throw in a tote)

• Quick-dry towel or sarong

• Waterproof phone pouch

• Rash guard (sun + modesty for temples before/after)

• Small dry bag (boats/waterfalls)

• Spare zip bag for wet clothes

7) Tech That Actually Helps

• Phone + eSIM/pocket Wi-Fi (optional)

• Power bank (10–20k mAh)

• Compact camera or phone gimbal (if you film)

• Universal adapter + multi-USB hub (see section 4)

• Lightweight travel plug extension (1–2 extra sockets)

8) Documents, Money & Small Essentials

• Passport (+ digital copies)

• Visa/e-VOA details if applicable, onward ticket proof

• Travel insurance (digital copy)

• Credit/debit cards (notify banks); some IDR cash for tips, small cafés, markets

• Hotel/transfer confirmations (screenshots)

• Reusable water bottle; foldable tote for markets

• Tiny umbrella (double-duty sun/rain)

9) What Not to Pack (or to Downsize)

• Heavy jeans or thick sweaters (too hot)

• High heels (uneven paths)

• Bulky beach towels (use quick-dry)

• Excess makeup/hair tools (humidity wins)

• Massive first-aid kits (go minimalist; pharmacies exist)

10) Couple Sync Tricks (pro traveler moves)

• Divide & duplicate: one sunscreen + one repellent per person so you’re never without

• Share chargers: one multi-port hub + one adapter = lighter bags

• Color-coded pouches: you each own one color for toiletries/tech

• Photo gameplan: 1 outfit pair you’ll both love in pictures; neutral layers

11) Green Season vs Dry Season: Micro-Adjustments

• Dry (May–Sep): add a light layer for breezy evenings; more sun gear

• Shoulder (Apr, Oct–Nov): tiny umbrella + quick-dry layer

• Green (Dec–Mar): pack that light rain jacket, extra quick-dry top, and a spare zip bag for damp items

Quick FAQ 

Do we need to bring our own sarong for temples?
Handy but optional—many temples rent sarongs/sashes on site. We still suggest carrying a light scarf/sleeve layer.

Can I wear shorts to temples?
Yes if you wrap a sarong over them and cover shoulders; otherwise choose pants/skirt past the knee.

Which plug type does Bali use?
Type C/F at 230V, 50Hz. Bring a universal adapter with C/F support and a multi-USB charger.

Is reef-safe sunscreen required?
Not legally everywhere, but it’s strongly encouraged to protect marine life. Pack your own; selection varies.

Copy-Paste Mini Checklist (throw into Notes)

• Passport, visa/e-VOA, insurance

• Phone + charger + power bank + Type C/F adapter

• Reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, motion tabs

• Breathable clothes + modest temple outfit

• Sandals + sneakers

• Swimsuit/rash guard + quick-dry towel/sarong

• Light rain jacket (esp. Dec–Mar)

• Reusable water bottle, foldable tote

• IDR cash + cards