What I Wish I Packed for Bali: A Month of Beaches, Waterfalls, and Surprises

Last September, I spent a month in Bali: two weeks in Ubud, ten days in Uluwatu, and five days in Canggu. It was nothing like anywhere I’d been before. Think endless rice terraces dripping in green, waves curling under golden sunrises, and temples tucked behind waterfalls that feel like secret worlds.

I felt safe the entire time, even traveling solo. The people were kind, quick to smile, and always open to sharing their culture. The Balinese people I spoke with often told me that this comes from their deep belief in karma, that living well means not causing harm, because every action eventually returns to you. And even though none of us were speaking our first language, I learned so much just from those everyday conversations.

But I’ll be honest. There were definitely moments I thought, Wow, I should have packed better for this. Here’s my list of things I brought (or wish I did) that would have made my Bali trip even better.

eSIM

Bali is a place where you’ll constantly want your phone handy: to check maps while navigating a scooter ride, look up tide times before surfing, or send that quick “you won’t believe this” beach photo. I used an eSIM and it was a total game-changer. No airport kiosk chaos, no swapping out SIM cards. Just land, switch it on, and I was connected.

Travel Backpack

I traveled light and I’d do it again. Bali isn’t the place for oversized luggage. Narrow alleys, scooter rides, and moving between towns make a good backpack your best friend. Mine fit everything I needed and made it easy to bounce between Ubud’s jungle mornings, Uluwatu’s beach breaks, and Canggu’s coworking cafes.

Light Rain Jacket or Poncho

Here’s the one that got away: Mount Batur. I wanted to do the sunrise hike, but it starts around 3 or 4 a.m. The air is freezing, damp, and unpredictable. With only tank tops and shorts, I had to skip it; otherwise, I’d have frozen before the sun even rose. If I’d packed a light rain jacket or poncho, I’d have seen one of Bali’s most breathtaking views. Don’t make the same mistake.

Turkish Towels

Bulky beach towels? Nope. A Turkish towel was perfect: light, quick-drying, and multipurpose. I used mine at the beach, as a temple cover-up, and even as a yoga mat cover during studio sessions at places like Yoga Barn in Ubud.

Mosquito Protection

Bali, Thailand, and so many other tropical spots come with a less-fun travel companion: mosquitoes. I’d definitely recommend packing a solid repellent and some kind of after-bite relief cream or patches, my legs would have thanked me more than once.

By the way, has anyone else seen those mosquito repellent bracelets?? What kind of tech is that, hahah.

Reliable Shoes + Flip-Flops

Bali isn’t just beaches: you’ll walk through markets, climb temple stairs, and trek down muddy paths to reach waterfalls. I packed comfortable shoes for exploring and flip-flops for quick trips and beach days. That combo was enough.

Better SPF for Surfing

In Uluwatu, my days started with surf lessons. The water was warm, the cliffs glowing in the first light… and my legs were fried after just one morning. I underestimated the sun and ended up burned so badly I could hardly move. I had to buy a Nivea aloe vera cream locally to recover, lol. This one also has great reviews on Amazon by the way. If I could redo it, I’d bring a strong, water-resistant surf sunscreen from the start. They even make stick versions designed for water activities. The Bali sun is no joke.

Wanderlog

I organized everything in Wanderlog: waterfall routes in Ubud, surf sessions in Uluwatu, and even café-hopping days in Canggu. It kept me from getting overwhelmed and let me stay spontaneous without ever feeling lost.

Power Bank

Between photos of rice terraces, sunrise surf reels, and café flat-lay shots (Canggu’s coffee scene is seriously good), my phone battery barely lasted half a day. A power bank would have saved me from rationing photos or anxiously watching my battery drop during scooter rides. And if you’re a remote worker like me, laptop-ready power banks are even better.

Tours on Klook

One of the best parts of my trip was booking daily tours and activities through Klook. It made exploring easy, from waterfall adventures to temple tours, and it’s also how I met some of the friends I’m still in touch with today. Traveling solo in Bali never felt lonely, and I’d highly recommend Klook if you want both structure and community on your trip.

Bali Highlights

• Ubud: Mornings here are slow and magical. I’d wake up early, listen to the roosters, and sometimes sneak into the river for a quick swim before grabbing a healthy, delicious bowl. The days filled with temple visits and hikes to waterfalls that felt hidden just for me.
  

• Uluwatu: Surf town energy at its finest. I loved paddling out at sunrise, catching waves as the cliffs lit up in gold. Dreamland Beach is my personal favorite! Evenings were for beach bonfires or watching fiery sunsets from cliffside bars.
  

• Canggu: The perfect base for remote work. The cafés aren’t just pretty, they’re practical, with fast Wi-Fi, great coffee, and a buzzing community of travelers and creatives. I’d spend mornings working, afternoons scootering to the beach, and nights at lively markets.
  

• Nusa Penida: A short boat ride away, but it felt like another world. The dramatic cliffs, turquoise water, and spots like Kelingking Beach were jaw-dropping. It’s more rugged than Bali itself, so pack extra water and expect fewer creature comforts, but the views are definitely worth every step! Just know that some of the scenic viewpoints can get crowded, since the spot has become popular on social media.
  
  
  

Final Thoughts

If you’re heading to Bali, especially solo, keep it simple. Pack light, bring layers for both the sun and the rain, and leave room in your schedule for the moments you can’t plan: like a quiet sunrise dip in Ubud, a new friend in a Canggu café, or standing at the edge of Nusa Penida’s cliffs with your jaw on the floor.

The right essentials won’t take away the adventure, they’ll make it easier to say yes to it all.