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Essential Packing List for Bali with Kids: What to Bring & What You Can Buy There

📖 Article•Bali Buddy

Packing for a family trip to Bali is an art. Pack too little and you're stressed; pack too much and your luggage explodes. The challenge is distinguishing between genuine essentials you must bring from home versus items you can easily (and sometimes cheaply) buy in Bali. This guide walks you through exactly what matters, what doesn't, and what to absolutely prioritize so your family starts the holiday relaxed rather than frazzled.

The Packing Philosophy

Golden Rule: Bali is surprisingly well-stocked. International brands exist in supermarkets and pharmacies throughout tourist areas. You're not traveling to a remote island with zero infrastructure. That said, some items are expensive (sunscreen: USD $10–12 vs. USD $3–4 at home), hard to find (specific medications, tampons, certain diaper brands), or unnecessary to haul (beach toys, bulky toiletries).

Weight Over Clutter: Every item you pack weighs down checked luggage and delays airport exits. Ask yourself: "Is this worth luggage space?" Most answers are no.

What to DEFINITELY PACK (Don't Buy in Bali)

Sun Protection & Medications

Sunscreen (High SPF, Reef-Safe)

After-Sun Lotion/Aloe Vera

For sunburn relief; while available in Bali, quality varies. Bring your trusted brand, especially if kids have sensitive skin.

Child-Safe Fever & Pain Relief Medications

Antihistamines for Kids

Allergies happen; bring child-safe antihistamines you know your child tolerates. Bali availability: Limited; pharmacies may not have your specific brand.

Mosquito Repellent (DEET-Free for Babies, DEET for Older Kids)

First-Aid Kit Essentials

Prescription Medications

Vitamins/Supplements

Bring: If your child takes daily vitamins or supplements, pack entire supply. Bali availability: Limited range; what you trust at home is easier than hunting locally.

Sleep & Comfort Items

Comfort Toy or Blanket

Travel Pillow or Sleep Sack (for Babies)

Helps babies sleep better in unfamiliar hotels. Lightweight; minimal packing space. Can't replicate comfort at destination.

Clothing & Sun Protection

Rash Guards/UV Swimwear

Wide-Brimmed Sun Hats

Protect face and ears from intense sun. Bali availability: Available but often cheap quality; expensive to replace if lost. Bring from home if child has specific fit preference.

Light Rain Jacket or Poncho

Wet season essential (November–April); dry season optional. Lightweight packing; invaluable in tropical downpours. Bali availability: Yes, but often cheap quality plastic.

Water Shoes

Protect feet from hot sand, sharp shells, rocky beaches, slippery surfaces. Essential for multiple beach visits; cheap locally but specific sizes uncertain. Bring if you have kids' sizes on hand.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

For temple visits, rice terrace walks, hiking. Personal fit matters; hard to replace mid-trip if worn out. Bali street conditions rough; bring shoes you trust.

Travel & Feeding Items (Babies & Toddlers)

Baby Bottles/Sippy Cups

If your toddler has a bottle/sippy preference, bring familiar ones. Bali availability: Generic cups available; specific brands rare. Pro tip: Bring 1–2 backup bottles in case primary ones break.

Bottle Sterilizing Tablets (Milton Tablets)

Gives peace of mind for bottle/pacifier hygiene in areas without boiling water access. Can't easily sterilize without proper equipment. Lightweight, essential for anxious parents.

Portable High Chair or Booster Seat

If your toddler needs a high chair but hotel doesn't provide—or provides unsafe versions. Optional but helpful for confident dining. Bali availability: Limited specific models.

Formula & Baby Food

Diapers & Wipes (Partial Supply)

Regular Diapers

Swim Diapers

Wipes

Widely available everywhere. Strategy: Bring first few days' supply; buy locally (Pampers bulk packs available). Your preferred brand might not exist; be prepared to adapt.

Diaper Rash Cream

Bring if your child has sensitive skin or history of rash. Bali availability: Limited range; your trusted brand might not exist. Pro tip: If you know your child's needs (zinc oxide, specific ingredients), bring it.

Entertainment for Travel

Tablet or Downloaded Content

Headphones

Kid-friendly over-ear headphones (volume-limited for ear protection). Bring from home; hard to replace mid-trip if broken. Reduce flight noise for children.

Coloring Books & Pencils

Lightweight entertainment; minimal weight. Screen-free activity breaks.

Small Toys or Surprise Gifts

New small toys revealed mid-flight help reset tired kids. Dollar store purchases work perfectly; kids get novelty excitement.

What to BUY in Bali (Don't Bring)

Beach Toys

Sand Buckets, Spades, Shovels

Beach Floats, Inflatables, Pool Toys

Towels, Microfiber Beach Towels

Available at markets and shops. Quick-dry microfiber sold cheaply. Incredibly bulky to pack; purchase locally.

Basic Toiletries

Baby Shampoo/Wash

Hotels provide complimentary toiletries. While you can bring preferred brands, hotels often have adequate options. If bringing: Travel-size only.

Lotion/Body Wash

Available in supermarkets. Hotels provide; usually sufficient. Travel-size only if bringing personal preference.

Toothpaste & Toothbrushes

Readily available at minimart. No need to haul from home. Kids' toothpaste brands available (Kodomo is local brand).

Hairbrush/Comb

Cheap locally if forgotten. Not worth packing.

Snacks

Chips, Crackers, Cookies

Fruits, Nuts, Dried Snacks

Fresh produce abundant and cheap in Bali. Local markets offer amazing fresh fruit. Don't pack (adds weight, spoils).

Candy/Lollies

Available everywhere. Let kids explore local treats. Skip packing.

Casual Clothing

Extra T-Shirts & Shorts

Casual Pants/Joggers

Bring 1–2 pairs; wash mid-trip if needed. Lightweight layers work.

Light Cardigans

For air-conditioned restaurants/airports. One lightweight is sufficient.

Socks

Minimal; mostly unneeded in warm Bali. Bring a few pairs; buy if needed.

PJs

Bring 2–3 lightweight sets. Hotels wash clothes daily if needed.

What NOT to Pack (Why It's Unnecessary)

Heavy Guidebooks

Download offline maps and travel apps instead. Saves significant weight. More current than books.

Multiple Pairs of Shoes

Bring 2–3 max: water shoes, comfortable walking shoes, dressier sandals. Most activities accommodate flip-flops/sandals. Don't need shoe variety Bali provides.

Full Suitcase of Toiletries

Hotels provide basics. Pharmacies and supermarkets stock everything. Bring travel-size only of preferences.

Excessive Clothing

Laundry is cheap and fast. Hotels often wash overnight. Bring 2–3 days' outfits; wash mid-trip. Climate warm; minimal wardrobe needed.

Bulky Stroller

Full-size prams hard to navigate Bali's paths. Lightweight collapsible stroller (Mountain Buggy Nano, Quicksmart) work. Baby carrier often better than stroller for Bali terrain. For babies/toddlers: carrier + small lightweight stroller better than full pram.

Expensive Jewelry

Unnecessary; don't tempt theft. Casual beach attire doesn't call for jewelry. Leave nice items home.

Large First-Aid Kit

Minimal only; pharmacies stock everything. Carry basic band-aids, pain relief, thermometer. Doctor/pharmacy accessible; no need for extensive kit.

Multiple Towels

Hotels provide; bring one lightweight microfiber at most. Beach towels bulky; buy cheap ones locally.

Work Equipment

Tablet/laptop only if truly necessary. Leave work behind; focus on family.

Detailed Packing Lists by Family Configuration

Family with Babies (0–12 Months)

Must Bring:

Buy in Bali:

Clothing (Babies):

Total Luggage: One carry-on + one medium checked bag (babies travel light; most space for supplies)

Family with Toddlers (1–3 Years)

Must Bring:

Buy in Bali:

Clothing (Toddlers):

Total Luggage: One medium carry-on + one large checked bag

Family with School-Age Kids (4–10 Years)

Must Bring:

Buy in Bali:

Clothing (School-Age):

Total Luggage: One medium carry-on + one large checked bag (can pack clothes more compactly)

Family with Teens (11+ Years)

Must Bring:

Buy in Bali:

Clothing (Teens):

Total Luggage: Personal backpack + one checked bag (teens pack minimally)

Smart Packing Strategies

1. Use Packing Cubes

Compress clothing; identify items at glance; save luggage space (20–30% reduction possible).

2. Wash Clothes Mid-Trip

Instead of packing 10 days of clothes, pack 3–4 days; use hotel laundry (USD $1–3 per load, next-day service). Weight savings dramatic.

3. Bring Medications in Original Containers

Pharmacy labels + prescriptions prove legitimacy at customs. Loose pills risk confiscation.

4. Double-Bag Toiletries

Seal liquids in ziplock bags; prevents spills on clothes if bottles leak.

5. Take Photos of Important Documents

Store copies in cloud storage; email to yourself; access anywhere if paper copies lost.

6. Pack Valuables in Carry-On

Passports, medications, expensive electronics carry-on only.

7. Roll Clothes Instead of Folding

Saves space; reduces wrinkles.

8. Wear Bulky Items on Plane

Heavy jacket, water shoes worn during travel rather than packed.

9. Leave Room in Luggage

Return luggage with souvenirs, gifts, beach treasures kids collected. Half-empty luggage problematic; plan for expansion.

10. Check Customs Restrictions

Indonesian customs strict on certain items (see below). Verify before packing anything questionable.

Critical Customs Restrictions

Absolutely CANNOT Bring:

CAN Bring (Limited Quantities):

Pro Tip: Keep prescription documentation, medication labels, and doctor's letter easily accessible during customs.

Pre-Travel Vaccination Checklist

Routine Vaccinations (Confirm Current):

Recommended for Bali:

NOT Required:

Timing: Consult travel doctor 6–12 weeks before departure for personalized recommendations.

Packing Day Checklist

One Month Before:

Two Weeks Before:

One Week Before:

Three Days Before:

Day Before:

Day Of:

Final Packing Philosophy

Pack for Bali assuming good infrastructure exists—because it does. Bring essentials (medications, sunscreen, comfort items); trust that Bali provides everything else. You'll arrive less stressed, with room for souvenirs, and with the realization that over-packing creates unnecessary burden. Bali is accessible, friendly, and abundantly stocked. Travel light; buy locally; enjoy the trip.

The perfect packing strategy is the one that gets your family to Bali feeling prepared but unburdened. When in doubt, ask: "Can I replace this in Bali?" If yes, leave it home.

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