What to pack for Bali
and Southeast Asia with kids.
Humidity, temple etiquette, and mosquitoes are the three things that actually change the packing list here. This covers only what to add on top of our base family packing list.
Quick-dry beats cotton, every time.
Cotton stays damp and clingy in tropical humidity, which is miserable on a kid by midday. Lightweight, quick-dry fabrics hold up far better, and we pack more full outfit changes than feels necessary at home, since a second or third change in one day is normal rather than excessive.
A cover-up per person, and real repellent.
Most temples require covered shoulders and knees, and a provided sarong is not always sized for kids, so we pack one lightweight cover-up per family member to avoid scrambling at the entrance. For mosquitoes, a DEET or picaridin-based repellent applied consistently, plus lightweight long sleeves for evenings, does far more than a citronella bracelet or similar novelty item.
What families ask us.
What clothing works best for Bali's humidity?
Lightweight, quick-dry fabrics over cotton, which stays damp and clingy in tropical humidity. Pack more outfit changes than you think you need, since a full outfit change some days is normal rather than excessive.
Do you need modest clothing for temples in Bali?
Yes. Most temples require covered shoulders and knees, and a sarong is sometimes provided but not always in the right size for kids. Packing one lightweight cover-up per family member avoids scrambling at the entrance.
What mosquito protection actually works in Bali?
A DEET or picaridin-based repellent applied consistently, plus lightweight long sleeves and pants for evenings, when mosquitoes are most active. Citronella bracelets and similar novelty products are not a reliable substitute.
What is the base packing list this builds on?
Our full family packing list, split by ages 0 to 2 and 3-plus, covers everything universal: bags, sleep, feeding, tech. This page only covers what changes specifically for Bali and Southeast Asia.