Bali Packing List with Kids – How to Best Prepare for Island Life
A Bali packing list for kids isn’t the same as packing for a solo trip or even a couple’s holiday. I learned that quickly. Bali is warm, relaxed, and incredibly family-friendly—but the heat, long days out, temple visits, and constant movement mean that what you pack can truly shape how smooth your trip feels.
If you’ve ever stood over an open suitcase wondering if you’re packing too much or missing something important, you’re not alone. When you travel with kids (or teens), it’s less about having everything and more about having the right things: snacks that prevent meltdowns, sun protection that actually gets used, and comfort items that help everyone sleep and recharge.
This Bali packing list is written with real family travel in mind. It’s based on what I’ve actually used, what I wish I had packed, and what I now always bring when traveling to Bali with kids. You’ll find practical advice, family-specific essentials, and honest tips to help you pack smart—without overpacking.
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Documents & Visas for Bali With Kids
When you’re traveling with kids, paperwork matters more than you think. I’ve learned to double-check documents early, because sorting these things last minute adds unnecessary stress before a family trip. It will also save a lot of time when driving. This you need to prepare:
Passports (For Everyone, Including Kids)
Every traveler, including children, needs:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in Indonesia
- At least one blank page (two is safer)
I always check passport expiry dates as soon as possible. Kids’ passports often expire sooner than adults’, and this is one of the most common issues families run into.
E-Visa for Bali – Packing List Key
Most families can use Visa on Arrival (VoA) when entering Bali.
But getting this before hand will save you 30-60 minutes, minutes that are key if your kids (and yourself) just come from a long flight. So make sure you come prepared and have this at hand!
- Get your E-Visa here at the official website
- Customs Indonesian Customs Declaration e-CD. Get your QR code here
Children need their own visa, even when traveling with parents.
Traveling With One Parent or Guardian
If you’re traveling solo with your child, it’s smart to carry:
- A consent letter from the other parent
- A copy of the other parent’s passport or ID
You’re not always asked for this, but having it can save you time and stress if questions come up at immigration.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is especially important when traveling with kids.
Make sure your policy covers:
- Medical care for children
- Hospital visits and medication
- Trip delays or cancellations (check your credit card)
- Activities you plan to do in Bali
I keep both a digital copy on my phone and a printed version in my daypack.
Copies, Backups & Emergency Info
In the Bali Packing List, this is one of those things you hope you’ll never need—but when you do, it saves time and stress. I always keep digital copies of our passports and visas on my phone, plus printed copies stored separately in our luggage.
I also save hotel addresses and contact details offline and pin our accommodation in Google Maps. It makes life much easier when showing drivers where you’re going, especially after a long flight.
For kids, I always carry a small emergency info card with the hotel name, address, and a contact number. With younger kids, it goes in their backpack. With teens, I involve them and let them carry their own copy—it’s a small step toward responsibility and independence.
Tip: Once documents and visas are sorted, everything else feels easier. I like to have this section completely done at least two weeks before departure—it gives you peace of mind and lets you focus on the fun part of planning Bali with your family.
Bali Packing List: What to bring and what to leave behind
Swimwear & Beach Days
If you’re visiting Bali with kids, swimwear will be used almost daily.
What works best:
- At least two swimsuits per child (one is always drying)
- Rash guards for sun protection
- Board shorts or swim leggings for longer beach days
Rash guards are a big win with kids. They reduce the need for constant sunscreen reapplication and make pool and beach days much more relaxed.
Temple-Appropriate Clothing (Easy to Forget)
Bali has many beautiful temples, and dress codes apply to both adults and kids.
Make sure to pack:
- Lightweight long pants or skirts
- Modest tops covering shoulders
- A sarong (often provided, but having your own helps with kids)
I like to keep a spare sarong in our daypack so we’re never caught off guard during spontaneous temple visits.
Evenings & Air-Conditioned Spaces
Even though Bali is warm, evenings and air-conditioned rooms can feel cool—especially for kids.
Helpful items are A lightweight hoodie or cardigan and sleep ware for the night or Airport.
Parent tip: If you’re unsure about an item, leave it out. Kids in Bali live in light clothing, swimsuits, and sandals. Pack for comfort, not outfits, and you’ll feel far more relaxed on the trip. You can also wash your clothes on every corner, so keep it light and flexible, if it’s dirty you can wash it in a few hours.
For the smaller ones, make sure to pack the following items:
- Swim & Night Nappies
- Formula
- Blanky (for airco rooms, malls)
Health & First Aid: What Families Should Pack for Bali
When you’re traveling with kids, health is one of those things you don’t want to think about—until you have to. Bali is generally safe, but the heat, new food, and long days can catch families off guard. A small, well-thought-out kit makes a big difference.
I don’t pack a full pharmacy, but I do bring the basics I know work for my child. It saves time and avoids trying to explain symptoms in a pharmacy when everyone’s tired.
Essentials to bring:
- Child-friendly pain relief and fever medication
- Any prescription medicine (with copies of prescriptions)
- Electrolyte or rehydration packets
- Motion sickness tablets or bands
- Insect repellent and After bite (widely accessible in Bali)
- A few band-aids and antiseptic wipes
Heat and dehydration are the most common issues with kids in Bali. I always carry water and electrolytes in our daypack, especially on sightseeing days. It’s one of those small habits that prevents bigger problems later. Spend some extra time in the pool as well, relax and enjoy the scenery.
Pharmacies are easy to find in Bali, so you don’t need to overpack. Focus on medications that are child-specific, familiar, and hard to replace quickly if needed.
A Few Family Bali Packing Mistakes We Made (So You Don’t Have To)
Let me be honest — the first time we packed for Bali as a family, we overdid it. Big time. We packed like we were heading somewhere remote, when in reality Bali is incredibly easy once you’re there.
We brought “just in case” outfits that never left the suitcase. Nice clothes we thought we’d wear for dinners. Extra shoes. Backup backups. Most of it stayed untouched while we lived in the same comfortable clothes day after day.
With kids (and especially teens), there’s also this urge to pack everything that makes home feel familiar. But Bali becomes familiar fast. Between beach days, smoothie bowls, Wi-Fi everywhere, and relaxed evenings, they settle in quicker than you expect.
One thing we did learn the hard way: packing less gives everyone more freedom. Fewer bags to carry, less stress at airports, quicker check-ins, and easier room changes. Bali often means moving around — Ubud, the coast, a quieter village — and lighter bags make all of that smoother.
If I had to give one piece of advice here, it would be this: trust Bali. It’s not a place where you need to be overprepared. It’s a place where you adapt easily, slow down naturally, and realise that most things are simpler than you thought.
What You Can Leave Behind When Packing for Bali With Kids
It’s easy to overpack when traveling with kids, but Bali makes that unnecessary. Many things are easy to find locally or simply won’t get used once you’re there.
⛔ Extra clothes and heavy fabrics
Kids live in light outfits, swimsuits, and sandals in Bali. Laundry is cheap and everywhere, so you don’t need “just in case” outfits or bulky clothing.
⛔ Too many shoes
One comfortable walking shoe and one pair of sandals is enough. Dress shoes, extra sneakers, and heavy footwear rarely leave the suitcase, so leave that out of your Bali packing list
⛔ Beach gear and pool extras
Hotels and villas provide towels, and beach toys or inflatables are inexpensive and easy to find in Bali. There’s no need to bring them from home.
⛔ Expensive Jewelry
Best to leave this behind, it will only bring unnecessary risk. Just leave it at home and buy a nice island necklace from one of the vendors.
⛔ Hair tools and unnecessary electronics
Most accommodations have hair dryers, and humidity makes styling pointless. Keep tech simple and pack only what you’ll actually use.
Our new favorite way of traveling is with a backpack. One big one for me, and one small one for my daughter and then a small one for camera equipment and electronics.
Day Pack Items – For You, Teens & Toddlers
This is one thing I’ve really dialled in over the years. The day bag matters more than the suitcase. If you get this right, your days run smoother, especially with kids or teens.
We keep it light, but intentional.
Always in our day bag:
- Refillable water bottles (hydration changes moods fast in Bali heat)
- A few easy snacks (fruit bars, nuts, something familiar)
- Reef Safe Sunscreen and organic lip balm
- Small pack of tissues or wipes
- Hand sanitiser
- Power bank for phones
- A lightweight scarf or cap (beaches, temples, air-conditioned cafés, sun)
For family travel, I also always add:
- A tiny first-aid pouch (plasters, pain relief, antiseptic wipes)
- One spare T-shirt per person (sweat or water happens)
- Cash in small bills
As kids get older, I involve them more. Our teen carries her own mini essentials now — phone, water, lip balm, a snack. It gives them independence and saves the constant “Can you carry this for me?”
This simple setup has saved us so many times. Less stopping, fewer meltdowns, more flexibility. And in Bali, that flexibility is everything.
Bali Packing List – Day Pack Essentials for Babies & Toddlers (Under 3)
When they’re this small, the goal isn’t being prepared for everything — it’s being prepared for the right things.
Diapers & Changing Basics
- 2–3 diapers more than I think I’ll need
- Travel-size wipes
- A lightweight changing mat or muslin cloth
- A few disposable bags (for wet clothes or diapers)
Clothing (One Smart Backup)
- One full spare outfit
- A thin cardigan or long-sleeve top (air-conditioned cafés and cars get cold)
- Hat for sun protection
Food & Feeding
- Familiar snacks (rice crackers, fruit pouches, dry cereal)
- Spill-proof snack cup
- Bib or cloth (even for toddlers who “don’t need one anymore”)
- Refillable water bottle or sippy cup
Health & Comfort
- Sunscreen suitable for babies
- Small tube of diaper cream
- Teething toy or comfort item
- Tiny first-aid basics (plasters, fever relief if needed)
Entertainment (Minimal but Effective)
- One small toy or book
- A favourite comfort item (soft toy, blanket corner)
Traveling with toddlers in Bali is slower, warmer, and more unpredictable — but also incredibly rewarding. Keep the bag simple, plan for comfort over convenience, and accept that some days revolve around naps and snacks. That’s not a failure — that is the trip.
Stroller or Baby Carrier in Bali?
This is one of the questions I get asked the most, and the short answer is: don’t rely on a stroller alone in Bali.
Sidewalks are uneven (or suddenly disappear), temples have stairs, beach paths are sandy, and many cafés and shops have steps. A stroller can work in malls, airports, and some paved areas — but it will test your patience fast if it’s your only option.
Why a baby carrier wins in Bali
- Easy for temples, markets, and beach walks
- No stress with stairs, sand, or narrow paths
- Keeps little ones close and often calmer in busy areas
- Frees your hands for bags, snacks, or helping another child
Carriers are especially useful in places like Ubud, Uluwatu, and smaller villages where pushing a stroller just isn’t practical.
When a stroller still makes sense
- Airport days and long transfers
- Malls and larger supermarkets
- Evening walks where kids might fall asleep
If you do bring one, go lightweight and foldable. Big travel systems are more hassle than help here. You can also rent one in Bali here at Bali Kidz Hire
Getting Around Bali With Young Kids
This is where expectations matter. Bali doesn’t work like destinations with trains, pavements, and car seats everywhere — but once you understand the rhythm, getting around with kids is surprisingly manageable.
Private driver and car is the way to go for hassle-free day trips or visiting multiple places. No need to stress about parking or getting lost, as the drivers know the best routes and how to dodge the worst traffic in August and also when the traffic jams occur.
Car seats aren’t standard in Bali taxis or ride-hailing apps. Some private drivers can arrange one if you ask in advance, but availability is limited. For babies and toddlers, many families bring a lightweight travel car seat or rely on short-distance rides paired with a carrier once they arrive
You’ll see families on scooters everywhere — that doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for you. With kids under three, scooters aren’t practical or safe for most traveling families. Even with older kids, traffic can feel overwhelming if you’re not experienced.
Plan days around fewer transfers
One of the biggest stress reducers is choosing accommodation where you don’t need to move around constantly. Stay close to the beach, cafés, or activities you’ll use most. Fewer car rides = happier kids. Sanur is a great place to settle with kids by my experience.
What actually helps
- Schedule outings early before heat and traffic peak
- Build in buffer time for naps and snacks
- Accept that “quick drives” often aren’t quick. Traffic is dense in Bali, especially during school holidays.
Here I have written a complete guide for Bali during the High Season. Lots of navigational solutions are in here.
Tip: Once you slow the pace and stop trying to squeeze too much into one day, Bali becomes far easier to navigate with little ones — and far more enjoyable for everyone.
Eating Out With Kids in Bali
Eating out in Bali is honestly one of the easiest parts of traveling here with kids. You don’t need to overthink it. Restaurants are relaxed, staff are patient, and families are welcome pretty much everywhere.
What helps most is letting go of rigid meal expectations. Some days your kids will happily try local dishes, other days they’ll want pasta, fries, or pancakes for the third time in a row. That’s normal. Bali makes this easy because Western food is everywhere, even in small towns.
A few things that make meals smoother:
- Go early for dinner. Restaurants are quieter, service is faster, and kids are less tired.
- Food courts are underrated. They’re casual, fast, and everyone can choose what they want.
- Street food can work well with older kids and teens, but it’s okay to skip it on low-energy days.
What I’ve noticed is that kids relax quickly here. They’re not rushed, no one minds if a child gets up from the table, and there’s a general feeling that families belong in these spaces. When you stop trying to “make meals special” and just make them easy, everyone enjoys them more.
Flights, Long Days & Downtime
The biggest mistake families make is treating travel days like sightseeing days. They’re not. Long flights, time changes, heat, and new environments drain kids and teens in different ways.
I plan almost nothing for arrival days. If we make it to the hotel, eat something simple, and maybe step outside for a short walk, that’s a win. Anything more is a bonus.
Downtime isn’t wasted time, especially in Bali. Kids need space to reset, and teens need moments where they don’t have to engage or perform.
A few things that help:
- Screen time is a tool, not a failure. Long flights and rest afternoons are exactly when it helps.
- One calm day can prevent three difficult ones later.
- Let kids opt out sometimes. Not every activity needs full participation.
Some of our best days in Bali have been slow ones. Pool time, quiet cafés, early nights. When you allow the trip to breathe, kids show up more when it really matters.
Tech, Connectivity & Staying Organized as a Family
As part of the Bali Packing List, a good tech setup makes family travel smoother without making it feel controlled. In Bali, staying connected is easy and affordable, and it’s worth setting things up properly in the beginning.
I like keeping plans visible but flexible. Everyone knows what’s coming, but no one feels locked into it. These are great to have in advance:
- A local SIM or eSIM so maps and messages always work. I aways use Airalo and it works great and is affordable.
- Saving accommodation names and locations in Google Maps to show drivers – I always download the Bali offline map beforehand.
- Sharing locations with teens for peace of mind, not surveillance
- Keeping a simple notes app with plans, addresses, and ideas
Tech also gives teens independence. They can navigate, look up places, or suggest stops along the way. When you involve them this way, they feel part of the trip instead of just following along.
Here is a guide I created filled information on how to best travel with Teens. Everything is in there after traveling 2 years with my daughter.
Final Thoughts: Bali Packing List for Families – Kids and Toddlers
After traveling through Bali with kids, I’ve learned that packing is rarely what makes or breaks the trip. It’s the mindset you arrive with. Bali isn’t a destination where everything needs to be perfectly planned or packed in advance. (accept for the documents)
It’s a place where families settle in quickly, slow down naturally, and figure things out as they go. If you bring the essentials, stay flexible, and leave some space in your bags and your plans, you’ll be just fine. Kids pick up on that calm more than anything. When you’re not stressed about what you forgot, they relax too.
Some days will be messy. Someone will get tired, hungry, or bored. That’s not failure — that’s family travel. And often, it’s the slow afternoons, the easy dinners, or the unplanned moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.
You don’t need to pack for every situation. You just need enough to feel prepared and open to the experience. Bali has a way of meeting families halfway, as long as you let it.
FAQ: Bali Packing List – Traveling to Bali With Kids
Is the water safe to drink in Bali?
No. Tap water in Bali isn’t safe to drink for adults or kids. Use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth, especially with younger children. Most hotels provide bottled water daily, and it’s easy and cheap to buy everywhere. We also avoid ice in very local places when traveling with kids, just to keep things simple. Bali belly is a real thing, so be careful.
Can I pay with US dollars in Bali?
In most places, no. Indonesia uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Some hotels, tour operators, or airports may accept US dollars, but the exchange rate is usually poor. ATMs are widely available, and cards work in many restaurants and hotels. For small purchases, markets, and taxis, cash is still king.
Do I need cash, or can I use cards everywhere?
You’ll need both. Cards work well in hotels, cafés, and larger shops, but cash is essential for drivers, small restaurants, local shops, and tips. I usually withdraw smaller amounts more often rather than carrying a lot at once.
👉 Here is all the information on ATM’s, saving and exchanging money in Bali
Is Bali safe for families with kids?
Yes, Bali is generally very safe and welcoming for families. People are kind, kids are adored, and it’s easy to get help if you need it. Like anywhere, keep an eye on belongings, use common sense, and trust your instincts — especially in busy areas.
What about food and picky eaters?
Bali is one of the easiest destinations for picky eaters. Western food is everywhere, and menus often include pasta, rice, pancakes, fries, and smoothies. You don’t need to push new foods every meal. Kids can try local dishes when they’re ready.
Do I need special vaccinations for Bali?
This depends on your home country and personal situation. Most families travel with standard routine vaccinations. It’s always best to check with your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip, especially when traveling with kids but Bali is considered safe and normally don’t need vaccines ( I personally try to stay away from ¨vaccines¨ as much as possible!
Is Bali good for traveling with teens?
Very much so. Teens tend to love the freedom, the food scene, beach clubs, activities, and the overall relaxed vibe. With good Wi-Fi, easy transport, and lots of independence-friendly spaces, Bali works well for parent–teen travel.
Would you recommend it as a parent child duo travel destination?
Yes absolutely, Bali is filled with exciting activities and beautiful landmarks. There are so many things to do as a duo that build a true connection and will make sure you both have an amazing time. It’s one of our fav destinations as a father daughter duo.
Do you have a complete Bali Packing List for kids?
Yes. This post covers everything we actually use when traveling Bali as a family — without overpacking or stress. If you’re looking for a simple, realistic checklist that works for babies, kids, and teens, you can get yours here (coming soon)
I hope this guide helps you with your trip to Bali. pics of earlier Bali years with the whole family (and smaller kids) will follow as soon as I can access my server from the storage. 🤣
Let me know what you think of this Bali packing list blog or if you have any other questions.
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