Traveling to Bali with kids is exciting—think sunny beaches, lush rice fields, and endless adventures. But when it comes to packing, it can feel like you’re trying to squeeze your entire house into a suitcase. Here’s the good news: you don’t need as much as you think!

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To help you pack smarter, here are five things you can confidently leave at home and five absolute must-haves to ensure a smooth, stress-free vacation with the little ones.

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5 Things You Won’t Need to Pack for Bali

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1. Wipes and Diapers

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No need to haul half a suitcase of wipes and diapers. Bali’s convenience stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies have a good selection of these essentials. Popular brands like Merries and Mamypoko are widely available, but if your little one has sensitive skin or you swear by a specific brand like Huggies, it’s worth bringing your own supply to avoid skin reactions.

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Wipes are plentiful too! Grab what you need once you arrive and save room in your luggage for more exciting things—like souvenirs or extra sunscreen!

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2. Basic Toiletries

Most hotels in Bali provide complimentary toiletries, and if you’re staying in family-friendly accommodations, they often include baby shampoo and gentle body wash. For anything else, larger supermarkets like Pepito and Carrefour carry international and local brands catering to kids.

Unless you’re loyal to a particular brand, skip packing full-sized bottles and buy what you need on arrival. Pro tip: there are even boutique stores like Sensatia Botanicals specializing in eco-friendly and organic toiletries.

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3. Bug Spray

In a tropical paradise like Bali, bug spray is a must—but you don’t need to bring it from home. Locally made insect repellents are designed specifically for the tropical climate, and you’ll find effective, family-safe options in most supermarkets.

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Some top picks include IbuBumi Mozzy Spray, Cahaya Naturals Mozzy Spray, and MyBaby Minyak Telon, all of which are DEET-free and gentle on kids’ skin. Prefer a traditional DEET option? Soffell is a reliable brand that’s sold in nearly every minimart.

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4. Snacks for Kids

While you might be tempted to pack a stash of your child’s favorite snacks, don’t worry—Bali’s supermarkets are stocked with a mix of international and local goodies. From familiar brands like Oreos and Babybel to fresh tropical fruits and kid-friendly healthy treats, there’s plenty to keep picky eaters happy.

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Visit stores like Bintang Supermarket or Pepito for a wide variety of snack options. You might even discover a new favorite!

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5. Toys and Beach Gear

Leave the bulky beach toys and inflatables behind—Bali is brimming with colorful sand buckets, pool floats, and toys for all ages. They’re affordable and easy to find, plus you won’t mind parting with them at the end of your trip.

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However, we do recommend packing floaties, as they can be pricier and harder to find in the right size or style. For quality toys and gear, visit Kidz Station, Early Learning Centre (in Beachwalk Mall) or Mothercare. It’s a fun way for your little ones to choose their own holiday treasures while keeping your packing light.

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5 Things You Definitely Should Pack for Bali

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1. A Baby Carrier

A baby carrier is a must-have for navigating Bali’s busy streets, temples, and uneven terrain, but choose one that’s lightweight and breathable. Carriers with mesh panels or made from airy fabrics are ideal for Bali’s tropical heat.

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While stylish options like the Artipoppe might look great, they’re often too warm and heavy for Bali’s climate. Instead, opt for carriers like the Ergobaby Omni Breeze or a simple ring sling—they’re more comfortable for both you and your baby in the humidity.

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2. Sun Protection Essentials

The Balinese sun is no joke, so packing high-quality sunscreen and protective clothing is non-negotiable. Sunscreens are pricey in Bali, and slightly less effective than Australian-made products. Choose a mineral-based sunscreen that’s safe for kids, and don’t forget to bring sunhats and UV-protective swimwear.

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Sunglasses with UV protection are a great idea too. And while you can find hats and swim gear in Bali, it’s best to bring your own to ensure a proper fit and avoid a last-minute scramble.
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3. Medication and First Aid

While Bali has well-stocked pharmacies like Kimia Farma and Guardian, it’s always smart to have a travel first aid kit tailored to your kids’ needs. Pack essentials like children’s pain relief (paracetamol or ibuprofen), antihistamines, ear drops, bandages and rehydration salts for those unexpected tummy troubles.

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If your little one takes regular medication, make sure you bring enough for the trip, as certain prescriptions may not be readily available.

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4. A Compact Travel Stroller

If you’re traveling with a toddler, a lightweight travel stroller can be invaluable—especially for longer outings. While some areas aren’t stroller-friendly, places like malls, airports, and well-paved attractions make it worth having.

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Look for a stroller that folds compactly and has good sunshade coverage.

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5. Warm Clothes for the Kids

Even though Bali is warm year-round, evenings in the mountains (like Ubud or Bedugul) can get surprisingly cool. Instead of packing bulky blankets, bring a lightweight jacket or a cozy set of pajamas for your little ones.

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Also, planes can get chilly, so having a warm outfit handy during the flight is a smart move.

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Additional items:

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6. Formula

Western baby formula brands, especially goat milk-based or hypoallergenic options, are either hard to find or very expensive in Bali. It’s best to bring enough for your trip, especially if your baby has specific dietary needs.

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7. Milton Tablets

For peace of mind when cleaning bottles or pacifiers, bring Milton sterilizing tablets. While you can rent or purchase sterilizers in Bali, having these tablets handy will make it much easier to quickly sterilize baby essentials, especially in places with limited access to boiling water.

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8. For moms: Tampons

Tampons are not widely available in Bali, and when you do find them, they can be expensive. It’s best to bring your own supply from home to avoid searching around for them or paying premium prices.

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If you prefer organic or specific brands, be sure to pack those as they are even harder to find locally.

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Final thoughts

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Packing for Bali doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Focus on the essentials, skip what you can buy locally, and leave some space in your bags—you’ll want room for all the lovely things you’ll pick up on your trip.

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Most importantly, remember that Bali is a family-friendly destination where parents are warmly welcomed. Don’t sweat the small stuff; you’ll find everything you need there, along with a good dose of island hospitality.

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Safe travels, mama—you’ve got this! 🌴