Just wrapped up an epic 17-night, 18-day family adventure in Bali and Gili! Packing for a trip that long was a challenge, but now that we’re back, it’s clear there were some absolute game-changers and a few items that, well, just took up space. For a general overview of Bali packing, you can also check out tips from airlines like Virgin Australia.
If you’re getting ready for your own Bali and Gili family escape, I want to share our honest packing review. We’ve learned a lot, and hopefully, our tips will help you avoid those “I wish I’d brought that!” moments and those “Why did I even pack this?” regrets. This guide is all about realistic packing for a fantastic family vacation without overspending or over-packing.
“Darn, Wish We’d Packed More Of These!”
Even with careful planning for our Bali family travel packing list, there were a few things we regretted not bringing more of, or not thinking about sooner.
More Pajamas (Especially Long Ones!)
Most hotels in Bali and Gili have strong air conditioning. This means that while it’s hot outside, it can get quite chilly indoors at night. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants for sleeping were perfect. The problem? We only brought one set each. This made laundry tricky because we had nothing to wear while our pajamas dried. For the kids, I’d strongly suggest packing at least two or even three sets of pajamas. They get dirty faster, and having spares makes life much easier.
A Bicycle Phone Holder (Gili Essential!)
On the Gili Islands, bicycles are the main way to get around. We used Google Maps a lot to find our way. Trying to hold a phone in one hand and steer a bike with the other on bumpy paths was often dangerous, especially with kids riding nearby. For safety, a phone holder for your bike is a must-have. You can attach your phone to the handlebars, see your map clearly, and keep both hands on the wheel. This is definitely a top item for your Bali family travel packing list if you plan to visit the Gili Islands.(Want to know where to snag the best bike rentals on Gili? Check out our guide on Gili Trawangan Bike Rental: Snag Your Perfect Gili Bikes for 40K at Alfana Tour and Travel!)
“Hmm… Didn’t Really Need These After All”
Sometimes, you pack things “just in case,” and they end up being dead weight. Here’s what we found unnecessary for our Bali family travel packing list.
Too Many Clothes (Especially for the Kids and for Me!)
We packed a lot of clothes thinking, “What if we need this?” Most of those extra outfits came back unworn. For me, two pairs of board shorts and three NBA jerseys were pretty much all I wore. Bali and Gili are hot, so clothes dry super fast after washing. Plus, laundry services are everywhere and often very affordable. You can get a bag of clothes washed and dried for just a few dollars. The same goes for kid’s clothes; they don’t need a huge wardrobe. Pack light and plan to do laundry every few days. This saves a lot of space in your luggage.
Sandals and Flip-Flops
I packed a few pairs of sandals and flip-flops, thinking they’d be great. But my feet quickly found them uncomfortable for walking long distances or on uneven paths. I ended up buying a much comfier pair of basic slippers in Bali. Sometimes, local shops have the best solutions!
Beach Towels
These are bulky and heavy. Almost every hotel or villa in Bali and Gili provides beach towels. They usually have plenty, and if yours gets wet, they’re happy to swap it for a dry one. Save space in your bag – leave the beach towels at home. They just added unnecessary weight to our Bali family travel packing list.
Shower Head & Shower Filter
We brought a portable shower head and filter, hoping it would make a big difference with the water quality. While it might help in some places, we didn’t notice a huge change that made it worth the extra weight. The water quality generally seemed fine for showering, and we didn’t feel it was a critical item.
“Absolute Game-Changers! So Glad We Packed These!”
These are the items that truly made our trip easier, safer, and more fun. They are now permanent additions to our essential Bali family travel packing list.
Waterproof Phone Pouch
This small item was amazing! It kept our phones completely dry. We used it for snorkeling and at Waterbom Park, taking countless photos and videos underwater without any worries. It’s inexpensive but works perfectly. Definitely a must-have for capturing those wet adventures.
Aqua Shoes (Highly Recommended!)
When snorkeling in Gili, the reefs are beautiful but can be sharp. Aqua shoes are essential to protect your feet from coral and rocks. Both adults and kids wore them daily, and they saved us from many potential cuts and scrapes. You can get good quality ones for cheap online.
“Sinkies” (Kids’ Pool Toys) (Highly Recommended!)
These small, weighted toys were a huge hit with our kids in the pool. They sink, which makes for fun diving games and keeps them entertained for hours. They are tiny and light, so they don’t take up much space in your luggage. A great way to add simple fun to pool days.
Anti-Fog Spray (Highly Recommended!)
Snorkel masks often fog up, which is annoying. We used an anti-fog spray on our masks, letting them dry properly beforehand. The difference was incredible! Our masks stayed clear, making snorkeling much more enjoyable. It’s a small thing that makes a big impact on your underwater experience.
Multiple Tumblers (Hydro Flask, Stanley, etc.) (Highly Recommended!)
In Bali and Gili, restaurants often charge for drinking water. We bought large, cheap bottles of water from local supermarkets and kept them in our hotel fridge. Then, we filled our reusable tumblers (like Hydro Flasks or Stanleys) before heading out. This meant we always had cold water, wherever we went, without needing to buy expensive small bottles. Our large Stanley tumbler was especially useful for carrying enough cold water for the whole family during snorkeling trips. This is a smart and eco-friendly addition to your Bali family travel packing list.
Personal Snorkeling Gear from Kmart
While you can rent snorkeling gear, bringing your own is often better for hygiene and comfort. We picked up ours from Kmart before the trip. We used them nearly every day for 9 days in Gili, making them well worth the cost compared to daily rentals. Knowing the gear was clean and fit well made our underwater explorations even better.
Sunscreen (Plenty of Proven Brands!)
The sun in Bali and Gili is incredibly strong. You’ll need more sunscreen than you think! Local sunscreens can be expensive, and you might not know if they offer good protection. Pack plenty of your preferred, high-SPF sunscreen from home. We used ours generously and everyone avoided sunburns, which meant more time enjoying the beautiful islands.
Headlamps (Especially for Kids in Gili!)
Gili Islands can get very dark at night as there aren’t many streetlights. When riding bikes after sunset, especially with kids, headlamps are incredibly useful and safe. They light up the path directly in front of you. We saw many other riders struggling with phone flashlights or no lights at all, which looked very dangerous. Headlamps for the kids gave us peace of mind.
Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker (Anker Soundcore Mini 3)
Having a small, waterproof Bluetooth speaker was fantastic for creating a relaxed vacation vibe. We played music by the pool, turning our private swims into mini-parties. The sound quality was surprisingly good for its size, and being waterproof meant we didn’t have to worry about splashes. From upbeat songs the kids loved to chill-out tunes for us, it really added to the fun and relaxation.
Bali Travel Stats You Might Find Interesting:
- Tourism Growth: Bali saw over 5.2 million international visitors in 2023, a significant increase from previous years, showing its growing popularity as a global travel spot. (Source: Bali Provincial Government, Department of Tourism)
- Family Travel Trend: A recent survey indicated that 45% of families prioritize “authentic cultural experiences” and “outdoor adventures” when choosing a destination, aligning perfectly with what Bali and Gili offer. (Source: Family Travel Association Annual Survey, 2023)
Your Bali Family Travel Packing List: Our Key Takeaways
Our 17-day journey was amazing, and being well-prepared certainly helped. Packing smart means you can focus more on creating memories and less on missing items or carrying extra weight. Hopefully, this detailed Bali family travel packing list helps you plan your own unforgettable trip.
(If you’re still working on your comprehensive Bali packing list, check out our earlier post: Holiday Packing List for Bali Just Packed (What’s In & What’s Out!).)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I really need to pack personal snorkeling gear for Bali/Gili? A1: While you can rent gear, we highly recommend bringing your own, especially for the Gili Islands. It’s more hygienic, you know it fits well, and if you plan to snorkel often, it will save you money in the long run. Plus, with your own anti-fog spray, your experience will be much better!
Q2: How much cash should I bring to Bali and Gili? A2: It’s good to have some local currency (IDR – Indonesian Rupiah) for smaller purchases, local markets, and smaller warungs (local eateries). However, most larger restaurants, hotels, and shops accept credit cards. ATMs are widely available in Bali, but less so on the Gili Islands, so plan accordingly before heading to Gili.
Q3: Are mosquitoes a big problem in Bali and Gili? What should I pack for them? A3: Mosquitoes can be present, especially around dusk and in lush, green areas. We recommend packing a good insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin. Some accommodations provide mosquito nets, but bringing your own repellent spray or lotion is a wise addition to your Bali family travel packing list.
Q4: Is tap water safe to drink in Bali and Gili? A4: No, it’s generally not safe to drink tap water in Bali or the Gili Islands. Always stick to bottled water. As mentioned, bringing reusable tumblers and buying large bottles of water is an economical and eco-friendly way to stay hydrated. Many hotels also provide complimentary bottled water daily.
Q5: What’s the best way to get around Bali with a family? A5: For families, ride-sharing apps like Grab and Gojek are very popular and affordable in Bali. You can also hire private drivers for day trips or longer journeys, which offers more flexibility and comfort. Taxis are also available. On the Gili Islands, bicycles are the main transport