Bali Surf Trip Packing List 2026

Or rent on arrival. Padang Padang is a barrelling reef — bring something you know well. Rental shortboards available from ~$10/day.

Protects against airline mishandling. Double up with old towels in the nose and tail.

Pack 4–6 bars of tropical wax (sticky, rated for 24°C+ water). Sex Wax or Sticky Bumps tropical.

For removing old wax and texturing fresh coats.

Bring a FCS or Futures fin key. Pack a spare set of fins — airlines bend or lose fins.

Bring two — comp-size and standard. Uluwatu current is strong.

Essential for Uluwatu and Padang Padang low-tide entry over sharp reef.

More sun protection than sunscreen alone. Essential for Bali's intense UV.

Protects against dings when stacked in vehicles and guesthouses.

Bali bans oxybenzone — use reef-safe mineral sunscreen. Reapply every 90 min in the water.

Full zinc oxide for the nose and cheekbones during long sessions. Tinted versions look less clinical.

UV damage accumulates. Polarised wrap-arounds reduce glare when reading waves.

For walking to/from breaks and when not in the water. Bali sun is intense 9am–4pm.

For sunburn recovery. Available cheaply in Bali but good to have on arrival.

Coral cuts at Uluwatu are common. Betadine (iodine), antiseptic wipes, Steri-Strips for lacerations.

Bali surf = daily ear irrigation. Swimmer's ear is extremely common. Use after every session.

For shoulder, knee, or wrist soreness from long sessions.

Bali heat + surf dehydrates fast. Keep ORS sachets for heavy session days.

Standard travel insurance excludes "extreme sports." Get surf-specific coverage — EKTA or World Nomads both cover surfing.

Quick-dry essential. Bali is hot. Bring enough to rotate between sessions.

For evenings in Seminyak, Canggu, or Uluwatu cliff bars. No need for anything formal.

Wear these 90% of the time. Leave dress shoes at home.

For rocky beach entries like Impossibles. Lighter than reef booties for casual sessions.

Required at some temples (Tanah Lot, Uluwatu temple above the surf). Can rent sarongs at the gate.

Airalo Indonesia eSIM — from $8 for 3GB. Works on arrival, no physical SIM swap.

For boat transfers and paddling out to outer breaks. GoPro mounts on most helmets too.

Mount on your surfboard nose or use a chest mount for POV sessions.

For recharging at the beach. Useful if staying in budget surf hostels.

Indonesia uses Type C (European) plugs.

Fits 2–3 boards. Double or triple bags provide more protection on long-haul flights to Bali.

For walks to breaks and carrying water, wax, and reef kit. Keep it simple — no laptop needed.

For keys, phone, and towel on the beach. Essential at Uluwatu where theft is common.

Keep clothing organised. Bali laundry is cheap ($1–2 per kg) — pack light.