Bali Surf Trip Packing List — What to Actually Bring
After 50+ surf trips to Bali, this is the no-fluff list of what genuinely earns its place in your boardbag — and what you should leave at home.
Bali punishes overpackers and rewards surfers who arrive light. Most things you 'might need' are 30% the price at the local warung anyway. This is the list that's survived contact with reality.
Boards & in-water gear
- 1 daily-driver shortboard or mid-length
- 1 step-up if you're chasing Padang or Uluwatu on big days
- Spare leash + leash string (you WILL break one)
- Spare set of fins (FCS or Futures, whatever your boards take)
- Reef booties — non-negotiable for Bingin/Uluwatu
Out of the water
- Reef-safe SPF 50 zinc (Suntribe, Stream2Sea — much cheaper bought before flight)
- Quick-dry boardies × 2
- Rashguard with UPF 50 — saves your shoulders
- 1 pair flip-flops, 1 pair closed-toe shoes for scooter rides
- Light rain jacket if you're coming Nov–March
Tech you'll regret forgetting
Universal travel adapter (Bali uses Type C/F sockets), waterproof phone pouch, GoPro mount that fits your board, and a 20,000 mAh power bank for long drives to Medewi.
Pro tip
Don't bring: full first-aid kits, Western surfboards in sketchy travel cases, expensive watches, more than 2 boards (extra airline fees rarely break even on a 2-week trip).
Buy on arrival, not at home
- Wax (Sticky Bumps tropical sold everywhere, IDR 35-50k)
- Sunglasses (board-friendly polarised at Bingin Beach Market for IDR 100-300k)
- Reef booties (Sukabumi-made knockoffs for IDR 200-400k beat anything from home)
- Surfboard if you're staying 4+ weeks — better value to buy used and resell
Frequently Asked Questions
→Should I bring my own reef booties or buy in Bali?
Buy in Bali. Local Sukabumi-made booties at Bingin Beach or Canggu surf shops are IDR 200-400k, fit perfectly, and are made specifically for Bali's reef. Western brand booties (Vans, FCS) cost 3× more for similar quality.
→Do I need a wetsuit?
No. Water is 28-30°C year-round. A UPF 50 rashguard is what you actually want — it stops shoulder sunburn during 2-3 hour sessions. Skip the springsuit, vest, and shorty entirely.
→What's the single thing most travellers forget?
A waterproof pouch for phone + cash + key on the scooter. Bali's afternoon downpours appear in 5 minutes. A $10 dry bag has saved more iPhones in Bali than any case ever has.
Where to Surf
Spots mentioned in this guide
Local Hubs
Hubs mentioned in this guide
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