What to Pack for Bali — The Swim Edit

Bali is the kind of destination where your swimwear is your wardrobe. You will live in it from the infinity pool at sunrise to the beach club at sunset. The trick is packing pieces that transition seamlessly from temple visits to Seminyak cocktails without looking like you just rolled off a sunbed.

The Swimwear Edit: 4–5 Pieces

Bali’s humidity means swimwear takes longer to dry than you think. Pack at least four sets so you always have something fresh. Here is our formula:

1. The everyday bikini: Something comfortable you can live in all day. Monday Swimwear’s Barbados top with the Byron bottom is our go-to. Comfortable, flattering, stays put in waves.

2. The Instagram one-piece: For villa photos and pool content. A Hunza G in a bold colour — lime, tangerine, hot pink — looks incredible against the green of rice terraces.

3. The beach club bikini: Something with a bit more attitude. Think L*SPACE in a print or Frankies Bikinis crochet. This is what you wear to Potato Head or La Brisa.

4. The simple black: Never underestimate a simple black bikini or one-piece. It goes with everything, dresses up or down, and is your safety net when nothing else feels right.

Cover-Ups and Clothing

Two to three linen cover-ups will do the heavy lifting. A button-down linen shirt in white or sand works over a bikini, tucked into shorts, or thrown over a dress. It is the most versatile piece you can pack.

A sarong is non-negotiable. It works as a skirt, a dress, a beach blanket and a temple cover-up. Pack two.

For temples, you need covered shoulders and knees. A lightweight maxi dress or your sarong wrapped modestly will do. Many temples provide sarongs at the entrance, but bringing your own means yours actually looks good.

The Non-Negotiables

Reef-safe SPF 50 — Bali’s sun is brutal, and regular sunscreen damages the coral reefs you came to see.

Waterproof phone case — for waterfall hikes and boat trips.

Tropical-strength insect repellent — the mosquitoes are relentless, especially at sunset.

Leave These at Home

High heels (you will not wear them). Heavy denim (you will overheat). White swimwear you cannot replace (the volcanic sand stains). Anything dry-clean only (the humidity will destroy it before the laundry can).