We reckon the essentials for a first Bali surf trip are a 1.5mm wetsuit top or long-sleeve rashie, reef booties, a ding repair kit, spare fins and leg ropes, and Imodium. We learned most of this the hard way at Uluwatu, Padang Padang and Canggu, and we rebuild this list every season. Bali's water sits between 26-29°C year-round, so packing has nothing to do with staying warm and everything to do with protecting your skin, feet and gut. Below are the 12 things we wish we'd packed on our first trip, plus the full checklist at the bottom.
Skip straight to the complete master packing list at the bottom if you're short on time, but reading through these 12 items first will save you from making the same mistakes we did.
What should I bring on a Bali surf trip?
At minimum, pack a lightweight wetsuit top or rashie, reef booties, spare fins and leg ropes, a ding repair kit, and reef-safe sunscreen. Bali's water temperature sits between 26-29°C year-round, so a full wetsuit is unnecessary, but protection from wind, sun, coral and mosquitoes matters more than most first-timers expect. Most visiting surfers underpack medical supplies and overpack clothes, a pattern we see every season.
1. Do I need a wetsuit top for surfing Bali?
The water in Bali is genuinely like a bath, sitting around 27-28°C most of the year. A full-length wetsuit would cook you within minutes. The afternoon trades can whip up though, and after 4-5 hours in the lineup, even warm water and wind will chill you down.
We recommend a lightweight 1.5mm wetsuit top that regulates your body temperature without overheating. Our range of lightweight wetsuit tops is built for exactly these tropical conditions. For the full breakdown of thicknesses across different climates, our complete wetsuit guide is worth a read before you pack. A quality long-sleeve rash guard with UPF 50+ sun protection also works well if you run hot.
What thickness wetsuit do I need for Bali?
You don't need a full wetsuit for Bali. Water temperatures range from around 26°C in the cooler months (July-September) to 29°C in the wet season (November-March). A 1.5mm wetsuit top or quality rash guard is all you need for wind protection and to avoid rash during extended sessions. Full-length wetsuits will only make you overheat.
2. Vaseline for chafing
When the surf is pumping at Uluwatu or Padang Padang, you'll paddle for hours straight. All that friction turns your armpits into raw, burning misery by day two. Apply Vaseline or a similar petroleum jelly under your arms, on your inner thighs, and around your neck before you paddle out. It cuts the friction and saves you from chafing that can wreck the rest of your trip.
It's a small thing, but it makes a massive difference.
3. How do I fix a ding on my surfboard in Bali?
Whether it's from clipping a coral head at Bingin or an airline baggage handler having a bad day, your board will get dinged. Rather than pulling out your spare board straight away, a quick ding repair can get you back in the water the next day.
UV-cure resin kits work well for this. They cure in direct sunlight within minutes, perfect for Bali's tropical sun. Bring sandpaper, a small mixing stick, and spare resin. The repair won't be pretty, but it'll hold for the rest of your trip.
4. What should I pack for Bali belly?
That nasi goreng from the warung on your first night might taste incredible, but your stomach might have other opinions 12 hours later. Bali belly is real, and it's not fun. Pack Imodium (loperamide): it blocks you up when you've got the runs, buying you time to recover without being glued to the toilet.
If the surf's firing, you don't want to be stuck in your villa. Keep a small box of Imodium tablets in your day bag. Hopefully you won't need them, but when you do, you'll be glad you packed them.
5. Spare fins and leg ropes
Bali's waves range from mellow point breaks to fast, shallow barrels over sharp reef, so you'll want fins that handle a variety of conditions without being too specialised. Bring at least one spare set: losing a fin on a shallow reef or snapping a leg rope in overhead surf is a real possibility.
If you're using clip-in style fins, be aware they're more prone to popping out on heavy landings or wipeouts over shallow sections. Screw-in fins sit more securely but need a fin key and spare screws.
6. Do I need reef booties for surfing in Bali?
Yes. Even experienced surfers hit the coral in Bali eventually, whether it's kicking out in a shallow section, getting caught inside, or misjudging the reef at low tide. Walking over sharp coral and sea urchins in bare feet hurts and risks infection in a humid tropical climate.
We recommend 2mm neoprene reef booties with secure ankle straps. The thin neoprene won't overheat your feet in 27°C water, and the rubber sole protects against urchins and sharp coral. They feel a bit odd at first, but after your first session over shallow reef, you'll be glad you wore them.
7. How do I treat coral cuts in Bali?
Cuts and scrapes from coral or reef turn nasty fast in the tropics. The warm, humid climate breeds bacteria, and even small wounds can get infected within days if you don't treat them properly. Apply antiseptic cream to any cuts daily, keep them clean and dry when you're out of the water, and watch for signs of infection: redness, swelling, heat, or pus.
No one wants to spend their Bali trip in a local hospital dealing with a staph infection. Prevention is worth the effort.
8. Do I need insect repellent in Bali?
Bali's mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, exactly when the wind is glassiest and the lineup is calling. Pack a DEET-based insect repellent and apply it after your last sunscreen layer of the day, especially around your ankles and wrists. It's a small addition to your kit that's easy to forget until you're lying awake scratching on night one.
Mosquito-borne illness is a genuine risk across Indonesia, so this isn't just about comfort. If you're planning a trip beyond the main surf areas, talk to your GP about additional precautions before you fly.
9. Small gifts for locals
Indonesians are some of the kindest, most welcoming people you'll meet. We're visitors in their home, and a small token of appreciation goes a long way. Clip-on kangaroos or koalas go down well with kids, as do small Australian-themed souvenirs. It's a simple gesture that builds a genuine connection and shows respect for the local community.
The hospitality you get in Bali is incredible. A small gift is a decent way to say thank you.
10. Deck of cards
Our villa lost power for 24 hours during a storm, and suddenly we were without phones, Netflix, or internet. A deck of cards kept us entertained for hours, and honestly, it turned into one of the best nights of the trip. Cards don't need charging, they work in any weather, and they're a good way to wind down after a long day in the water.
Pack a deck. You'll use it more than you'd think.
11. Reef-safe sunscreen (and plenty of it)
With long sessions in tropical sun, even us Aussies need to be careful. You'll be in the water for hours at a time, often with minimal shade, and the equatorial sun is intense. Bring reef-safe, zinc-based sunscreen that doesn't contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, both of which damage coral reefs.
Apply generously to your face, neck, ears, and the tops of your feet before each session, and reapply every 2 hours if you're out all day. Sunburn on a surf trip is miserable and entirely avoidable.
Should I take malaria tablets to Bali?
Malaria risk in Bali's main surf areas (Bukit Peninsula, Canggu, Sanur) is extremely low, and most Australian surfers don't take prophylaxis for short trips to these regions. If you're travelling to more remote parts of Indonesia (Sumatra, the Mentawais, West Papua), malaria tablets are strongly recommended. Speak to your GP about what's right for your itinerary. We took them on a Mentawais trip and had zero side effects, but everyone responds differently, so get personalised advice.
Do I need travel insurance for a Bali surf trip?
Yes, and standard travel insurance often isn't enough. Many policies exclude surfing as an extreme sport or cap cover for board damage and loss, so check that your policy specifically covers surfing before you buy. If you're heading to remote breaks or chartering a boat to the outer islands, confirm your policy covers medical evacuation too, since the nearest hospital can be hours away from some surf camps.
It's an easy thing to skip when you're excited about the trip, but it's the one item on this list you'll never regret buying and never want to use.
12. Waterproof camera or phone housing
You're about to surf some of the best waves of your life somewhere genuinely beautiful. Document it. Whether it's a waterproof action camera or a waterproof housing for your phone, bring something to capture the experience: the lineups, your mates getting barrelled, the sunsets over the Indian Ocean.
And don't forget to call your mum. She'll want to know you're still alive.
Complete Bali surf trip packing list
Here's the full packing list for a Bali surf trip in 2026, sorted by category:
| Surf Gear | Clothes | Medical | Electronics | Personal |
| Reef booties | Shoes | Soap | Phone | Passport |
| Boardshorts (2-3 pairs) | Thongs | Toothbrush | Phone charger | Cash and wallet |
| Rashie or wetsuit top | Socks | Toothpaste | Camera | Deck of cards |
| Wetsuit top (1.5mm) | Underwear | Malaria tablets (if needed) | Camera charger | Small gifts for locals |
| Swimmers | Shorts | Antiseptic cream | Earphones | Travel insurance documents |
| Surfboards (2) | Pants | Vaseline | Power adapter (AU to EU plug) | Visa (if required) |
| Leg ropes (2 spares) | T-shirts | Reef-safe sunscreen | ||
| Fins (2 spare sets) | Light jumper | Imodium | ||
| Ding repair kit | Bath towel | Insect repellent | ||
| Surf wax (tropical) | Boardshorts | Bandaids and gauze | ||
| Beach towel | Paracetamol | |||
| Fin key (if screw-in fins) |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of year to surf Bali?
The dry season (May-September) brings consistent south swells and offshore winds to the Bukit Peninsula: Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin. The wet season (November-March) offers cleaner conditions on north-facing breaks like Sanur and Keramas, though rain is more common.
Do I need a wetsuit for surfing Bali?
No, you don't need a full wetsuit for Bali. Water temperatures range from 26-29°C year-round. A lightweight 1.5mm wetsuit top or long-sleeve rash guard is enough for wind protection and to prevent rash during extended sessions.
Can I rent surfboards in Bali or should I bring my own?
You can rent boards throughout Bali, especially in Canggu and the Bukit Peninsula, but quality varies a lot. Experienced surfers should bring their own boards where possible, since rental boards are often beat up. Beginners and intermediates will find decent rental options.
How much does it cost to surf a Bali trip in 2026?
Surfing itself is free at most Bali breaks, though a few spots like Padang Padang charge a small entrance fee. Daily expenses for surfers typically run AUD $50-150 depending on accommodation and food, with budget guesthouses from around AUD $25/night and mid-range villas from AUD $80-150/night.
Are Bali surf breaks suitable for beginners?
Yes. Canggu (Batu Bolong, Old Mans) and Kuta Beach offer sandy bottoms, gentle waves, and surf schools with lessons and board rentals. The reef breaks on the Bukit Peninsula (Uluwatu, Padang Padang) are for experienced surfers only, due to shallow coral, strong currents, and powerful waves.
Before you head to Indonesia, check out our wetsuit thickness guide for Australia to make sure you've got the right gear sorted for your home breaks too. If you're camping along the NSW coast before or after your trip, our guide to the best campsites near surf beaches in NSW is worth a read.
