No wetsuit, but plenty of sun and reef. A realistic packing list for a Bali surf trip, including what is cheaper to buy when you land.
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Bali's water stays in the high 20s °C all year, so you can leave the wetsuit at home. The two things that end surf trips here are sunburn and infected reef cuts. Pack for those.
TL;DR: Long-sleeve rash guard, mineral sunscreen, reef booties if you plan to surf the Bukit, and a small first-aid kit. Boards and wax are easy to get on the island.
A long-sleeve rash guard does two jobs: sun protection and stopping wax rash on your chest and stomach. Take two so one can dry.
A plain, close-fitting long sleeve that works under a wetsuit or on its own in warm water.
A women's long sleeve with a longer body that stays put when you paddle.
If you get cold at dawn or want some padding over reef, a thin spring suit is enough.
Short arms and legs for water in the low 20s °C, or for anyone who gets cold in the tropics at dawn.
Canggu's beginner peaks are mostly sand and cobblestone. Uluwatu and the rest of the Bukit are sharp reef, often with a long walk across it at low tide. Booties are not cool, but neither is a week out of the water.
Thin enough to still feel the board, thick enough to walk over reef and rocks at low tide.
A very thin split-toe bootie for people who dislike wearing anything on their feet but dislike urchins more.
More options are in our guide to rash guards and water shoes.
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A zinc-based stick is easier to apply on the beach and holds up better in the water than regular lotion.
Sold by water temperature: tropical, warm, cool and cold. Buy the one that matches where you are going, not where you live.
Our tested pick
7 nights from $380
Beginners should rent. Soft-tops and funboards are available at every beach in Canggu and Kuta. Bring your own only if you are an intermediate who wants a familiar board for reef waves, and pack it in a proper travel bag.
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Canggu Surf Villa suits beginners and improvers, while Uluwatu Cliff Camp is for surfers ready for reef. We compare them in the best surf camps in Bali. New to all this? Start with the beginner setup checklist.
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7 nights from $450
Maya Torres
Founder & Surf Travel Editor
Maya has surfed in 34 countries over 15 years, reviewed 60+ surf camps in person, and now leads the Surfstore.com editorial team. Her mission: zero bad surf trips.
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