PACKING
Light and Layers – The weather in Bali is warm / hot / humid. Shorts / Sundresses are acceptable virtually everywhere. For Temples that require leg coverings – sarongs are provided. During temple visits, bare shoulders are discouraged for women. So please be sure to have a light top to throw on to cover your shoulders in temples if you have sundress / top with only straps. The nights are comfortable. For those of us that get chilly easily – also pack a light cover up or cotton long sleeve shirt (low temps generally around 73F)
Hat– Bring a hat that can cover your face from the sun when we are outdoors for long periods of time.
Sunglasses – Bring a good pair of polarizing sun glasses as the sun is bright there. A back up pair is also recommended just in case.
Swimwear – Bring swim suits as there will be much time for refreshing dips.
Rain Poncho – As we never know when the showers will occur – bring a light and portable rain poncho. Rain does not generally come with cool temperatures – so be sure it is light weight.
Shoes – This one is important! We will not be going anywhere “fancy” so you don’t need to bring dressy foot ware. For the women (and any gentlemen with such proclivities) do not bring heels. Streets can be quite uneven. You will need these three pairs of shoes:
- Great walking shoes that breathe! An athletic sandal that firmly supports your feet is the best. No need for socks. Make sure to break them in before leaving if you are purchasing new. Dona swears by Clarks Walking sandals (so does Patty!) They hug the feet with adjustable straps, provide plenty of cushion, great support and let the foot breathe. Bring whatever shoe provides all of that for you!
- Easy to slip on flip flops for hanging out around the pool, going in and out of massage sessions, etc.
- Water sandals- you must bring a pair of water sandals with sturdy non-slip bottoms. NOT flip-flops but sandals with a strap that prevents them from coming off while in water. River sandals or mesh water shoes. No need for expensive ones – just something that will cushion your feet and wont fall off in the water. (some examples only – water sandals / mesh shoes)
Knee Support – For those of you that have considerations around your knees – when visiting sites and lodging with stairs – we recommend using a supportive knee stabilizer. It is hard to recommend one as everyone’s situation is different. ** Please make sure that you have tried something before packing it for Bali. Some options here:
Pants below the knee – For the women, please make sure you bring “pants below the knee” for our day volunteering. Lightweight capri pants are perfect for this!
Toiletries / Personal Items – Even though toiletries are readily available, likely your favorites are nowhere to be found – so it is a good idea to have travel sized versions of your own personal care items. Typical personal care items to consider bringing include:
* Shampoo
* Conditioner
* Soap
* Toothbrush
* Toothpaste
* Floss
* Deodorant
* Razor and shaving gear
* Comb and/or brush
* Feminine hygiene products
*** UPdate – there are hair dryers in every room you will stay in.
*** UPdate – if you are flying through Hong Kong – do NOT travel with any products that are labeled CBD
Sun Protection – This is really important! The sun is strong in Bali. We recommend natural sunscreens only to protect you and the environment. (as we will sometimes be in the water) and whatever strength is right for you. There are many available – so make sure you find one that you are happy with. We make the request that it be good for you, non-toxic and non-toxic to the environment. (just an example – not an endorsement:) This one comes highly recommended: Raw Elements sunblock is reef-safe and non-nano Zinc Oxide, making it safe for you and the coral. It also stays put for up to 80 minutes in the water, making it economical as well.
Bug Bite Prevention – Sometimes we have encountered some mosquitos around the waterways. We recommend either bringing some essential oils that have worked for you in the past – or a natural bug spray. Please make sure it is natural and non-toxic!!! If we were ever to do an endorsement for a product – it would be this one. Sawyer Picaridin insect repellent (comes in creme & spray). We also recommend bringing a small travel size bottle of Witch Hazel – if you do get a bite it takes the itch away!
Personal Medications – Please make sure that you bring whatever personal medication that you are taking.
5Htp – Please bring at least 6 days worth
Snacks – if you eat lots of snack during the day and you have favorites (or special healthy) ones that we may not be able to find there – please bring some
Money Belt / Neck Holder – to carry your passport and money with you while we are touring around
Other things to bring:
* Reusable water bottle (Please bring!)
* Day pack or bag to use while we are touring the sights to carry all your personal gear
* Water bottle holder – to carry on your shoulder while walking around outside
* Wet bag to carry your wet swimsuit after the water visits
* Dry bag to carry your change of clothes when we visit visit water purification temples or waterfalls
* Travel sized tissue packets
* Wet wipes and/or alcohol (not triclosan) based hand wipes or sanitizers
* Reusable silicone bags – you may find many reasons to use them
* A small flashlight – in case of any power failures and for personal safety
* A notebook or journal, and pen to record any information
* A cell phone or other small device to act as a travel alarm
* Water protector for your phone if you are planning on using it for photos around water.
* Any personal first-aid products you typically travel with
* And of course a photo and/or video camera with proper battery or charging equipment
* Electrical converter (to change the power from 110 to 220) and an adapter that changes the prongs of your American plugs into ones that work in Peru. (there are many all-in-one models to be found on the internet)
There are also a few items which you should NOT bring with you:
* Valuables, such as jewelry
* Unnecessary electronic devices
* Pocket knives or any weapon-like items
* Any illegal substances
TIPS for staying healthy – Michael & Dona’s well tested suggestions
Traveling can sometimes be hard on the body, changing water and diets as well as spending time in airports and enclosed spaces on planes where you are subjected to the airborne particulates of others.
1. Masks – If it feels aligned, we recommend that you find some N95 or KN 95 masks for the airport and the airplane. Obviously you will be in close quarters there and we want to set everyone up for healthy arrival and retreat. In order to make it more fun to breathe – we suggest a drop or two of your favorite essential oil placed on the inside of the mask makes this a really nice experience. Peppermint and eucalyptus are especially great at keeping your airways open.
2. Flying kit – we pack an “Airplane Kit” silicone baggie that consists of Homeopathic No Jet Lag formula (one pill dissolved under the tongue every two hours) and a simple saline nasal spray that we use at the same time. Keeps the nasal passages lubricated during flight and helps keep the germs out. Lastly in the “kit” are tissues, sanitizing wipes we use on the airplane to clean off the tv / screen, remotes and our eating tray.
3. Bali Belly – usually avoiding or being very cautious about eating raw foods and NOT drinking the water will be all that you need to do. We always err on the side of caution and skip raw foods all together for at least the first week while our bodies adjust. Of course – always listen to your own body. The other trick that we utilize is taking one tablespoon of organic Apple Cider Vinegar first thing in the morning to help alkalize the system. We pack a small nalgene container (doesn’t spill) and a little measuring spoon and take it daily in the morning.
4. Immune Boosts – we always bring immune boost support to have on hand along with our usual supplements. If you have a favorite “booster” you normally use when you start feeling ill or run down – we recommend you bring that also. We swear by Vital Nutrients NAC supplement and even the old family stand-by Emergence C! Usually this gets us back to feeling great right away! Whatever works for your system – please bring with you.