Whether you’ve just sent off your application for a Pangea Dreams retreat to Bali, or you’re thinking about doing it, I’m here to help you get a better idea of exactly what you’ll need to pack for a Bali Retreat. I’m Gabriella from Postcards from Hawaii and I am a Bali October 2019 retreat alumna, so I know first-hand everything you’ll want to bring with you to make the most of your retreat. Checkout my Pangea Dreams Bali Retreat packing list below!


bali retreat packing list


Clothing 


Activewear


Most mornings start with yoga and you might have the opportunity to hike up Mount Batur, so you’ll want to pack some comfortable activewear, I recommend 2-3 matching sets. A good tip is to pack bright apparel that will look good in photos because you’ll be in front of the lens even as you work out.


Flowy dresses

bali retreat packing list - flowy dress


There is no more interactive outfit for photos than a flowy dress; the more fabric, the more to play with. Whether it’s being swirled, twirled, lifted or pulled out, blowing in the wind, or floating behind you on one of Bali’s famous swings, it is the perfect outfit for almost any shoot. You may find that dresses are what you end up wearing most as they are easy to slip on and comfortable in the heat, so pack a few.


Swimwear 


The schedule on a Pangea Dreams Retreat is pretty tight so you might not have a lot of time for lounging by the pool, and if you do, you’ll probably want to spend that time shooting to create as much content as you can, especially whilst you have so many talented girls around to help. You will, however, need swimwear for multiple photoshoots around the hosting accommodation or offsite locations. Pack a few options for shooting with those iconic Bali petal baths and floating breakfasts, the more options you have the wider variety of content you will get.


Shorts


Bring a pair of cute shorts or denim cut-offs to go with your very own Pangea Dreams tank top!



Footwear


Basic flip flops

bali retreat packing list - flip flops


Stylish sandals that are versatile enough to go with most of your outfits are ideal because you won’t get a lot of time to switch outfits, and the easier you can make things for yourself, the better. What’s more ideal though is having a pair of basic flip flops because you’ll be heading to places like the beach and rice terraces which are high-risk areas for mucky feet. Shoes that can be washed easily such as flip flops should be your go-to.



Bags


You really only need three bags for this retreat: a backpack for walking around with your camera and outfit swaps, a cross body for days (and nights) out to keep your phone, cash and bug spray in, and a canvas tote for everyday workshops.
Here’s everything you’ll want to keep in your canvas tote for workshops:

  • Workbook (you’ll get it upon arrival)
  • Notebook
  • Pen
  • Lip balm
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Calamine cream or an antihistamine ointment
  • Water bottle
  • Hotel room key
  • External hard drive
  • Camera

Accessories


Straw hat

bali retreat packing list - straw hat


A straw hat is the ultimate accessory for a Pangea Dreams Retreat! Firstly it will protect your head from the sun, which you’ll be grateful for on long days out, and secondly, it’s one of the best props you can have to play around with during a photoshoot. Whether you’re wearing it, holding it or tossing it up in the air it adds a little something extra to your content.


Sunglasses


Obviously, they serve their purpose to shield your eyes from the sun, but they are also a great prop in photos too. Bring a fun gimmicky pair of shades, they always look great in photos, just look at Elton John for inspiration!


Headbands and scarves


Bring a couple of headbands or scarves for the days where you want to keep your hair off your neck but still looking cute. These are particularly handy for days when you can’t be bothered to spend time on styling your hair.



Toiletries 

Your natural beauty is always enough, but if you are more comfortable wearing your hair or makeup a certain way, then make sure you pack all of your usual products. The days are packed with workouts, workshops and shoots so you might not have a lot of time to get ready for the day, so make sure you pack toiletries that help you get camera-ready in a short amount of time.
Don’t take for granted that every hotel is equipped with the basics such as shampoo, conditioner and body lotion, so if you don’t usually pack these make sure you include them this time. A good way to always be prepared and to reduce your plastic usage is to travel with solid shampoo and conditioner bars.


Pit stop toiletries


There are going to be times where you’re out and about in the heat and it’s only human to get hot and flustered. Some days will be longer than others, and you might not be able to jet back to your room to freshen up, so here are a few recommended items that you can consider keeping on you:

  • Biodegradable wet wipes
  • Deodorant
  • Perfume/body spray/scented lotion
  • Hydrating eye patches
  • Moisturiser
  • Makeup kit with your essentials
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Dry shampoo

Technology 

Adapter


To make sure you are prepared for every day ahead, bring a couple of adapters so you can charge your phone, camera batteries and laptop.

Camera

Pangea Dreams - Bali Retreat Oct 2018 (29)


Definitely bring a camera so you can learn how to shoot in manual during the Photography 101 workshop! And don’t forget the spare batteries, charger and a couple of SD cards.

You can check out the Pangea Dreams Shop to find their favorite photography equipment!


Laptop and charger


So that you can continue with all the work you usually do whether it’s editing photos or working on blog posts. You will particularly need it during the Lightroom workshop.


External hard drive 


As it’s Bali, the wifi may not be strong enough to back up the heaps of content you’ll be getting, so an external hard drive is the quickest way to receive and share photos.

Find Pangea Dreams favorite hard drives here!


Portable power bank and cable


You won’t get much time in your hotel room during the day and you will end up being very active on your phone so keep a power bank and your phone cable on you.

Pangea Dreams - Bali Retreat Oct 2018 (1)


So there you have it, everything you will need to pack for a Pangea Dreams retreat to Bali! 


If you are interested in doing a Pangea Dreams retreat and want to read a personal review, take a look at How my Pangea Dreams bloggers retreat changed my life.


Blog post written by Bali Retreat 2018 Alumna Gabriella Wisdom. Find her on Instagram: @gabriellewisdom. Check out her super-duper detailed packing guide to Bali here!


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