Take only clothes that are lightweight, easily rinsed, brushed, and renovated. In a tropical climate, cotton is very comfortable (nylon doesn’t breathe in the heat) and dries quickly in the humidity. However, 100% cotton needs ironing, so bring along a few half-cotton, half-synthetic (rayon is good), wrinkle-free garments for special occasions and visits to bureaucratic offices.

Denim is too hot for Indonesia and takes too long to dry; perhaps bring one pair if you’re going to do high-altitude trekking or cycling. Looser corduroys or light summer trousers are better suited for this climate. It’s generally considered inappropriate for men to wear short shorts for anything except the roughest manual work, long-distance cycling, hash runs, or for going to and from the bathroom or beach.

Bali is too hot for Western-style sport-coats. Buy a light batik sport-coat or an attractive long-sleeved batik shirt for dressing up quite acceptable and very chic in Indonesia. Choose patterned or dark-colored fabrics that won’t show wear or soil as quickly. Take along a light sweater or sweatshirt for the cool of the evenings or for higher elevations such as Kintamani and Bedugul.

These also serve as protection against sunburn and insects. Also take a water-resistant, wind-proof jacket. It packs light and keeps you warm when worn over a sweater. Keep in mind the temperature drops about 3° F for every 325 meters in elevation, and heavy cloud cover at Bali’s mountain climes can bring on an even a sharper fall in temperature.

Also recommended is a cloth baseball cap or khaki fisherman-style hat with a brim, deep enough to stay on your head in heavy winds, and to protect you from rain or the intensity of the sun. Don’t forget to spray it with water repellent. It may be frumpy looking, but it will do the job. A helmet is a life-saving investment for cyclists and motorcyclists; choose one with a plastic shield to protect your face from rain, sleet, and insects. Bring one with you; the ones available on Bali are dangerously flimsy.