What to Pack for Indonesia

Indonesia isn’t exactly an easy destination to pack for. In the space of a single trip, you might find yourself pulling on thermals at 2am on the flanks of a smoking volcano, then stripping down to a swimsuit to plunge into the world’s richest marine waters, and wrapping yourself in a sarong to enter a temple by mid-afternoon. It’s just that kind of place – which means a little packing strategy goes a long way.

This guide covers it all, from volcano-trekking kit and diving essentials to temple etiquette and the humble sarong (which, it turns out, might just be the most useful thing you’ll ever stuff into a bag).

Luggage

Start here, because Indonesia has a habit of catching people out. If you’re hopping between islands (and you almost certainly will be) you’ll be taking domestic flights on smaller aircraft operated by airlines like Garuda Indonesia and Citilink. The checked baggage allowance on economy domestic fares typically starts at 20kg. On the whole that’s manageable, but the golden rule is to bring a soft holdall rather than a hard-shell suitcase. Luggage on smaller aircraft (and particularly on liveaboards) needs to be squeezed into tight spaces, and a rigid case can cause issues.

Good news for divers: Garuda, our preferred airline in Indonesia, offers one additional piece of checked baggage for your dive gear free of charge – around 23kg – subject to availability. It’s worth checking the specifics before you fly, but it can save you a significant amount if you’re travelling with your own kit.

A practical daypack is also a solid investment. You’ll want somewhere to stow sunscreen, a headtorch, a water bottle, and snacks on a volcano trek or boat transfer. A zip-closure bag is ideal; it keeps things in order when you’re scrambling up a mountain at 3am.

Clothing

Indonesia is close to the equator, which means it’s warm and humid almost everywhere, almost all the time. Daytime temperatures typically hover between 25°C and 32°C, with humidity levels to match, so lightweight, breathable fabrics are the name of the game. Pack clothes that dry quickly and not heavy cotton or denim items.

Neutral colours – creams, khakis, muted greens – are the sensible choice for trekking, and we advise not wearing reds, yellows, or whites on a walking trail where wildlife might be present. That said, you don’t need to bring a huge amount. Laundry services are available at most hotels and lodges, often with a quick turnaround, so packing light is both possible and advisable.

For the volcanoes, layers are non-negotiable. The temperature in the Ijen Crater can drop as low as 2°C at night with strong winds too, which is a rather rude surprise if you’ve only brought a linen shirt. Pack a decent warm layer and a windproof jacket for any summit attempts, as well as a hat and gloves for the higher peaks. You’ll strip off as the sun rises and it all becomes irrelevant by 9am, but those pre-dawn hours can be very, very cold.

The sarong

If you only read one section of this guide, make it this one. The sarong is Indonesia’s great equaliser, just as at home in the surf at Kuta as it is draped around your waist at the gates of Tanah Lot. Always pack modest options for visiting temples, mosques, and rural areas; women should include knee-length or longer skirts or trousers and tops that cover the shoulders. A sarong solves this in one elegant swoop. You can throw it over your beach shorts, wrap it around your shoulders, use it as a makeshift beach blanket, and it will usually dry quickly over a balcony. It’s also extraordinarily light.

Some temples, particularly in Bali, will provide sarongs at the entrance, but they’re not always clean or generously sized, so there’s something to be said for having your own. Pack one in a bright batik pattern and you’ll fit right in.

Shoes with easy on/off access also help enormously for temple visits. You’ll be removing your footwear at every entrance so slip-on sandals or loafers will serve you far better than a pair of trainers with six sets of laces.

Volcano trekking kit

Indonesia has more active volcanoes than any other country on the planet, and several of them – Mount Bromo, Kawah Ijen, Mount Batur, and the formidable Mount Rinjani – are firmly on the itinerary for anyone with a sense of adventure. Each has its own quirks and demands, but a few key items apply across the board.

Footwear is the big one. Well-worn, supportive hiking boots with a decent grip are ideal – and the emphasis on well-worn is important. The descent of a serious volcano hike can be very tough on the joints, and making sure your footwear and gear are up to scratch is essential. Don’t buy brand new boots for this as you want to avoid any blisters. Good trail running shoes will also do the job on easier peaks like Batur.

A headtorch is essential. Most volcano treks begin in the small hours of the morning, and your phone torch simply won’t cut it on a rocky, unlit trail. Bring a good one, with fresh or spare batteries.

Trekking poles divide opinion but are widely recommended for multi-day treks like Rinjani. They’re particularly useful on the descent, where the trail can be steep, loose, and unforgiving.

Now for an unusual one: if you’re heading to Kawah Ijen to see the blue fire, you’ll need a gas mask or respirator. The volcano is an active sulphur mine, and the fumes inside the crater are not something to take lightly. Wearing a gas mask is mandatory near the crater, as the high sulphur levels produce a strong smell, low oxygen levels, and can irritate your eyes severely. If your tour company doesn’t provide one, they can be hired or purchased at small stalls near the entrance gate before the hike starts. On the Ijen packing front, bring an extra bottle of water to rinse your eyes after the trek.

Bring warm layers, a rain jacket, and a hat for all volcano treks. Temperatures plummet at altitude regardless of how warm the lowlands feel, and the descent in soaked, wind-chilled clothing is best avoided.

Diving and snorkelling essentials

Indonesia forms the heart of the Coral Triangle, the most biodiverse marine ecosystem on Earth, and whether you’re diving Raja Ampat, Komodo, or the Gili Islands, the underwater world here is difficult to overstate. Packing smart for diving is partly about what you bring and partly about what you can leave at home.

A 3mm wetsuit is generally ideal for Raja Ampat and Komodo, though if you tend to get cold, a hooded vest is worth the extra space. Most liveaboards offer high-quality gear for hire, so if you’re travelling with a full kit, weigh up the extra baggage fees against the convenience of having your own gear. Your mask and fins, however, are always worth bringing – a mask that doesn’t fit your face can derail an otherwise fabulous dive.

Many dive operators in remote areas require proof of certification and dive insurance before allowing you to participate. The latter covers decompression-related incidents and is often mandatory rather than advisable in places like Raja Ampat.

For snorkellers, a rash guard is enormously useful. It protects against jellyfish stings, fire coral, and the relentless tropical sun during long hours in the water. It’s also a more responsible option than slathering yourself in sunscreen that will wash straight onto the reef. Speaking of which: reef-safe sunscreen is an absolute must throughout Indonesia. Avoid sunscreens containing chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which damage coral reefs and instead opt for mineral-based sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead. In some areas, standard sunscreens are simply not permitted in the water.

Finally, a note on seasickness medication if you’re staying on a liveaboard. The crossings between islands, particularly around Komodo, can be choppy, and there’s nothing quite like being three days from the nearest port with an empty packet of Stugeron and a queasy feeling.

Sun, skin & health

There are a few health essentials worth getting right before you go.

Insect repellent is important across Indonesia and essential in certain regions. Malaria is prevalent in Raja Ampat, so covering up at dusk and dawn is advisable: long sleeves and trousers in the evenings go a long way alongside a good repellent. For most of Bali and Java, the risk is lower, but dengue fever is present throughout the country, so take repellent with you regardless.

A high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat are non-negotiable in a country where the sun is directly overhead for much of the year. Long boat transfers and open-air market visits can catch you out if you’re not prepared.

Pack any prescription medications in adequate supply, along with a basic first aid kit: plasters, antiseptic cream, ibuprofen, and something for stomach trouble. Medical facilities exist in the main cities and tourist areas, but in places like the Banda Sea or remote Borneo, the nearest pharmacy may be several hours away.

The extras

Cash in Indonesian Rupiah is more important in Indonesia than in almost any other destination you’ll visit. Remote areas like Raja Ampat have no ATMs at all, so arriving with enough cash for your entire stay is essential. Budget for entrance fees, tips for your guides and drivers (which are always warmly appreciated), any gear rentals, and unexpected extras. Stock up in Bali or Jakarta before heading to the outer islands.

A dry bag earns its place on every itinerary that involves a boat and your passport, cash, and phone should always be in one during transfers. Indonesian waters don’t discriminate between the careful and the careless!

A power bank is a genuinely useful piece of kit for liveaboard diving or multi-day volcano treks. Charging stations on liveaboards are shared, and cabins tend to be compact with limited outlets so having your own portable charge can be very useful.

An underwater camera or a basic waterproof compact will bring you no end of joy in a country this visually exciting. Raja Ampat’s marine life or Mount Bromo at sunrise looks like the world’s most perfect screensaver.

Finally, take a reusable water bottle. You’ll be drinking a significant amount of water in the heat, and the single-use plastic situation in Indonesia while improving, with several islands and cities making strides on bans and regulation, is something worth being mindful of as a visitor. Bring a filter bottle if you can.

And that’s it – Indonesia packed. From a gas mask and hiking boots to a sarong and a dry bag, the kit list might feel eclectic, but it perfectly reflects the kind of trip this extraordinary country delivers: volcanic, aquatic, spiritual, and constantly surprising. Make sure you’re ready for all of it.