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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Indonesia

Climate-Appropriate Clothing

Aceh's tropical climate means high temperatures and humidity. Select lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetics. These materials handle the heat and dry quickly after washes or sudden rain. During the dry season (May-September), lighter clothing works well. The wet season (October-April) calls for a Lightweight rain jacket or a Compact umbrella.

Activity-Specific Attire

  • Hiking: Long pants and Moisture-wicking shirts for jungle protection.
  • Swimming: Modest swimwear. A burkini or conservative Swimsuit might be preferred on public beaches.
  • Religious Sites: Women cover hair, arms, and legs. Men wear long trousers and cover shoulders.

Cultural Dress Code & Modesty

Aceh follows Sharia law, so modest dress is expected for both men and women in public. This demonstrates respect for local customs.

Guidelines

  • Women: Loose clothing covering shoulders, upper arms, and knees. Long skirts, modest dresses, or loose trousers with Long-sleeved shirts are suitable. A Lightweight scarf for head covering is helpful.
  • Men: Trousers or long shorts. Shirts cover shoulders. Avoid sleeveless tops.
  • General: Always dress modestly after leaving beaches or hotel pools. A sarong or cover-up is good for quick changes.

Footwear Section

Daily Wear

Comfortable sandals or flip-flops work well. They remove easily for homes or mosques.

Easy On/Off

Sightseeing

Walking shoes or sturdy Sneakers work for city exploration, especially in Banda Aceh.

Urban Exploring

Water Activities

Water shoes or reef-safe sandals shield feet from sharp coral or stones, especially on Pulau Weh.

Reef Protection

Essential Documents

Travel Papers

Prepare both physical and digital copies of your essential documents.

  • Passport: Original, valid for 6+ months from entry. Carry physical and digital copies separately.
  • Proof of Visa/Flight: Printed visa approval (if pre-obtained) and onward/return flight tickets.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): Legally needed with your home license for driving a scooter or car. Obtain before trip.
  • Vaccination Records: Yellow Fever certificate (if applicable) and personal vaccination record.
  • Travel Insurance: Printed and digital copies of your policy, including emergency contacts.
  • Reservations: Printed and digital copies of all flight, hotel, and tour bookings.
  • Emergency Contacts: A list of family/friends and your embassy/consulate in Jakarta, stored separately.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs: Carry for potential small discounts at attractions.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Indonesia uses Type C and F power sockets (two round pins), 230V at 50Hz. A Universal travel adapter works for devices from different regions. Most modern devices are dual-voltage (100-240V), needing only a Plug adapter. Local SIM cards (Telkomsel recommended) are for connectivity; purchase and register with your passport at the airport or provider stores.

Device & Power Essentials

  • Power Adapter: Type C/F sockets, 230V 50Hz.
  • SIM Card: Local SIM (Telkomsel) for data and calls. Airalo eSIM is an alternative.
  • Portable Chargers: A High-capacity power bank is useful for long days.

Cameras & Apps

A Compact digital camera or Smartphone is good for general use. For water activities, a Waterproof camera like a GoPro Hero12 Black is ideal. Pack extra batteries and memory cards. For electronics, consider B&H Photo.

Recommended Apps & Data Backup

  • Navigation: Google Maps (with offline maps).
  • Ride-hailing: Gojek and Grab for transport and deliveries.
  • Translation: Google Translate (offline pack for Indonesian).

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Use cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox) to back up photos and digital document copies.

External Storage

An External hard drive or large USB stick for additional backup of important files.

VPN Service

Consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure internet connections.

Health & Wellness Items

Destination-Specific First Aid Kit

Your First aid kit should contain basics plus additions for Aceh's tropical setting.

Contents Checklist

Sun Protection & Hygiene

The tropical sun can be intense. Protecting yourself from its rays and maintaining personal hygiene are important for comfort and wellness.

Protection & Personal Care

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Motion Sickness

  • Motion sickness medication is for ferry travel, especially to Pulau Weh.
  • Also consider it for any boat excursions.
  • Pack your preferred brand for relief.

Altitude Concerns

  • Aceh generally lacks high altitudes.
  • Altitude sickness is not a concern for typical itineraries.
  • Focus on heat and humidity management instead.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Snorkeling/Diving Gear

A Mask, snorkel, and fins are needed. Renting is widely available on Pulau Weh. Bringing your own mask generally guarantees a better fit and hygiene. A Waterproof dry bag is for boat trips.

  • Rent locally: Most dive centers on Pulau Weh.
  • Bring your own mask for comfort.
  • Wetsuit: Only if specific thickness is needed.
  • Dry bag: Pacsafe offers anti-theft options.

Hiking Essentials

A lightweight Hiking backpack for day trips. Trekking poles are optional for longer treks. A Headlamp or flashlight for early morning or late evening walks. Wear Lightweight hiking shoes or trail runners for better grip.

  • Day pack: Nordace has modern travel bags.
  • Sturdy footwear: For uneven jungle paths.
  • Insect repellent: For outdoor adventures.
  • Water supply: Critical for hot, humid conditions.

Water Activity Specifics

For water sports, quick-drying clothing. A rash guard offers sun protection. For surfing, boards are available for rent at surf spots like Lhoknga and Lampuuk. Consider bringing your own if you have a preferred board.

  • Rash guard: For sun and minor abrasion protection.
  • Waterproof phone pouch: To guard your device.
  • Reef shoes: For walking on rocky beaches or reefs.
  • Swim goggles: For casual swimming or snorkeling.

Rent vs Buy Decision Matrix

Rent for Convenience

  • Scooters: Widely available and affordable in Banda Aceh and Pulau Weh.
  • Snorkel/Dive Gear: Easily rented from dive centers on Pulau Weh.
  • Surfboards: Available for rent at popular surf spots, reducing baggage fees.
  • Cars with drivers: Recommended for longer distances or group travel on Sumatra.

Bring for Comfort/Specialty

  • Personal Mask: For snorkeling or diving, your own mask often gives the best fit and hygiene.
  • Specific Wetsuit: If you need a particular thickness or fit for diving.
  • Personal Surfboard: If you have a specific board you prefer for performance.
  • Medical Needs: Any specialized medical equipment or specific hygiene products you rely on.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

A few extra items make journeys more comfortable and belongings more secure.

Items

Reusable & Eco-Friendly Items

Embrace responsible travel with these reusable items.

Sustainable Travel Choices

  • Reusable Water Bottle: A Reusable water bottle (with filter) saves money and cuts plastic waste.
  • Reusable Shopping Bag: A compact, Reusable shopping bag reduces plastic bag use.
  • Travel Utensils: A set of Travel utensils for street food lessens disposable plastic cutlery.
  • Local Products: Purchase local brands or products to support the Acehnese economy and avoid hard-to-find international items.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Coffee Cup

For local coffee shops.

Solid Toiletries

Shampoo bars, soap bars.

Eco-Friendly Sunscreen

Reef-safe and biodegradable.

Minimal Packaging

Choose items with less plastic.

Destination-Specific Items

Cultural Apparel

  • Sarong/Kain: Useful for modesty or quick beach cover-up.
  • Prayer Mat (small): For those observing Islamic prayers.
  • Modest swimwear: Such as a burkini for public beaches.

Practical Needs

  • Small flashlight/headlamp: For power outages or exploring dimly lit areas.
  • Small denominations of IDR: For markets and street food.
  • Mosquito nets: If staying in very basic accommodations, though usually provided.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light for ease of movement. Many Acehnese travel lightly, and you will appreciate less luggage in the heat.

Roll clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles. Use packing cubes for organization.