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What to Pack for Samarinda

What to Pack for Samarinda

Samarinda East Kalimantan, Indonesia Travel Guide

Tropical Comfort Wear

Samarinda’s climate remains hot and humid year-round. Prioritize lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics. These materials help manage heat and humidity.

Essential Clothing

Cultural Modesty

Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country. Modest dress is appreciated, especially when visiting religious sites (mosques) or more conservative areas.

Dress Code Reminders

  • For women: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques. A lightweight headscarf (Shawl) is helpful.
  • For men: T-shirts and long shorts or trousers are generally acceptable. Wear full-length trousers for mosques.
  • Swimwear is right for hotel pools; avoid public spaces.

Footwear Essentials

Everyday Comfort

Comfortable, breathable sandals or flip-flops work well for daily city exploration.

Easy to slip on and off.

Walking & Light Hiking

Sturdy Walking shoes or sneakers provide better support for longer walks or light treks.

Good grip for uneven terrain.

Wet Conditions

Waterproof sandals or quick-drying shoes are useful during the wet time of year or for activities on the river.

Navigating wet streets near the Mahakam.

Essential Documents

Critical Travel Papers

Organize your documents carefully. Keep both physical and digital copies of everything important. This safeguards you against loss or theft.

  • Original Passport (valid 6+ months from entry, sufficient blank pages).
  • E-Visa / VoA Proof (printed copies).
  • Photocopies of your passport data page and visa stamps (stored separately).
  • Digital Copies (phone, cloud storage, email backup).
  • Travel Insurance Policy (printed and digital, with emergency contacts).
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) and national driver's license (if behind the wheel).
  • Vaccination Records (especially Yellow Fever certificate if required) & Doctor's Note for prescriptions.
  • Printed/Digital Copies of Travel Itinerary, Flights, and Accommodation Bookings.

Technology & Electronics

Connectivity Essentials

Stay connected and powered up with the right electronics and accessories. Indonesia requires 230V, 50Hz, with Type C/F plugs. A Universal travel adapter is advisable.

Mobile & Apps

  • Local SIM cards (Telkomsel, Indosat, XL) are readily available. Registration with passport is required.
  • Google Maps/Waze for navigation. Gojek/Grab for ride-sharing and delivery.
  • Google Translate (offline Indonesian pack) for communication.

Power & Photography

Ensure your devices remain charged throughout your travels and capture memories with appropriate camera equipment.

Gadgets & Gear

Digital Safeguards

Cloud Storage

Utilize services like Google Drive or Dropbox for backing up photos and copies of important documents.

Physical Backup

An External hard drive or USB stick provides a physical backup option for vital data.

VPN Services

Consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure internet browsing on public Wi-Fi.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit

A well-stocked health kit manages minor ailments and prevents more serious issues. Local pharmacies have basics, but specific brands or needs are best carried from home.

Essential First Aid

  • First aid kit with Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (e.g. Ibuprofen).
  • Anti-diarrhea medication (Loperamide) and rehydration salts.
  • Prescription medications with a doctor's note and in original packaging.

Sun & Insect Protection

The equatorial sun is strong, and mosquitoes are present. Proper protection minimizes risks of sunburn and insect-borne diseases.

Climate-Specific Protection

Special Health Needs

Motion Sickness

  • Motion sickness remedies might be useful for long car journeys or extended boat trips on the Mahakam River.
  • Winding roads can induce motion sickness for some travelers.
  • Consider non-drowsy options for daytime activities.

Skin Care & Personal Items

  • Anti-itch or Hydrocortisone cream for insect bites or minor skin irritations.
  • Any specific allergy medications you regularly use.
  • Special brands of toiletries or feminine hygiene products you prefer.

Activity-Specific Equipment

River Excursion Gear

For Mahakam River tours and explorations, specific items enhance your experience and protect your belongings.

  • Quick-drying clothing.
  • Waterproof bag for electronics.
  • Hat and sunglasses.
  • Comfortable, water-resistant footwear.

City Explorer Pack

For exploring Samarinda's city and cultural sites, a few essentials ensure comfort and readiness.

General Adventure Items

These general items are good for various activities and general travel in the region.

  • Good quality camera with zoom.
  • Extra batteries and memory cards.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting.
  • A headlamp or small flashlight.

Equipment Considerations

To Bring Recommended

  • Personal medications along with certain toiletries.
  • High-quality insect repellent.
  • A good quality camera and accessories.
  • Comfortable walking/hiking shoes in your size.

To Rent Check Locally

  • Motorcycles or scooters (check license requirements).
  • Specialized adventure gear for extensive jungle treks.
  • River tour equipment (life vests usually provided).
  • Bicycles (limited availability at Samarinda).

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

These items contribute to your overall comfort, security, and peace of mind from beginning to end of your journey.

Essential Extras

Sustainable Travel Choices

Embrace sustainable travel practices to minimize your environmental impact and support local communities.

Eco-Conscious Items

Eco-Friendly Travel Gear

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For market purchases.

Travel Utensils

For street food.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protects marine life (coastal travel).

Samarinda Specifics

Day Trip Essentials

  • A Small backpack or Daypack for daily excursions.
  • Power bank for cell phone charging on the go (ride-hailing, navigation).
  • Binoculars for river excursions or wildlife spotting.

Items to Source Abroad

  • High-quality insect repellent (DEET-based) can be harder to find locally.
  • Larger shoe sizes or specialized outdoor gear have limited availability.
  • Specific brands of toiletries or medications you rely on.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll your clothes to maximize space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes for better organization within your luggage.

Consider a capsule wardrobe to mix and match outfits, reducing the total number of items you carry. Always leave a little extra space for souvenirs!

What to Pack for Samarinda. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials