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What to Pack for Flores

What to Pack for Flores

East Nusa Tenggara Indonesia Travel Guide

Dry Season Attire April-October

Pack lightweight, breathable, and loose-fitting clothing for warm days. Natural fabrics like cotton or linen are ideal, as are quick-drying synthetics.

Items

  • Shorts, T-shirts, tank tops, and sundresses for daytime wear.
  • Light long-shirts with sleeves and long pants for sun protection and evenings.
  • Consider layering: a light jacket or sweater for cooler highland evenings or sunrise treks.

Wet Season Attire November-March

Temperatures remain warm, but anticipate more frequent and heavier rainfall. Pack similar lightweight clothing, adding essential rain gear.

Items

  • A packable rain jacket is highly recommended for sudden downpours.
  • Quick-drying pants or shorts are practical for managing wet conditions.
  • An umbrella can offer relief during short bursts of rain in town.

Footwear Recommendations

General Wear

Sandals to wear comfort or flip-flops are ideal for casual wear, town strolls, plus resting at your accommodation.

Easy to slip on and off.

Hiking & Trekking

Sturdy, closed-protective footwear with good grip are useful for uneven terrain, especially for volcano treks or traditional village paths.

Hiking sandals with ankle support also work.

Water Activities

Water shoes or sturdy sandals guard your feet on rocky beaches, near coral, or on slippery boat decks.

Provide grip and protection.

Important Documents

Document Checklist

Keeping your travel documents organized and secure is a high priority. Have physical and digital copies.

  • Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date.
  • Visa Documentation: Printouts of an entry permit approval or VoA details.
  • Plane Tickets: Printed and digital copies of onward/return flights.
  • Photocopies & Digital Copies: Keep these separate from originals.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): If you intend to drive a scooter or car.
  • Vaccination Records & Health Docs: Your vaccination card, prescription list.
  • Travel Insurance Policy: Printout having emergency contacts.
  • Emergency Contacts: List for families, bank, embassy.

Tech Essentials

Connectivity & Power

Flores has decent connectivity in main towns. Prepare for rural areas. Indonesia uses Type C and Type F power sockets (two round pins, 230V, 50Hz).

Considerations

  • A universal adapter is practical. Check if devices are dual voltage.
  • Unlock your phone. Local SIM cards (Telkomsel) are widely available and affordable.
  • Power failures can occur. A high-capacity power bank is highly recommended.

Camera Gear

Capture Flores's beauty with appropriate photography gear. Extra batteries and memory cards are useful.

Photography Prep

  • A superior camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or advanced smartphone) for general photography.
  • A waterproof camera or casing is suggested for snorkeling, diving, or wet season protection.
  • Bring extra batteries and memory cards; purchase options are limited outside Gateway To komodo national park.

Recommended Apps & Backup

Navigation Apps

Download Google Maps and Maps.me. Obtain offline maps for Flores, as internet can be spotty in remote areas.

Translation & Communication

Google Translate (offline pack) helps overcome language barriers. WhatsApp is extensively used by locals and tour operators.

Backup Solutions

Utilize cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or an external hard drive for pictures and papers.

Health and Comfort

Personal First Aid Kit

A well-stocked personal first aid kit is prudent for any tropical destination like Flores. Customize a basic travel kit with these additions.

Kit Contents

  • Wound care: bandages, antiseptic wipes, medical tape, antiseptic cream.
  • Pain relievers (paracetamol, ibuprofen) and anti-medicine for loose stools.
  • Oral rehydration salts (ORS), antihistamines, care for blisters (moleskin).

Sun & Bug Protection

The tropical the sun's rays are intense, and mosquitoes are prevalent. Take precautions to protect yourself.

Protective Essentials

  • High-SPF sunscreen (reef-safe recommended), lip balm with SPF.
  • Strong insect repellent (DEET or Picaridin) for mosquito-borne illness risk.
  • Portable water filter or purification tablets for eco-friendly hydration.

Special Health Considerations

Motion Sickness

  • Boat trips, especially to Komodo National Park, can encounter choppy seas.
  • Overland travel on winding roads also induces motion sickness.
  • Carry motion sickness cures if you are prone to it.

Prescription Needs

  • Carry all prescription medications in original, labeled packaging.
  • Bring enough for your entire trip plus a few extra days.
  • A doctor'a doctor's note for controlled medication is highly recommended.

Activity Gear

Trekking & Hiking

Gear for exploring Flores's varied terrain, from volcano ascents to village treks.

  • Small daypack for water, snacks, light jacket.
  • A head-mounted flashlight for sunrise treks (Kelimutu) or early morning walks.
  • Trekking poles (optional) for stability on bumpy trails.
  • Moisture-wicking tops and comfortable trekking pants.

Water Adventures

Essentials for international-top-tier diving and going snorkeling in Komodo National Park's waters.

  • Swimming costume and a rash guard for sun protection and chafing.
  • Quick-dry shorts or board shorts for comfort.
  • Personal mask and snorkel mask and fins (optional, rentals available).
  • For divers: consider your own dive computer and mask for familiarity.

Boat Trips

Items to keep your belongings safe and dry during island hopping and marine excursions.

  • A dry bag is invaluable for protecting electronics and documents from splashes.
  • Quick-dry travel towel for beach visits and island hopping.
  • Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat for extended time in the sun.
  • Reusable water bottle for hydration on board.

Rent vs. Bring Gear

Advantages of Bringing Your Own

  • Guaranteed fit and comfort, especially for masks and fins.
  • Ensured hygiene for personal use items like snorkels.
  • Familiarity with your own dive computer.
  • Consistent quality and reliability.

Considerations for Renting Locally

  • Quality of rental gear can vary; inspect it before use.
  • Availability of specific sizes or high-end gear may be limited.
  • Convenience of not carrying bulky equipment.
  • More cost-effective for a single-time or else infrequent use.

Other Essentials

Comfort & Security

Beyond the basics, these items significantly enhance your comfort, security, and entire travel experience in Flores.

Travel Smart

  • Neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs for long trips.
  • Small padlock for luggage or hostel lockers.
  • Money belt or neck wallet for valuables under clothing.
  • Offline maps downloaded on your phone for reliable navigation.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly

Embrace reusable items to reduce your environmental footprint and save money during your travels.

Conscious Choices

  • Reusable water bottle for refills; many hotels offer water stations.
  • Reusable shopping bag for market purchases or souvenirs.
  • Small set of reusable eating utensils for street food or takeaways.
  • Support local businesses and minimize single-use-use plastic waste whenever possible.

Sustainable Choices

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduce plastic waste by refilling.

Eco-Friendly Toiletries

Biodegradable or solid options.

Quick-Dry Towel

Lighter and faster to dry than cotton.

Support Local

Eat at local eateries, buy from artisans.

Region-Specific Essentials

General Flores Needs

  • Sarong or large scarf for cultural site modesty and sun protection.
  • Aqua shoes for rocky beaches or boat trips.
  • Solid walking footwear or outdoor sandals for uneven village paths and treks.

Items to Pack from Home

  • Good high-quality hiking shoes or specific outdoor gear may be hard to find locally.
  • Specific medical supplies or over-the-counter medications you rely on.
  • Preferred brands of personal hygiene products or cosmetics might be scarce.

Packing Smart

A well-packed bag greatly supports a worry-free and enjoyable adventure in Flores.

Pack light to make overland travel simpler, especially if you use shared transport.

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