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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Indonesia

General & Daytime Wear

Focus on light, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or quick-drying synthetics. These materials manage heat and humidity well.

Layering for Comfort

Dry & Wet Season Wear

Dry Season (May-Oct): Pack light clothing for constant sun exposure. Sun-protective items, like long-sleeved Rash guards for water activities, are helpful.

Fabric Matters Wet Season

  • Humidity increases, with rain showers. Add a lightweight, compact Poncho or rain jacket.
  • Quick-drying clothes prove very useful during this season.
  • Consider clothing made from quick-wicking materials for comfort in humidity.

Footwear Recommendations

Flip-flops or Sandals

These are your go-to footwear for everyday wear on Gili Air. Perfect for beaches, sandy paths, and general relaxation.

You will live in them!

Water Shoes

Useful for rocky beach entries or exploring coral reefs during low tide. They protect your feet from sharp coral or sea urchins.

Reef Protection

Lightweight Sneakers/Trainers

Optional. Not strictly needed for sandy paths, but offer more comfort for extensive walking or Lombok hiking.

Optional Comfort

Essential Documents

Travel Documents

Keeping your documents organized and secure lessens stress during your trip.

  • Passport validity: At least 6 months from entry date.
  • Return/Onward ticket: Proof of departure often requested.
  • Visa/e-VoA confirmation: Printed copy if required.
  • Vaccination records: Copy, especially if Yellow Fever vaccine received.
  • Prescription notes: Doctor's note for medications, especially controlled substances.
  • Reservations: Printed and digital copies of accommodation/boat/tour bookings.
  • Emergency contacts: Family, friends, embassy/consulate details.
  • IDs for discounts: Student/senior/press IDs (less common here, but good elsewhere).

Technology & Electronics

Power Adapters & Voltage

Indonesia uses 230V, 50Hz (Type C and F plugs). Bring a Universal travel adapter if your devices use different plug types. Check chargers for dual voltage (100-240V).

Essentials

  • Type C & F Plugs: Standard for Indonesia.
  • 230V / 50Hz: Confirm device compatibility.
  • Universal Adapter: For non-compatible plugs.

SIM Cards & Mobile Compatibility

Most modern smartphones are GSM compatible. Obtain a local SIM card (Telkomsel, XL, Indosat) upon arrival in Bali or Lombok for affordable data.

Advice

  • Local SIM Card: Purchase at airport or official stores.
  • Passport for Registration: A must for SIM card activation.
  • Telkomsel: General best coverage on Gili Air.

Photography & Data Backup

Waterproof Camera

An Underwater camera like a GoPro Hero 11 for marine life, or Underwater housing for regular cameras.

Portable Chargers

Power outages occur occasionally. A High-capacity power bank keeps devices charged.

Data Backup

Utilize cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for backing up photos and documents. An External hard drive provides additional backup.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid Essentials

Assemble a Compact first aid kit with these items for common issues.

Kit Contents

  • Wound Care: Antiseptic wipes, bandaids, sterile gauze, medical tape.
  • Allergy & Pain Relief: Antihistamines, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, Imodium.
  • Specialty Creams: Antiseptic, Hydrocortisone cream.

Prescription & OTC Meds

Carry a sufficient supply of all prescription medications in original packaging, with a doctor's note.

Supplies

  • Prescription Documentation: Doctor's note for customs.
  • Common Remedies: Rehydration salts, Motion sickness medication, small thermometer.
  • Daily Comfort: Eye drops, multi-vitamins if taken daily.

Sun & Insect Protection

Mosquito Defense

  • High DEET/Picaridin repellent is effective against mosquitoes (dengue risk). OFF! Deep Woods.
  • Consider mosquito coils for your room.
  • Wear long sleeves/pants, especially at dawn/dusk.

Sun Shield

Activity-Specific Equipment

Personal Snorkel Gear

Bringing your own Mask and snorkel ensures comfort and hygiene.

  • Own mask/snorkel for comfortable fit.
  • A Full-face snorkeling mask works for some.
  • A rash guard for sun protection and minor stings.
  • Light wetsuit (optional).

Certified Diver Gear

Certified divers might bring their own Dive computer and surface marker buoy (SMB).

  • Dive computer for personal data.
  • Surface marker buoy (SMB).
  • Rash guard/light wetsuit for protection.
  • Dive shop rentals available for tanks, BCDs, regulators.

Underwater Photography

An Underwater camera or Action camera (GoPro Hero 11) captures marine life.

  • Waterproof camera or action camera.
  • Phone waterproof pouch for splashes.
  • Check local regulations regarding drone use.
  • Consider an Underwater housing for regular cameras.

Rent vs. Bring

Rent These

  • Snorkeling fins, dive tanks, BCDs, regulators, and wetsuits are readily available from dive shops on the island.
  • Bicycles are easily rented from various shops and accommodations.
  • Beach chairs and umbrellas are often available for rent.
  • Many dive shops rent underwater cameras for a day.

Bring These

  • Consider bringing your own mask and snorkel for comfort and hygiene.
  • A dive computer, if you are a certified diver, provides personal data.
  • A personal Reusable water bottle is a sustainable and cost-saving item.
  • A rash guard helps with sun protection.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort Items

For long flights to Indonesia and potentially long transfers, comfort items ease your journey.

Essential Relaxation

  • Long Flight Aid: A Neck pillow for comfort during travel.
  • Sleep Mask: An Eye mask for light blocking.
  • Earplugs: Earplugs aid quiet rest.
  • Travel Blanket: For air-conditioned buses or planes.

Security & Protection

A Padlock secures hostel lockers/luggage. A Money belt or RFID blocking wallet keeps passport/cash safe.

Peace of Mind

Eco-Friendly Choices

Reusable Water Bottle

Important for reducing plastic waste and saving money on bottled water.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For markets and shopping trips. Helps avoid single-use plastic bags.

Reusable Utensils/Straw

For reducing single-use plastic when enjoying street food or drinks.

Flashlight/Headlamp

Parts of the island, especially inland paths, can be dark at night.

Hard-to-Find Essentials

Sunscreen

  • High-quality reef-safe sunscreen: Specific brands with high SPF might be harder to find or more expensive.
  • Protect both your skin and the delicate coral reefs.
  • Many regular sunscreens contain chemicals harmful to marine ecosystems.

Toiletries & Meds

  • Specific brands of Western toiletries or medications: If you rely on particular brands, bring them.
  • Contact lens solution/specific eye care products: Bring enough for your trip.
  • Strong insect repellent (with DEET/Picaridin): Local repellents might be less effective for some.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light. You will wear less and move more freely. Use packing cubes for organization. Roll clothes tightly to save space. Leave room for souvenirs!

Consider a travel-sized laundry soap for quick washes. Pack a foldable bag for extra storage on the way back.