What to Pack & Bring: Gili Meno

Clothing for Comfort

Generally: Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and rayon. These materials maintain cool and comfortable conditions in the heat and humidity.

Day & Evening Wear

Daytime: Focus on T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, light dresses, and Swimwear.
Evenings: Remain warm. A light long-sleeved shirt and pants offer some mosquito protection.
Layering: Not typically needed. A light cover-up or sarong Protects from sun and serves as a modest option.

Cultural Dress & Activities

Gili Meno has a relaxed atmosphere, but it is a predominantly Muslim community. Showing respect for local customs through your attire is appropriate, especially when visiting local villages or non-beach areas.

Respectful Attire

For Women: Consider covering shoulders and knees when outside beach or resort areas. A sarong or Light scarf is useful.
For Men: Wear a shirt when away from beach or pool areas.
Religious Site Visits: For Lombok mosques, women cover heads, shoulders, knees. Men wear long pants/shirts. Remove shoes.

Footwear Essentials

Sandals/Flip-flops

Your main footwear. Ideal for walking on sand, around accommodation, and casual outings.

Versatile and comfortable.

Water/Reef Shoes

Highly recommended. Protect feet from sharp coral, rocks, and sea urchins. Shop water shoes

Useful for marine exploration.

Walking Sandals

For exploring the island or extended cycling. Shop walking sandals

Comfort for longer treks.

Essential Documents

Documents

Prepare both physical and digital copies for accessibility.

Passport & Visa: Original passport with at least six months validity. Print or digitally store e-Visa if applicable.
Travel Insurance: Policy number, emergency contacts, coverage summary.
International Driving Permit: (If applicable for Lombok/Bali scooter/car rental).
Vaccination Records & Health Docs: Personal records or doctor's note for prescriptions.

Reservations: Printouts/digital copies of flight itineraries, accommodation, fast boat tickets.
Emergency Contact Information: List of family, friends, and embassy/consulate.
IDs for Discounts: Student/Senior/Press IDs (rarely applicable on Gili Meno, but no cost to carry).
Keep all documents in a waterproof pouch or bag for protection.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Charging

Plan for charging and connectivity needs.

Adapters & Plugs

Voltage: Indonesia uses 230V.
Frequency: 50Hz.
Plug Types: Type C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with two earth clips on the side). A Universal travel adapter with surge protection is recommended.

Mobile Connectivity

Most modern smartphones are compatible with Indonesian networks. Your phone should be unlocked to use a local SIM card.

SIM Card Options

Local SIM cards from providers like Telkomsel and XL Axiata are available at airports (Bali/Lombok) or phone shops.
Registration: Requires passport registration.
Data Packages: Affordable and offer good coverage, generally reliable on Gili Meno. Consider Airalo for e-SIMs.

Camera & Apps

Camera Equipment

A Waterproof camera (GoPro or Waterproof phone case) for underwater moments. A compact camera or Smartphone for general photography. Research drone regulations.

Portable Chargers

Portable chargers and power banks are useful for day trips and as a backup during infrequent power outages.

Recommended Apps

Google Maps (offline maps), Google Translate (offline language packs), WhatsApp (for local communication), Currency Converter App. Protect electronics from sand and water with a Waterproof dry bag.

Health & Wellness Items

Essential First Aid

Pack a personalized health kit to address common travel ailments and minor injuries.

Kit Contents

Antiseptic wipes, bandages, gauze, medical tape. A comprehensive First aid kit is recommended.
Pain relievers (paracetamol/Ibuprofen) and Anti-diarrhea medication (e.g., Imodium) with oral rehydration salts.
Antihistamine (for allergies, insect bites), Hydrocortisone cream. Small scissors and tweezers.

Medications & Remedies

Carry a sufficient supply of all prescription medications in original packaging. Bring a doctor's note or a copy of your prescription.

Over-the-Counter & Other

Cold/flu remedies, Motion sickness medication (for boat trips), and antacids.
Altitude sickness is not relevant for Gili Meno itself, but is if trekking Mount Rinjani on Lombok.
A Filter bottle or purification tablets offer options for minimizing plastic waste.

Protection from Elements

Insect Repellent

Choose Insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin for mosquito protection.
Especially important during evenings and in areas with lush vegetation.
Apply as directed and reapply after swimming or sweating.

Sun Protection

Pack high SPF (30-50+) reef-safe sunscreen. Find reef-safe sunscreen.
Bring a Wide-brimmed hat and good quality Sunglasses.
Consider a rash guard for prolonged water exposure to protect your skin.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Snorkeling

Gear is available for rent, but bringing your own Mask and snorkel offers comfort and hygiene. Fins are bulky but also rentable.

Own mask and snorkel for fit.
Rent fins on island.
Rash guard for sun protection.
Underwater camera.

Diving

If certified, consider your own mask and Dive computer. Dive shops provide other rental equipment.

Certification card.
Logbook for recent dives.
Personal mask and computer.
Rental gear from dive centers.

General Swim Gear

Pack multiple Swimsuits, as you will use them daily. A Dry bag is a must for boat trips for electronics and valuables.

Multiple swimsuits.
Board shorts for versatility.
Dry bag for valuables.
Light beach towel.

Rent vs. Bring Decision

Items to Rent for convenience

Snorkel Gear: Readily available for rent from accommodations and tour operators.
Dive Gear: Full sets of dive gear are available for rent from all dive centers.
Bicycles: Widely available for rent on the island.
Life jackets: Often included with snorkel tours or rentals.

Items to Bring for quality/preference

Your own mask and snorkel for a comfortable fit and better hygiene.
Your personal dive computer (if certified) for familiarity.
A waterproof dry bag to protect electronics and valuables on boat trips.
High-quality Reef-safe sunscreen.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comforts

Beyond the basics, a few extra items provide comfort and convenience during your Gili Meno trip.

On the Go

Neck Pillow and Eye Mask: Useful for longer journeys on fast boats or airport transfers.
Earplugs: For light sleepers in guesthouses or noise during transfers.
Reusable Shopping Bag: Helpful for small purchases, minimizing plastic waste.
Reusable Water Bottle: Many places offer water refill stations.

Security & Safety

Security items add protection for your valuables, even in low-crime areas.

Valuables Protection

Small Padlock: For luggage, guesthouse lockers, or securing bags.
Money Belt or RFID Protection: An extra layer of security for valuables.
Consider Pacsafe products for anti-theft bags and security. Explore Pacsafe.
Backup Solutions: Use cloud storage or an External hard drive for photos and documents.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Refill at local stations.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Reduce plastic waste.

Reusable Straw/Utensils

For eco-conscious dining.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protect marine environment.

Gili Meno Specifics

Essential for Island Life

Reef Shoes: Invaluable for protecting your feet on rocky beach areas or near coral.
Small Flashlight or Headlamp: Useful for walking at night as some paths lack street lighting.
Personal water bottle to stay hydrated.

Local Purchase Challenges

High-quality reef-safe sunscreen may be difficult or expensive to find locally.
Specific brand medications or toiletries you cannot be without.
Specialized electronic accessories (e.g., specific camera batteries).

Packing Pro Tips

Thoughtful packing aids full enjoyment of Gili Meno, ready for relaxation and adventure.

Prioritize items that significantly enhance your comfort or safety, while renting bulky gear saves luggage space.

What to Pack & Bring