What to Pack for Bandung. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials

Seasonal Clothing

Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen are best. These materials manage high humidity and generally warm daytime temperatures. Avoid heavy synthetic materials that do not allow your skin to breathe.

Weather-Ready Attire

Dry Season (June-Sept): Pack light clothing (t-shirts, shorts). Evenings cooler, bring a Light jacket or hoodie.
Wet Season (Oct-May): Pack light clothing, include a lightweight, Waterproof rain jacket or Compact umbrella. Quick-dry materials are good.
Layering: A base layer (t-shirt), light long-sleeve, and a light jacket/hoodie suit most situations.

Cultural Dress Code

Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country. While Bandung is relatively cosmopolitan, modest dress is appreciated, especially when visiting religious sites (mosques, temples) or more conservative areas.

Respectful Attire

For women: Shoulders and knees should remain covered. Loose-fitting clothing is generally preferred.
For men: Trousers or long shorts and shirts with sleeves are appropriate for most settings.
When visiting mosques: Women will cover their heads (Scarf often provided). Everyone removes shoes.

Footwear for Every Step

City Walking Shoes

Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers are versatile for city exploration, given Bandung’s uneven pavements.

Most versatile for urban discovery.

Casual Footwear

Sandals or flip-flops are useful for casual wear, around hotels, or short walks. Choose ones with good grip for occasional wet surfaces.

Ideal for relaxation and short distances.

Outdoor Adventure Footwear

Hiking shoes or sturdy Walking sandals are suitable if you plan visits to natural attractions with uneven terrain.

For excursions to volcanoes and plantations.

Your Critical Travel Papers

Passport & Visa Documentation

Keeping your documents organized and secure is important for any international trip. Have both physical and digital copies of these items.

Original passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
Printed and digital copies of your visa or e-VOA confirmation (if applicable).
Photocopies of your passport's main page and Indonesian visa/entry stamp, kept separate.
Travel insurance policy information, including emergency contact numbers and policy summary.

International driving permit (if driving), must accompany your national driver's license.
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (if needed for your origin country).
Any relevant medical prescriptions or a doctor's letter explaining medication needs.
Printed and digital copies of reservations (flight, accommodation, tours).

Staying Connected

Powering Your Devices

Modern travel relies heavily on technology. Pack the right chargers, adapters, and tools to stay connected.

Power Essentials

Voltage: Indonesia uses 230V at 50Hz. Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins with two earth clips) are common.
A Universal travel adapter with surge protection is highly recommended.
Your mobile phone should be unlocked to use a local SIM card.

Connectivity on the Go

Ensure your phone compatibility and bring charging solutions.

SIM & Charging

ESIMs or SIM cards are easily available. Telkomsel offers good coverage.
Portable chargers and power banks (e.g., 20000mAh power bank) come in handy for keeping devices charged on the go.
Use cloud storage services (Google Drive, Dropbox) to back up photos and documents.

Essential Apps & Photography

Navigation & Ride-hailing

Google Maps and Waze are reliable. Gojek and Grab are essential for transport (motorcycle and car taxis) and food delivery.

Communication & Booking

Google Translate (download Indonesian pack), WhatsApp for local communication. Booking.com and Agoda for lodging.

Camera Gear

A good Smartphone camera is often sufficient. For enthusiasts, a mirrorless or DSLR with a versatile lens (Wide-angle for landscapes) is suitable. Drone usage has local regulations.

Your Personal Wellness Kit

Travel First Aid Kit

Staying healthy during your trip to Bandung is important. Pack a well-stocked first aid kit and any personal medications you need.

Essential Contents

Standard items: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen).
Allergy medication, Anti-diarrhea medication (e.g., Imodium), rehydration salts.
Hydrocortisone cream for insect bites, motion sickness pills. A Compact first aid kit from Adventure Medical Kits.

Personal Medications

Carry an adequate supply of all your prescription medications for the entire trip duration.

Meds & Prevention

Bring a copy of your prescription and a doctor's letter explaining the need for the medication. Keep medications in original packaging.
Over-the-counter medication for common issues: antacids, cold/flu remedies, throat lozenges, eye drops.
Insect repellent (DEET 30-50% or Picaridin) is fundamental due to mosquito-borne disease risk.

Protection from Elements

Sun & Insect Shield

High-SPF Sunscreen, a Wide-brimmed hat, and Sunglasses are important for sun protection.
Altitude or motion sickness remedies are helpful for winding mountain roads or higher volcanic peaks.
Tap water is not potable; a LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle or Water purification tablets reduce plastic reliance.

Hydration & Hygiene

Small bottles of hand sanitizer are very useful for cleanliness on the go.
Pack enough specific personal care items (dental floss, feminine hygiene, sensitive skin cleansers) that might be hard to find locally.
Consider solid toiletries to avoid liquid restrictions and spills.

Gear for Your Adventures

Trekking Essentials

Gear needed for planned activities.

A Small daypack for water, snacks, and extra layers.
A reusable water bottle is a must.
A hat protects from the sun.
Swimsuit and a Quick-dry towel for hot springs or pools.

Rent vs. Bring

Consider what you can rent locally versus what you should bring based on quality and availability.

Motorcycles/Scooters: You can rent these locally. Inspect the vehicle, carry proper license, Helmet use is legally required.
Camping gear: Easier to rent locally or through tour operators if available.
Surfboards/Snorkel gear: Not relevant for Bandung (inland city).
For photography enthusiasts, a good camera helps capture the scenic landscapes.

Unique Bandung Items

No items are uniquely needed to bring specifically for Bandung.

An open mind and a willingness to try new foods are highly recommended.
A lightweight Shawl or sarong can be useful for women for modesty, sun protection, or an extra layer.
Consider a portable fan for comfort in humid weather.
Small notebooks and pens for quick notes or sketching.

Rent vs. Buy Decision

Advantages of Renting

Less luggage to carry, making travel lighter.
Access to local-specific or specialty gear not typically owned.
Can be cost-effective for short-term use, avoiding purchase costs.
Avoids maintenance and storage concerns for personal equipment.

Advantages of Bringing

Familiarity and comfort with your own trusted gear.
Guaranteed quality and condition of your equipment.
Hygiene for personal items, especially for health or camping gear.
Can be more cost-effective for frequent travelers or long trips.

Smart Additions to Your Pack

Travel Comfort & Security

Beyond the basics, a few extra items greatly improve your travel experience.

Essential Comforts

A Travel neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs make long journeys more bearable.
A portable, small fan offers relief during humid days.
A Small padlock for luggage or hostel lockers provides security.
A Money belt or an RFID blocking wallet helps protect valuables and identity documents.

Eco-Friendly & Practical

Reduce waste and enhance convenience with these items.

Reusable & Local Specifics

A reusable Water bottle minimizes plastic waste.
A Reusable shopping bag is useful for markets or factory outlets.
A Travel utensil set is helpful for street food or to avoid single-use plastic.
A Small backpack or daypack is helpful for day trips.

Sustainable Travel

Eco-Conscious Travel

Embrace reusable items.

Reduce Plastic

Carry a filter bottle for water.

Local Support

Buy local goods and services.

Smart Choices

Pack light and strategically.

Destination-Specific Items

General Considerations

A lightweight shawl or sarong for modesty, sun protection, or an extra layer.
A small first-aid kit for minor ailments and emergencies.
Comfortable walking shoes are for exploring the city's diverse terrain.

Items Difficult to Find Locally

Specific brands of sunscreen or insect repellent, especially those with high DEET content.
High-quality hiking or outdoor gear may be difficult to find compared to your home country.
Specialized electronic accessories or specific device chargers might be harder to replace quickly.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light and strategically. A well-packed bag improves your journey significantly.

Consider rolling clothes to save space and using packing cubes to stay organized.

What to Pack for Bandung