What to Pack & Bring: North Sulawesi

Warm Climate Wear

Year-round, prioritize fabrics like cotton, linen, or synthetic blends. These materials wick away moisture and permit air circulation, beneficial in high humidity. Loose-fitting clothing offers more comfort.

Seasonal Tips

Dry Season (May-Oct): Focus on light, airy clothing; shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, skirts.
Wet Season (Nov-Apr): Include a Lightweight packable rain jacket or Poncho.
Layering: A Light long-sleeve shirt or thin sweater for cool evenings or AC spaces.

Cultural Dress Code

Indonesia is predominantly Muslim; modesty sees value, notably outside beach or resort areas. Dressing modestly conveys respect.

Considerations

General: Comfortable shorts, t-shirts, casual dresses are acceptable in tourist areas.
Religious Sites: Cover shoulders and knees. Women: carry a scarf for mosque visits. Remove shoes.
Local Villages/Markets: Dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered) for respect.

Footwear Guidance

General Walking

Comfortable sandals (e.g., Teva Originals) or flip-flops work well for daily wear in humid conditions.

Easy to slip on and off for quick stops.

City/Temple Exploration

Closed-toe shoes, like light Sneakers, present more protection and comfort. Easy-to-remove footwear suits religious sites.

Protection and convenience for diverse sites.

Hiking/Water Activities

Sturdy Hiking shoes or boots for trails, and Water shoes or Reef shoes for rocky beaches/coral.

Important for slippery terrain and marine protection.

Essential Documents

Document Checklist

Prepare both physical and digital copies of all travel documents.

Valid Passport: At least 6 months validity from entry date.
E-Visa or VoA Proof: Printouts or digital confirmation.
Travel Insurance Policy: Details, emergency contacts, coverage specifics.
International Driving Permit: Legally Required if driving.

Yellow Fever Certificate: If arriving from an endemic country.
Return or Onward Flight Ticket: Proof of departure from Indonesia.
Printed/Digital Reservations: Flights, accommodation, tours.
Emergency Contacts: Personal contacts, embassy, hotel info.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Staying connected and powered up is easy with the right electronics and accessories. Plan for local power standards and mobile connectivity.

Essentials

Power adapter & Voltage: 230V, 50Hz, Type C/F plugs. Bring a Universal travel adapter.
Mobile Phone: Ensure unlocked. Purchase local SIM cards (Telkomsel recommended). Consider ESIM from Airalo.
Portable chargers: Highly recommended for remote areas or long travel.

Camera & Data

Capture beautiful moments and keep your memories safe with appropriate gear and backup solutions.

Equipment & Protection

Underwater Camera: Ideal for marine life (e.g., GoPro or Housing for Smartphone). Explore options at B&H Photo.
Mirrorless/DSLR: For landscapes and wildlife (Telephoto lens for Tangkoko).
Data Backup: Utilize cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or a Portable hard drive for photos.

Recommended Apps

Navigation

Google Maps (download offline maps), Maps.me (offline maps).

Local Services

Grab, Gojek (essential for transport and food delivery in Manado).

Communication & Booking

WhatsApp (widely used by locals), Traveloka, Agoda (for local accommodation deals).

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Meds

A well-stocked health and wellness kit manages common travel ailments and shields from environmental factors.

Standard Items: Basic first aid kit (bandages, wipes, gauze, tape).
Prescription Medications: Carry sufficient supply in original packaging with a doctor's note.
Over-the-Counter Meds: Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, anti-diarrhea, oral rehydration salts, allergy medication, Hydrocortisone cream.

Protection & Hygiene

Protect yourself from environmental factors and maintain hygiene on the go.

Needs

Motion Sickness Remedies: Medication like Dramamine for boat trips.
Insect Repellent & Sun Protection: High DEET/Picaridin repellent, Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
Water Purification: Personal Water filter or Purification tablets.

Addressing Specific Health Concerns

Dengue/Malaria Prevention

Use strong insect repellent, especially at dawn and dusk.
Wear long sleeves and pants for added protection.
Stay in accommodations with mosquito nets or air conditioning.

Traveler's Diarrhea Prevention

Eat only well-cooked food, served hot from busy establishments.
Drink only bottled or purified water; be cautious with ice.
Practice frequent hand washing, especially before meals.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Diving & Snorkeling

Gear for underwater exploration. Consider quality and fit for comfort and safety in world-class marine parks.

Own Snorkel mask and snorkel for better fit and hygiene.
Certified divers may prefer their own Dive computer.
Wetsuits (3mm shorty or full suit) typically available for rent.
Reef hook for specific dive sites (check with operator).

Hiking & Trekking

Equipment for trails and volcanoes. Trails can be slippery and uneven, so appropriate footwear is important.

Small daypack for water and snacks.
Hiking poles (optional, but useful for slippery trails).
Headlamp for early morning or late evening treks.
Lightweight, moisture-wicking Long pants and Long-sleeved shirts.

Wildlife Observation

Tools for viewing unique animals, especially in Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve.

Binoculars for better viewing.
Camera with a Telephoto lens for photography.
Dry bags to protect electronics from moisture.
Waterproof covers for cameras and sensitive equipment.

Rent vs. Bring Decision

Recommended to Bring

Your own snorkel mask and snorkel for fit and hygiene.
Dive computer (for certified divers).
Personal medications and specific toiletries.
A Travel neck pillow and Eye mask for comfort on long journeys.

Recommended to Rent

BCDs (Buoyancy Control Devices), regulators, and fins from dive centers.
Wetsuits (dive centers provide these).
Motorcycles/scooters for local transport (assess quality).
Trekking poles for volcano hikes (some operators rent these).

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

These additional items contribute to your comfort, security, and overall travel experience.

Items

Neck Pillow / Eye Mask: For long flights or bus rides. Consider Earplugs.
Luggage Locks: TSA-approved for checked bags.
Money Belt / RFID-blocking Wallet: To secure valuables.
Hand Sanitizer & Wet Wipes: Always useful for hygiene on the go.

Sustainable & Versatile

Embrace eco-friendly habits and pack versatile items to minimize your footprint and maximize utility.

Smart Packing

Reusable Water Bottle: To lessen plastic waste; refill from dispensers.
Reusable Shopping Bag: For markets and purchases.
Portable Cutlery Set: For street food or picnics.
Sarong/Kain: Versatile for modesty, sun protection, or a light Beach towel.

Sustainable Travel Items

Filtered Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste; safe hydration.

Bamboo Toothbrush

Eco-friendly dental care.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protects marine ecosystems.

Solar Charger

Sustainable device charging.

Items to Pack Thoughtfully

Specific Brands/Types

Specific brands of toiletries or medications.
Dietary supplements you use regularly.
Contact lens solution (limited availability outside major cities).

Quality/Availability Issues

High-quality sunscreens, especially reef-safe options, may be limited.
High-quality insect repellents.
Specific types of batteries for older electronics.

Packing Pro Tips

Efficient packing contributes to a more enjoyable North Sulawesi journey. Consider using packing cubes for organization and space optimization. A Small backpack or Travel backpack proves useful for daily excursions.

Always leave some space for souvenirs! Pack a Waterproof dry bag for boat trips to protect your belongings.

What to Pack & Bring