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What to Pack for Mataram

What to Pack for Mataram

Mataram West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia Travel Guide

Seasonal Attire

Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen are ideal for Mataram's tropical climate. Pack shorts, t-shirts, dresses, and skirts. A light outer layer for air-conditioned spaces or modesty.

Layering Guide

Cultural & Activity Attire

Modesty finds appreciation, notably at religious sites. For female travelers, covered shoulders and knees are appropriate. For men, long shorts or trousers. In common areas, conservative attire is generally recommended.

Dress Code & Activities

  • Religious Sites: Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women. A Sarong or scarf is helpful.
  • Beaches/Pools: Swimwear at hotel pools; more modest swimwear (Rash guard, shorts) for free beaches.
  • Hiking: Moisture-wicking clothes, Sturdy walking shoes, hat, sunglasses.

Footwear for Every Step

Everyday Comfort

For most urban and casual settings, Comfortable sandals, flip-flops, or breathable walking shoes.

Versatile for city exploration.

Trail Ready

Closed-toe shoes with good grip are needed for waterfalls, trails, or Rinjani National Park, even for short walks.

Essential for adventure.

Water Protection

Water shoes or reef-safe sandals offer protection on rocky beaches or in the sea.

Ideal for the coast visits.

Essential Documents

Travel Papers

Keep your travel documents organized and accessible. These items are needed for smooth entry, identification, and emergency situations.

  • Valid Passport: 6+ months validity from entry.
  • Visa/e-VoA Printout: When suitable, digital and physical copies.
  • Vaccination Records: Yellow Fever cert (if needed), personal record.
  • Prescription List: Doctor's note for medications.
  • International Driving Permit: If renting a vehicle.
  • Reservations: Flights, hotels, tours (digital and print).
  • Emergency Contacts: Family, embassy, local numbers.
  • Travel Insurance Policy: Number, emergency contacts, overview of insurance coverage.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Indonesia uses Type C and Type F power sockets (a europlug) with 230V, 50Hz. A Universal travel adapter is recommended. The GSM the system is widely used. Local SIM cards (Telkomsel, Indosat) are available at the airport or kiosks; passport registration is needed.

Stay Powered & Connected

  • Power Adapter: Type C/F, 230V, 50Hz.
  • Local SIM Card: For data and calls, register with passport.
  • Mobile Phone: Most modern Smartphones are compatible.

Gadgets & Apps

A standard digital camera or Smartphone captures most memories. Bring Portable chargers and power banks for day trips. Download Google Maps (offline), Google Translate, Gojek/Grab for navigation, translation, and local services.

Tech Essentials

  • Portable Charger: For on-the-go power.
  • Navigation Apps: Google Maps, Waze (offline maps).
  • Translation Apps: Google Translate (downloadable packs).

Data Backup & Security

Backup Photos

Utilize cloud storage, an External hard drive, or a USB drive for pictures and papers.

Device Security

Keep devices secure. Enable password protection and consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for public Wi-Fi.

Offline Preparedness

Download offline maps and language packs ahead of leaving. This confirms navigation and translation without internet. Consider Airalo for eSIMs.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal First Aid

Assemble a comprehensive First aid kit for minor cuts, scrapes, pain, and allergies. Include antiseptic wipes, bandages, pain relievers like Ibuprofen, antihistamines, and Hydrocortisone cream.

Essential Kit

Prescription & OTC Meds

Have enough prescription medications in original packaging with a copy of the prescription and doctor's letter. Pack over-the-counter medications for cold, flu, indigestion, and motion sickness for trips. For Mount Rinjani trekkers, consult your doctor about altitude sickness.

Medication Notes

  • All prescription medications with documentation.
  • Cold/flu remedies, antacids.
  • Altitude/motion sickness meds (if relevant).

Protection & Personal Care

Insect Repellent

  • Repellent with DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535.
  • Effective against tropical mosquitoes.
  • Critical for comfort, especially at dusk.

Sun Protection

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Essentials

For day hikes, pack a Lightweight daypack, reusable water bottle, hat, and sunglasses. For serious trekking on Mount Rinjani, your tour operator provides a list, often Hiking boots, extra winter clothes, a Headlamp, and a Sleeping bag. Trekking poles are highly recommended.

  • Daypack, water bottle, hat, sunglasses.
  • Hiking shoes with good grip.
  • Thermal layers, Headlamp for Rinjani.
  • Trekking poles for stability.

Water Activities

For underwater exploration around the Gili Isles or other Lombok beaches, you can rent gear, but your own Mask and snorkel ensures better comfort and hygiene. A Rash guard Sun protection and a warm feeling. Fins are easily rented locally.

  • Personal mask, snorkel for hygiene.
  • Rash guard for sun protection.
  • Rent fins locally to save luggage space.
  • Water shoes for rocky beaches.

General Travel Items

Motorized scooters are widely available for rent throughout Mataram and Lombok. Bring basic gear like daypacks and personal water bottles. Niche items for Rinjani, like heavy sleeping bags or trekking poles, can often be rented through reliable tour providers. A sarong is a versatile item for going to temples, beach cover-ups, or a light blanket.

  • Scooter rentals common.
  • Basic hiking gear (daypack, water bottle).
  • Sarong for modesty and versatile use.
  • Rent specialized Rinjani gear.

Rent vs. Bring Decision Matrix

Items to Bring

Items to Rent/Buy Locally

  • Scooter/motorcycle.
  • Diving/snorkeling fins.
  • Heavy trekking gear (a bedrolls, poles).
  • Bottled water and snacks.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Long journeys are more pleasant with a Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs. Secure luggage with a Padlock. Carry a Money belt or hidden pouch for valuables. An RFID-blocking wallet protects cards.

Comfort & Security Items

Local Essentials & What Not to Forget

Carry small denominations of Indonesian Rupiah (IDR 20,000, 50,000) for local purchases and bargaining. Bring specialized dietary supplements if needed, as well as specific brands of cosmetics or medications, which might be hard to find or expensive locally. High-quality sunscreen is also often more expensive or limited in variety locally.

Don't Forget

  • Small notes (IDR 20,000, 50,000).
  • Specialized dietary supplements.
  • Specific brands of cosmetics/medications.
  • High-quality sunscreen (check Amazon).

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

To reduce plastic waste. LifeStraw offers options.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For market purchases, avoiding single-utilize plastic bags.

Reusable Utensils

A small set for street food or takeaway meals.

Modest Sarong

For going to temples and beach cover-up.

Destination-Specific Items

Cultural Access

  • Sarong: For religious sites (modesty).
  • Small Gifts: For local hosts if staying in villages.
  • The Indonesian language Phrasebook: Basic phrases.

Outdoor Activities

  • Wide-brimmed Hat: For sun protection.
  • Moisture-quick-dry Socks: For hiking comfort.
  • Dive/Snorkel Mask: Personal gear for cleanliness.

Packing Pro Tip

Bring your own Snorkeling mask and snorkel for comfort and hygiene.

You can rent fins locally to save luggage space.