Indonesia Packing List 2025: What to Bring for Beaches, Volcanoes & Island Hopping

Flo MBT
Oct 1
4 min read

Updated: Oct 27

One morning you’re barefoot on a beach in Bali, the next you’re shivering at 3 AM waiting for the sun to rise over Mount Bromo. That’s the magic of Indonesia—a country of contrasts, where you can snorkel with manta rays one day and trek up a smoking volcano the next.

Packing for such a diverse destination can feel overwhelming, but with a few smart choices, you’ll be ready for every adventure—whether it’s island hopping in Raja Ampat, temple-hopping in Yogyakarta, or hiking to Ijen Crater’s famous blue flames.

In this article your Indonesia packing list :

Travel Essentials for Indonesia
Clothing: From Beaches to Volcano Peaks
Why a Backpack Beats a Suitcase
Health & Safety Must-Haves
Gadgets & Electronics
Adventure & Island Gear
Comfort & Extras
Packing Mistakes to Avoid
Pack Light, Pack Smart
Curious to learn more about Indonesia? Check out my other guides on

Travel Essentials for Indonesia

Before we get to clothes and gear, don’t forget the basics:

Passport & visa requirements: Most travelers can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA), but your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. Immigration may also ask to see a return or onward ticket, so make sure you have one booked in advance.
Travel insurance: Highly recommended for medical care, diving, or trekking.
Cash & cards: ATMs are common, but always carry some Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.

💡 Tip: A reusable bottle with a built-in filter is great for remote islands where clean water isn’t always guaranteed.

Turquoise lagoon in Bora Bora, two palm trees, and distant mountains under a blue sky with clouds; tranquil and scenic setting.

Nusa Lembongan

Clothing: From Beaches to Volcano Peaks

Light & Breezy for the Tropics

Indonesia is hot and humid, so pack lightweight, breathable fabrics—linen shirts, cotton dresses, and quick-dry shorts. You’ll live in swimwear, sarongs, and flip-flops if you’re heading to Bali, Lombok, or the Gilis.

Respectful & Practical for Culture

Visiting temples like Borobudur or Uluwatu? Bring a scarf or sarong to cover shoulders and knees. A loose, long outfit also works well for modesty and comfort. But don’t worry! Most temples and cultural sites in Indonesia provide or rent sarongs at the entrance if you forget yours.

Warm Layers for Volcanoes

This is where many travelers get caught off guard. At sea level, it’s tropical—but on volcano treks like Mount Bromo, Ijen Crater, or Mount Rinjani, temperatures before sunrise can dip below 5°C. Pack a warm jacket, hat, gloves, and layers. Trust me, watching the sunrise from a volcano rim while wrapped in a cozy jacket will be one of the highlights of your trip.

Pareos on sandy beach, palm trees, and mountain backdrop. — *Tirta Empul Temple*

Why a Backpack Beats a Suitcase

If your Indonesia trip includes island hopping, leave the suitcase at home. Many boat transfers require walking through shallow water, sandy beaches, or crowded docks. Dragging wheels through sand is no fun—a sturdy backpack makes life so much easier. It also keeps your hands free when climbing in and out of boats, buses, and tuk-tuks.

Think 40–60 liters for most trips, with a smaller daypack for hikes and day trips.

💡 Personal tip: Flo actually travel with a hybrid suitcase that transforms into a backpack. It’s not as comfortable as a proper backpack when she carries it on her shoulders, but it gives her the flexibility to roll it through airports or paved streets when conditions are good—and switch to backpack mode when boarding boats or walking on sand.

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Indonesia Packing List

Health & Safety Must-Haves

Reef-safe sunscreen (protect your skin and the corals).
Mosquito repellent (dengue and malaria are present in some areas).
First aid kit: band-aids, antiseptic, electrolytes for rehydration.
Any prescription medication (with a copy of the prescription).

Gadgets & Electronics

Universal adapter (Indonesia uses type C & F, 230V).
Power bank: Essential for long travel days.
Waterproof phone case & dry bag: Great for boat rides, snorkeling trips, and sudden tropical showers.
GoPro or underwater camera: Perfect for diving and snorkeling adventures.

Adventure & Island Gear

Snorkel mask (optional, but handy if you’ll be in the water daily).
Headlamp: For volcano treks that start in the dark.
Hiking shoes or sturdy trainers: You’ll need them for treks.
Travel towel: Quick-dry and lightweight.

Comfort & Extras

Earplugs & eye mask: Indonesian cities and villages can be noisy.
Travel pillow: For overnight buses or ferries.
Notebook/journal: To capture the memories you’ll never want to forget.

Packing Mistakes to Avoid

Overpacking: Laundry is cheap and easy, so you don’t need two weeks of outfits.
Forgetting warm layers: Sunrise volcano treks are freezing.
Heavy suitcases: A backpack is much more practical for moving around.

Pack Light, Pack Smart

Indonesia rewards the traveler who keeps it simple. Bring a backpack, versatile clothes, and a spirit of adventure—you’ll collect memories, not baggage.

Whether you’re planning to dive in Raja Ampat, explore Bali’s temples, or climb Lombok’s Mount Rinjani, packing smart will make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.