The Essential Travel Packing list for Indonesia (10 Days)

Indonesia has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. But here's the thing: the archipelago is massive, and climate varies by region.

In This Guide

├─ Climate & What to Expect

├─ Luggage Strategy

├─ Complete Packing List

├─ What NOT to Pack

└─ Final Tips & Download Checklist

The breakdown:

• Coastal areas: Hot and humid

• Mountainous areas: Cooler (think North Bali, Bromo, Ijen)

• Dry season: May-October (best time to visit)

• Wet season: November-April (rain, humidity, but fewer crowds)

  
  

Research your specific destinations, but this packing list covers you for most dry-season Indonesia trips.

Luggage Strategy

LARGE BACKPACK vs CARRY-ON

Go backpack if:

• You're a solo traveler

• You're using public/shared transport

• Your accommodations are interior from main roads

• You want maximum flexibility

Go carry-on suitcase if:

• You prefer organization and structure

• You're taking mostly private transport

• You're staying at easily accessible hotels

Our setup: A mix of both—carry-on suitcase and a backpack, plus a foldable bag for unplanned shopping.

Let's face it, lugging a giant suitcase can be a drag, especially when Airbnbs are tucked away from main roads. But backpacks are definitely more convenient for Indonesia's varied transport situations.

 PRO TIP: Whatever you choose, make sure it's adheres to the luggage sizes and weights allowed by the airline on your tickets. Domestic Indonesian flights have strict baggage limits and fees add up quickly.

PACKAGING CUBES (Non-negotiable)

Packing cubes are a lifesaver. Trust me ! Organise your outfit day-wise or utility. Here's one way to do it,

How to organize:

• Cube 1: Underwear/swimwear

• Cube 2: Dresses

• Cube 3: Top wear

• Cube 4: Bottom wear

• Cube 5: Makeup/toiletries

• Cube 6-7: For laundry (keep dirty separate)

💡 TIP: Army roll your clothes—saves massive space and prevents wrinkles.

DAY BAGS

You'll need a smaller bag for daily adventures, whether its shopping, just wandering around or on a beach day.

For solo travelers:

• Anti-theft carry-on backpack

• Fanny pack for valuables

For couples/groups:

• One person carries backpack

• Other carries smaller sling bag

What goes in your day bag: Wallet, phone, snacks, water, cap, sunglasses, scarf, sunscreen, passport copy

Beach bag: Separate lightweight beach-ready BFFs—toss in towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and you're set. Perfect when you want to go sunbathing, snorkelling or swimming.

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What to wear ?

The Golden Rule: Lightweight, breathable fabrics. Indonesia is warm and humid. Pack accordingly.

Plan what you wear in Indonesia based on your travel itinerary, number of days, and the activities you will be participating in.

💡 Money-saving tip: Most places in Indonesia offer economical laundry services (wash/dry/press). If you don't mind repeating outfits, you can pack super light.

Our itinerary covered volcanoes, beaches, island hopping, and North Bali's highlands—so we packed variety and planned outfits day-wise.

 THE COMPLETE CLOTHING LIST

TOPS

• Light T-shirts & tank tops (5-7)

  • Tank tops are a lifesaver in the heat

  • Pick colors that mix and match with everything

• Flowy dresses (2-3)

  • Perfect for wandering around, temple visits, casual days

  • Lightweight, packable, versatile

BOTTOMS

• Shorts & skirts (3-4)

  • Breathable for hot weather

  • Sarongs can be bought locally at beach areas

• Quick-dry pants (1-2)

  • Essential for volcano hikes (Bromo, Ijen, Rinjani)

  • Light, wash and dry quickly

SWIMWEAR

• Swimsuit (1-2)

  • You'll be in the water A LOT

• Cover-up/Sarong

  • For beach to café transitions

SLEEPWEAR

• PJs/shorts/T-shirts (2-3 sets)

  • Pro tip: If Bali is on your list, buy beautiful light beachy outfits there to use as PJs and take home as souvenirs

FOOTWEAR

• Comfortable walking shoes (1 pair)

  • Already broken in—no blisters!

  • Recommendation: Crocs Lite Ride 360 Pacer

  • So versatile: beach, hike, walk, run, anywhere!

• Flip-flops (1 pair)

  • For beaches, showers, quick errands

ACCESSORIES

• Hat/cap

• Sunglasses

• Both are sun protection essentials

UNDERGARMENTS

• Underwear (6-7 pairs minimum)

  • Do NOT compromise on this!

  • Assume you may not be able to wash/dry daily

• Socks (3-4 pairs)

  • For long walks and hikes

LAYERS

• Light jacket or sweater (1)

  • For cooler highland regions (North Bali, Flores)

  • DON'T pack heavy jackets for Bromo/Ijen—they're available for rent on-site for a few hours before sunrise

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Electronic Gadgets

Packing the right electronic gadgets can make your trip more enjoyable and convenient.

MUST-HAVES

Universal Adapter ⚡

• Indonesian plug points use twin round pins (EU-style)

• Unlike US pins

• Essential for charging phones, cameras, power banks

• Available at international airports if you forget

Power Supply 🔋

• You'll be out all day using maps and travel apps

• Phones drain quickly in heat

• 10,000+ mAh recommended Chargers

• Phone charging cables

• Cables for power banks, tablets, laptops

• Pack extras—they get lost easily

Headphones/Earbuds 🎧

• Long flights, bus rides, solo travel downtime

OPTIONAL

Camera/Drone 

• If you're into photography/videography

• Check drone regulations (restricted in some areas). Most tour guides own drones wherever allowed and are happy to shar what they record.

Additional Phone/Wi-Fi Dongle

• If you want to keep your current SIM separate

• Indonesian SIM cards are cheap and available everywhere

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Toiletries

When packing for a trip, it's important to select toiletries that are both effective and travel-friendly. Invest in good travel friendly containers. Save space, stay organized.

Must-Haves:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Shampoo and conditioner  - As a curly girl, I packed my whole routine (leave-in, curl cream, gel). Travel containers are life-savers !

• Body wash (300ml bottle minimum) - Liquid washes > bar soap for travel

• Deodorant/antiperspirant - Believe me, you need it!

• Face wash

• Moisturizer

• Sunscreen (CRITICAL) - Carry in your day bag. Reapply every few hours. Prevents peeling tan and sun damage. If you have acces to oral suncreens, pair them with cream suncreens for better protection.

• Hairbrush/comb/scrunchie

• Razor and shaving cream (if needed)

• Basic makeup (for those who wear it)

💡 PRO TIP: Bring reef-safe sunscreen if you're snorkeling. Regular sunscreen damages coral reefs.

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Documents (The non-negotiables)

It's crucial to have the necessary documents in order to avoid any unexpected issues.

Valid Passport 

• Must be valid for 6 months beyond your exit date from Indonesia.

• Double-check this!

  
  

Travel Insurance 

• Protects against lost luggage, medical emergencies, trip cancellations

• Immigration may ask for proof when issuing visa on arrival

• Get coverage that includes water activities (snorkeling, diving, boat tours) - Optional

Currency 

• Carry US Dollars or Euros

• Easily exchanged for Indonesian Rupiah everywhere

• Avoid airport exchanges—margins are high

• Exchange at local money changers for better rates

• Cross check the date on your notes, many places refuse to accept old USD notes.

Credit/Travel Cards 

• Travel cards like "Niyo" have almost no overhead charges

• Carry an internationally accepted card for emergencies

• Many places are cash-only—don't rely solely on cards

  
  

Hotel Reservations 

• Keep soft copies on your phone

• Proof of accommodation sometimes requested at immigration

Visa Documents (if applicable)

• Most nationalities get visa on arrival

• Have return flight ticket handy

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Other Essentials

Beach towel - Quick-dry, lightweight microfiber towels are best

Face towel - For freshing up during long travel days

Reusable water bottle - Indonesia primarily uses bottled water, and its heartbreaking to see how much plastic waste gets generated as a result of it. Refilling a water bottle where ever you can help reduce carbon footprint in your own way.

Lock - For hostel lockers or securing luggage

Dry bag/Garbage bag 

• Protect electronics during boat tours

• Collect waste responsibly (limited trash bins in some areas)

First Aid Kit 🏥

• Basic medicines: pain relief, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines

• Band-aids, antiseptic

• Any prescription medications you need
  

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✓ PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

2 Weeks Before:

□ Check passport validity (6+ months from exit date)

□ Buy travel insurance with water activity coverage

□ Order packing cubes if you don't have them

□ Start a packing list specific to your itinerary

1 Week Before: 

□ Check weather forecast for your destinations

□ Confirm all hotel reservations

□ Download offline maps

□ Notify your bank/credit card company of travel dates

□ Get some USD/EUR cash

3 Days Before: 

□ Start packing using the army roll method

□ Charge all electronics and power banks

□ Make copies of important documents

□ Pack a day-bag for first day activities

Day Before: 

□ Weigh your luggage (carry-on limits!)

□ Pack snacks for the flight

□ Double-check passport, tickets, wallet

□ Leave copies of documents with someone at home

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FINAL PACKING TIPS

Based on Our Experience:

What worked:

• Packing cubes (game-changer for organization)

• Quick-dry everything (clothes dried overnight)

• Versatile Crocs (wore them everywhere, no regrets)

• Light packing (used laundry services, saved luggage space)

What we'd do differently:

• Bring more reef-safe sunscreen (bought locally but expensive)

• Pack an extra power bank (one wasn't enough for two people)

• Bring a better waterproof phone case (our cheap one leaked)

• Pack fewer "just in case" items (never wore half of them)

The 80/20 Rule: You'll wear 20% of what you pack 80% of the time. Pack less than you think you need.

Laundry Services: Seriously, use them! Most accommodations offer wash/dry/press for IDR 20,000-30,000 per kg (~$1.50-2 USD). Game-changer for light packing.

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ADAPT THIS LIST TO YOUR ITINERARY

Beach-focused trip:

• More swimwear, fewer pants

• Skip heavy shoes, bring more flip-flops

  
  

Adventure-focused (volcanoes, hiking):

• More quick-dry pants, fewer dresses

• Good walking shoes essential

• First aid kit critical

Cultural/temple-focused:

• Modest clothing (knees/shoulders covered)

• Sarongs (can rent at temples)

• Comfortable walking shoes

  
  

Island hopping:

• Waterproof everything

• Dry bags for electronics

• Minimal luggage (you'll be moving a lot)

📌 SAVE THIS POST

Bookmark this packing list—you'll reference it multiple times before your trip and while packing!

Want the complete Indonesia planning guide? Check out Complete Indonesia Travel Guide and 2-Week Itinerary.