Planning a trip to Indonesia? Time to start getting ready!  One of the most important things is to determine what you'll be taking with you for your journey. We've put together a clear and comprehensive packing list for you. This way, you'll be well-prepared and won't forget anything.

Indonesia has a tropical climate, with consistently high temperatures throughout the year and minimal temperature variations. There is a rainy season that runs from November to March. This applies to most parts of the country, although due to Indonesia's vast size, there can be some differences. Outside the rainy season, it is mostly dry, but even then, there can be short, intense rain showers in some places.

Due to differences in altitude, temperatures can significantly drop in certain areas. Especially in the northern part of Sumatra, it can sometimes be quite cool.

During a trip to Indonesia, you will undoubtedly encounter rain and lower temperatures in higher-altitude areas. Therefore, it's always advisable to bring rain gear and layers on your journey.

The first choice you have to make when you go on a trip is whether you opt for a suitcase or a backpack. There are advantages to both, and the best choice depends on your travel itinerary, the activities you'll be doing, but mostly on your personal preference.

The biggest advantage of a backpack compared to a suitcase is that you can carry it on your back. In Indonesia, you won't always find good sidewalks and paved roads, especially when traveling to more remote places outside of major cities, so a backpack can be the obvious choice. On the other hand, traveling with a suitcase is much more comfortable. You don't have to carry a suitcase on your back, making it more relaxed for longer walks.

An important difference is that a suitcase is heavier than a backpack. With a suitcase, you quickly reach the maximum weight for checked baggage. A backpack can be packed heavier, but it often has less space than a suitcase.

A backpack offers a lot of flexibility, but in most places, you can travel just fine with a suitcase. For example, in locations with only unpaved roads, you can usually take a taxi. It may be challenging to move your suitcase only in places where there are no taxis and no paved roads. So, consider your route carefully and choose what's best for you.

We often travel with our Eastpak travel bags. These have all the benefits of a suitcase, but they are essentially wheeled bags. This results in a lower weight than a suitcase, allowing you to bring more.

• Don't pack too many clothes. While traveling in Indonesia, you can easily and inexpensively have your clothes washed at your hostel, hotel, or at a laundry service found everywhere.
• Avoid bringing thick sweaters or jackets, but pack clothing that can be layered for higher-altitude places where it can get cooler in the evenings.
• Think carefully about whether you really need everything. For example, we recommend not bringing expensive watches or jewelry to Indonesia.

• Passport + copies
• Visa
• Credit card(s) (with sufficient monthly limit)
• Debit card (worldwide)
• Cash
• Driver's license
• Medical passport
• Vaccination passport
• Copies of important documents such as health insurance, travel insurance, emergency numbers, contact information for family/friends
• Passport photos
• Boarding pass
• Backpack/Daypack
• Rain cover (for backpack/daypack)

Tip: Withdrawing cash abroad using your local bank card or credit card can be expensive. When withdrawing in a different currency, you often face unfavorable exchange rates and additional transaction fees. Our solution is Wise. For a one-time fee of $9 USD, you can open an account and receive a VISA debit card. You can hold and convert money in more than 50 currencies, always at a favorable rate. Additionally, you can spend money in over 170 countries without any extra charges.

• Toiletry bag
• Deodorant
• Shampoo (+ conditioner)
• Shower gel
• Hairbrush/comb
• Razor and/or trimmer
• Contact lenses and/or glasses
• Contact lens solution
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Dental floss/toothpicks
• Nail clippers and/or manicure scissors
• Tweezers
• Sunscreen
• Aftersun lotion
• Daytime moisturizer/night cream
• Tampons/sanitary pads
• Sanitary pad disposal bags
• Birth control pills
• Condoms
• Wax, gel, or hairspray
• Lip balm
• Makeup
• Hand sanitizer gel
• Moist towelettes

Note: Tampons are less readily available than pads in Asia. There is often only one brand, and they can be quite expensive. So, make sure to bring enough tampons with you when traveling to Asia.

• Mobile phone
• SIM card removal tool
• Camera
• E-reader
• Tablet or laptop
• Power bank
• Chargers and batteries
• Worldwide adapters (type C and F)
• Splitter
• Earphones or headphones
• Mouse, keyboard, SD card

• Insect repellents/mosquito repellents with (ideally 40%) DEET
• Betadine ointment
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Paracetamol
• Ibuprofen
• First-aid kit
• Malaria pills
• Regular medication
• ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution)
• Vitamin supplements
• After Bite
• Tiger balm
• Motion sickness medicine
• Blister plasters

• Sneakers
• Flip-flops or sandals
• Hiking boots
• Underwear
• Socks
• Outdoor/fleece jacket
• Thin long-sleeve shirt
• Thin sweater
• T-shirts
• Shorts
• Dresses/skirts
• Thin long pants
• Sunglasses
• Belt
• Thermal clothing
• Pajamas
• Poncho or rain gear
• Swim trunks/bikini
• Cap/hat
• Sportswear

• Toilet paper
• Tissues
• Elastic bands
• Pen and paper
• Small towel
• Travel towel
• Collapsible umbrella
• Dry bag
• Travel games and playing cards
• Headlamp
• Ear plugs for sleeping
• Snorkel mask and snorkel
• Sleeping bag line
• Sewing kit
• Mosquito net (impregnated)
• Lock for backpack
• Luggage tag
• Travel alarm (mobile smoke detector)
• Small roll of tape
• Universal sink stopper + clothesline
• Hand wash detergent
• Travel guide (e.g., Lonely Planet)
• Vacuum bags for clothing
• Packing cubes