The Ultimate Indonesia Packing List (+ Free Printable Checklist!)

CONGRATULATIONS!

You’re one step closer to visiting one of the most beautiful countries on the planet – Indonesia!

Indonesia holds a special place in our hearts. Berty is from Indonesia and we try to make sure we go back at least once a year to see family and friends.

Whether your packing for Bali, seeing amazing temples in Yogyakarta, or hiking through the jungle to find epic East Java waterfalls, we’ve got the perfect Indonesia packing list for you.

BUT, packing for Indonesia can be a daunting task.

There are so many factors to consider when putting together your Indonesia packing list.

Temperature, humidity, and modesty (it’s a Muslim majority county!) are just a few factors to consider, it can get overwhelming really quick!

Since Indonesia is basically our second home, we’re confident in saying that we have nailed this Indonesia packing list.

In this post, I’m going to share everything you need for a two-week trip to Indonesia, which works in all major cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali!

So, here we go!

The Ultimate Indonesia Packing List (With Free Checklist)

 

 

Packing CLOTHING For Indonesia

In tropical, humid areas of the world, wearing natural fibers is the best. It pulls the sweat away from your body and keeps you cooler!

When making your Indonesia packing list, stick with fabrics like linen and performance fabric, and avoid fabrics like wool, polyester, and most importantly NO COTTON.

Indonesia is also a Muslim-majority country, so it’s important to keep modesty in mind.

Places like Bali and most of Java are generally okay with “summer clothing” and showing skin, but if you are traveling deeper into Indonesia (like on a trip to East Java), we would suggest packing more modest options.

Modest options are really up to your discretion, but we’ve learned that if you dress like the locals, you will gain more respect from the community.

TOPS TO PACK FOR INDONESIA

2 loose-fitting t-shirts like this scoop neck tee and this one from Everlane.

2 blouses in neutral colors like this classic button-up one from Madewell.

1 long sleeve blouse/top like this cute neutral tunic.

1 super-cozy lightweight sweater or a hooded sweatshirt for transit and mild mornings.

2 flowy tank tops this easy-breezy one from Madewell.

 

BOTTOMS, SHORTS + DRESSES TO PACK FOR INDONESIA

2 pairs of shorts (faves are these and these which are the perfect length)

1 pair of long pajama-style pants. Many places in Yogyakarta (especially temples) require long pants for modesty, so pack a breezy pair!

1 simple black skirt (this one from Patagonia)

1 pair of quick dry pants like these ones from Columbia.

1 sarong (to use for temple visits and covering up at the beach)

 

SHOES TO PACK FOR A TROPICAL VACATION

1 pair of walking shoes (these are lightweight and flexible)

1 pair of dressy sandals (Read More: 12 Best Sandals For Travel)

1 pair of shower shoes/flip flops. Multi-purpose, waterproof sandals are essential for beach visits and keeping your feet off gross bathroom floors.

 

BATHING SUITS

2 bathing suits / 1 two-piece and 1 one-piece

OTHER CLOTHING ITEMS FOR YOUR INDONESIA PACKING LIST

Light rain jacket

Bandana or handkerchief

Scarf (for privacy and modesty when necessary)

 

Day Bag Accessories

A great, lightweight day backpack

OR a day purse

Fanny Pack

Money Wallet

Lanyard Case For Your Phone

 

When Packing For Indonesia, Consider This:

Gather all the items on your Indonesia packing list a few days early, and set your clothes out so you can see everything. Anything you’re on the fence about wearing, pull it. You won’t wear it if you’re having second thoughts. (Read More: Tips To Avoid Overpacking)

Pack in the same color scheme so that you have the maximum amount of clothing combinations.

Use packing cubes (these and these are the ones we have) to separate clothing into categories for easy locating in your suitcase.

Force yourself to use a small suitcase. It will limit you to packing only what is necessary. (Read More: How To Pack Carry-On Only)

(This picture was packing for this trip. I will upload a picture of our Indo suitcase soon!)

 

Indonesia Packing list: Hygiene Items

Make sure you have a proper toiletry bag, like this one by LLBean. It is waterproof and can hang on any hook for easy access. We have the small + medium sizes, but the small one fits just enough shower/bathroom essentials for both Berty and I. If you’re looking for something a little nicer and less camp-y, try this one and this one. Here’s what to put inside…

  • Sunscreen stick. We have this mini version so that there’s no excuse not to bring it everywhere.
  • Toothbrush + toothpaste
  • Mini hairbrush
  • Deodorant 
  • Minis of all your favorite face/hair products (Target is a great resource for this!)
  • Chapstick
  • Aloe Vera (mini)
  • Bug Spray
  • Ibuprofen
  • Immodium

 

Indonesia Packing list: Extras

Waterproof watch (for those waterfall hiking expeditions)

Hat for sun protection (and style!)

Scarf for chilly nights, airports, and again – sun protection.

Ziploc bags in all sizes. I found these extremely useful when traveling around Indonesia and needing to store wet clothes before they fully dried.

Reusable tote – essential for pulling together a quick beach bag on the go. Also useful for carrying snacks and other things on long car rides.

Compartment bags – I have gushed about these in my past packing posts here and here, but these truly are the MVP of any suitcase. I especially love this one, which separates dirty underwear from clean ones. No more guessing!

Sling bag – great for carrying the essentials hands-free! We have this theft-proof one (which worked great in Paris!) and love this one!

Indonesia Packing List: Carry-On Essentials

Many airlines don’t allow you to check valuable items like your laptop or camera because of the liability. Therefore, you need to make room to fit the following:

  • Passport (+ visa info if staying longer than the free 30 days)
  • Paper copies of any reservations (or phone screenshots)
  • Power bank –  like this one for charging your phone on the go.
  • Outlet converter –  (we have this one for lots of plugins)
  • Extra pair of clothes + socks
  • Laptop + Charger
  • Phone + Charger
  • Wallet + Cash with travel essentials only (leave the rest at home)
  • Camera
  • Sunglasses
  • Quart Ziplock of essential toiletries (moisturizer, purell, toothpaste, chapstick, deodorant)

Read More: 30 Essentials For Carry-On Only Travel

Did we miss anything on our Indonesia packing list? What did you bring on your trip to SE Asia? Tell us in the comments below!

Follow our Travel Gear + Packing Board on Pinterest for more ideas!

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