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The Complete Indonesia Packing List

Indonesia spans 17,000 islands across three time zones. Your bag needs reef-safe sunscreen for Bali, modest temple wear for Java, trekking boots for Komodo, and a rain jacket whenever the monsoon hits.

Updated Apr 2026
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On this page
  1. Quick answer
  2. Overview
  3. Country essentials
  4. Cultural notes
  5. Bali (Ubud, Seminyak, Uluwatu, Nusa Penida)
  6. Java (Yogyakarta, Jakarta, Bromo, Borobudur)
  7. Komodo, Flores, and Eastern Islands
  8. Seasonal guide
  9. Packing Tips
  10. FAQ

Quick answer

Regions

3 regions covered

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Plug type

Type C, Type F / 230V

Language

Bahasa Indonesia

Pack lightweight clothing for the year-round tropical heat (75 to 90°F), a sarong for Balinese temple visits, and a rain jacket for the wet season (October through March). Bring reef-safe sunscreen and DEET repellent, since dengue is present, plus a Type C/F adapter for 230V outlets. US citizens get a Visa on Arrival ($35, 30 days). Skip the tap water.

Indonesia is a tropical archipelago that stretches over 3,000 miles from Sumatra in the west to Papua in the east. At sea level the temperature sits between 75 and 90°F all year, so heat isn't really the variable. Rain is. The dry season runs April through September, with sunny skies and lower humidity on most of the popular islands, while the wet season from October through March brings downpours that are heavy but usually short and often clearing by mid-morning.

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Most travelers stick to Bali, Java, and the eastern islands around Komodo and Flores. Bali mixes Hindu temple culture with surf breaks and rice terrace hikes. Java is the cultural heartland: Borobudur, Yogyakarta, and a string of active volcanoes you can climb before dawn. The eastern islands are drier and rougher, and they pull in divers and trekkers more than beach crowds.

Temple etiquette drives a lot of what you pack. Hindu temples in Bali require a sarong and sash, usually provided at major sites, though carrying your own is more comfortable. Islamic mosques in Java want covered shoulders and knees, and women should bring a headscarf. Away from religious sites the dress is casual. Pack light, breathable fabrics. Laundry is cheap and fast everywhere, so you can wash often and carry less.

Country essentials

Plug type

Type C, Type F · 230V, 50 Hz

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Language

Bahasa Indonesia

Visa

US citizens need a Visa on Arrival (VoA) or its online version, the e-VoA. It costs 500,000 IDR (about $35 USD) for a 30-day stay and can be extended once for another 30 days. Apply for the e-VoA before you leave to skip the airport queue. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have two blank pages. Proof of onward travel is required.

SIM / data

Buy a Telkomsel or XL prepaid SIM at the airport. Telkomsel has the widest coverage, reaching the remote islands. Data plans run roughly 50,000 to 100,000 IDR ($3.50 to $7 USD) for 10 to 20 GB. eSIMs like Airalo and Holafly work on newer phones. Register your SIM with your passport when you buy it, since unregistered SIMs get cut off after 24 hours.

Tipping

Tipping isn't expected but is appreciated. Restaurants rarely add a service charge, so 5 to 10% on the bill is generous. Hotel porters: 10,000 to 20,000 IDR per bag. Tour guides and drivers: 50,000 to 100,000 IDR per day. Spa therapists: 20,000 to 50,000 IDR. At tourist-oriented businesses in Bali, tipping in USD is common.

Driving side

left

Tap water

Bottled or filtered only

Emergency #

112

Cultural notes and dress codes

  • Hindu temples in Bali require a sarong and sash tied at the waist. Major temples like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu provide loaners, but carrying your own is more comfortable and respectful. Menstruating women are traditionally not permitted to enter Balinese temples.
  • Mosques in Java require covered shoulders and knees for everyone. Women should bring a headscarf. Remove shoes before entering any religious site. Most mosques near tourist areas provide loaner garments.
  • Use your right hand to give or receive things, to eat, and to shake hands. The left hand is considered unclean.
  • Do not touch anyone's head, including children. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body in both Hindu and Muslim traditions.
  • Take your shoes off before going into a home or temple, and into plenty of shops too. Slip-on footwear saves you fumbling at every doorway.
  • Dress modestly outside of beach areas. Bali's tourist zones are relaxed, but walking through Ubud or Yogyakarta in a bikini top is disrespectful. Cover up when leaving the beach or pool.
  • Bargaining is expected at markets and with taxi drivers who aren't on a meter or app. Start around half the asking price and meet in the middle. Don't haggle at shops with fixed price tags.
  • Indonesian time is famously loose. 'Jam karet' (rubber time) means events and transport rarely start right on schedule, so build in buffer.
  • Bali's Nyepi (Day of Silence) in March shuts the entire island for 24 hours. The airport closes and you can't drive or leave your hotel. Check the date before booking.

Indonesia's most visited island. Hindu temple culture, surf breaks, rice terrace hikes, and a busy wellness scene all sit close together. Bali is tropical year-round with a clear split between dry and wet season.

Climate: Tropical, with a dry season (April through October) and a wet season (November through March). Temperatures stay between 75 and 90°F year-round and humidity runs high, more so in the wet months. The central highlands around Ubud are a little cooler and wetter than the southern coast.

  • temple sarong
  • reef-safe sunscreen
  • surf gear
  • rice terrace hiking
  • yoga wear

👕Clothing

Essentials

  • Lightweight cotton or linen tops x5
  • Swimsuits x2 (Rotate so one is always dry)
  • Sarong (temple-appropriate) (Required for all Hindu temple visits in Bali)
  • Casual shorts x3
  • Light long pants or maxi skirt (For temple visits and upscale restaurants in Seminyak)
  • Light hoodie or jacket (Mount Batur sunrise hikes start at 2 AM and are cold at the summit)

Nice to Have

  • Rash guard (Sun protection for surfing and snorkeling)

👟Footwear

Essentials

  • Flip-flops or slide sandals (Daily wear in Bali. Slip-on for easy temple shoe removal.)
  • Comfortable walking shoes (For Ubud rice terrace walks and market exploring)

Nice to Have

  • Water shoes or reef walkers (Rocky entry points at many Bali beaches)
  • Hiking shoes (For Mount Batur sunrise trek)

🧴Sun & Health

Essentials

  • Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) x2 (Oxybenzone and octinoxate damage coral reefs)
  • DEET insect repellent (Dengue is present in Bali. Apply at dawn and dusk.)
  • After-sun aloe gel
  • Imodium and electrolyte packets (Bali belly is real. Stay hydrated.)

Nice to Have

  • Activated charcoal tablets (Helpful for minor stomach issues)

🏖️Water & Beach Gear

Essentials

  • Dry bag (10L) (Keeps electronics safe on speedboats to Nusa Penida)
  • Waterproof phone pouch
  • Reusable water bottle (Refill at filtered water stations. Do not drink the tap water.)

Nice to Have

  • Snorkel mask (Rentals available but your own fits better and is more hygienic)

When to visit and what changes by season

Dry Season (Apr-Sep)

April to September · 75-90°F

The best window for most of Indonesia. Clear skies, lower humidity, and calm seas for island hopping and diving. July and August get busy, Bali especially. Surf peaks on Bali's west coast from May through September, and Komodo diving is at its best from April through June.

  • light sun protection
  • swimwear
  • reef-safe sunscreen
  • dive gear

Wet Season (Oct-Mar)

October to March · 75-90°F

Afternoon downpours are common, but mornings are usually sunny. Humidity climbs. January is typically the wettest month in Bali and Java, and surf shifts to Bali's east coast. Boat services to smaller islands thin out or stop. The upside is that prices drop and crowds thin too, so it's good value if you'll plan your days around the rain.

  • rain jacket
  • quick-dry fabrics
  • dry bags
  • waterproof footwear

Packing tips for Indonesia

  1. 1Pack a sarong. It is the most useful single item you'll carry here. It covers temple entry, doubles as a beach cover-up, a towel, or a blanket on a cold bus. Buy a good one at a Bali market for 50,000 to 100,000 IDR.
  2. 2Bring reef-safe sunscreen. Indonesia's coral is some of the best diving on the planet and it's under pressure. Anything with oxybenzone or octinoxate damages reefs, so check the label before you pack it.
  3. 3DEET or picaridin repellent is not optional. Dengue is present throughout Indonesia and there's no widely available vaccine. The mosquitoes that carry it bite at dawn and dusk, so reapply then.
  4. 4Do not drink the tap water anywhere in Indonesia. Hotels and restaurants keep filtered dispensers. Bring a reusable bottle and refill from those.
  5. 5Carry a Type C/F plug adapter for 230V outlets. Phone chargers and laptops handle dual voltage and only need the plug shape changed. A hair dryer or shaver rated for 120V only will burn out.
  6. 6Laundry is cheap and fast, usually 10,000 to 15,000 IDR ($0.70 to $1 USD) per kilo with same-day turnaround. Pack lighter than you think and wash on the road.
  7. 7Bring a dry bag for boat transfers. Speedboats to Nusa Penida, the Gilis, and Komodo throw water over everyone and everything on board.
  8. 8Download Grab for metered rides. Regular taxis are fine, but agree on a price before you get in or insist on the meter.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for Indonesia as a US citizen?
Yes. US citizens need a Visa on Arrival (VoA) or its online version, the e-VoA. It costs 500,000 IDR (about $35 USD) for a 30-day stay and can be extended once for another 30 days. Apply for the e-VoA before you leave to skip the airport queue. Your passport has to be valid for at least 6 months and have two blank pages, and you'll need proof of onward travel.
What plug adapter do I need for Indonesia?
Indonesia uses Type C and Type F plugs at 230V and 50Hz, so US travelers need a plug adapter. Most phone chargers and laptop bricks handle dual voltage (110V to 240V) and just need the plug shape changed. A hair dryer or shaver rated for 120V only won't work without a voltage converter, and may be damaged if you try.
Is the tap water safe in Indonesia?
No. Tap water isn't safe to drink anywhere in Indonesia, resort areas included. Hotels and restaurants keep filtered dispensers or large jugs for refilling, so bring a reusable bottle. Skip ice from street vendors. Ice at established restaurants is usually made from filtered water and is fine.
What should I wear to temples in Bali?
Hindu temples in Bali require a sarong wrapped around your waist with a sash tied over it, and your shoulders covered. Big tourist temples like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu hand out loaner sarongs, but bringing your own is more comfortable. You can buy one at a local market for 50,000 to 100,000 IDR ($3.50 to $7 USD). Menstruating women are traditionally not permitted to enter Balinese temples.
When is the best time to visit Indonesia?
The dry season, April through September, gives you the best weather across Bali, Java, and the eastern islands. July and August are peak months with the highest prices. For thinner crowds and lower rates, aim for April, May, or September. Diving in Komodo is best from April through June. If you come in the wet season, mornings are usually clear, so do your outdoor activities before noon.
Do I need mosquito repellent in Indonesia?
Yes. Dengue is present throughout Indonesia and there's no widely available vaccine. The mosquitoes that carry it bite mostly at dawn and dusk. Pack repellent with DEET (20 to 30%) or picaridin and apply it daily. Long sleeves and pants in the evening help too. Most places to stay in Bali provide mosquito nets or coils.
What should I NOT bring to Indonesia?
Leave the expensive jewelry and heavy formal clothes at home. Don't pack sunscreens with oxybenzone or octinoxate, since they damage coral reefs. Skip heavy winter gear unless you're doing a Mount Bromo or Ijen sunrise trek, where a fleece layer is plenty. And do not bring drugs of any kind. Indonesia's anti-drug laws are among the strictest anywhere, with penalties up to the death penalty.
How much should I tip in Indonesia?
Tipping isn't expected in Indonesia, but it's appreciated. In restaurants, 5 to 10% of the bill is generous when no service charge is included. Hotel porters: 10,000 to 20,000 IDR per bag. Tour guides and drivers: 50,000 to 100,000 IDR per day. Spa therapists: 20,000 to 50,000 IDR. At tourist-oriented businesses in Bali, tipping in USD is common.
Can I use Uber in Indonesia?
No. Uber sold its Southeast Asia operations to Grab back in 2018 and pulled out. Use Grab instead for metered rides across Bali, Java, and the major cities. Where Grab doesn't reach (rural Flores, the Komodo boats), agree on a price with a local driver before you set off. Gojek is the other big Indonesian option, strong in Java.
What is Nyepi in Bali?
Nyepi is the Balinese Day of Silence, observed in March (the date moves with the Hindu calendar; in 2026 it falls on March 19). The whole island shuts for 24 hours. The airport closes, nobody drives, and you stay inside your hotel with the lights down. It's a sacred day, and tourists are expected to follow it too. Your hotel will sort out meals and quiet activities. Check the date before you book flights around it.

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