Asia 3 regions 1 city guide

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 for monsoon season anywhere.

Updated April 23, 2026
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Quick answer

Regions

3 regions covered

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Plug type

Type C, Type F / 230V

Language

Bahasa Indonesia

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for Indonesia's year-round tropical heat (75 to 90°F), a sarong for Balinese temple visits, and a packable rain jacket for wet season (October through March). Bring reef-safe sunscreen, DEET insect repellent for dengue protection, and a Type C/F plug adapter for 230V outlets. US citizens need a Visa on Arrival ($35 USD, 30 days, extendable once). Tap water is not drinkable anywhere in Indonesia.

Indonesia is a tropical archipelago that stretches over 3,000 miles from Sumatra in the west to Papua in the east. Temperatures hover between 75 and 90°F year-round at sea level, but the weather story is really about rain. The dry season from April through September brings sunny skies and lower humidity to most of the popular islands. The wet season from October through March delivers daily downpours that are heavy but usually short, with mornings often clear.

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Most travelers focus on Bali, Java, and the eastern islands around Komodo and Flores. Each has a distinct character. Bali blends Hindu temple culture with surf breaks and rice terrace hikes. Java is the cultural heartland, home to Borobudur, Yogyakarta, and active volcanoes. Komodo and the eastern islands are drier and more rugged, drawing divers and trekkers.

Temple etiquette is central to packing for Indonesia. Hindu temples in Bali require a sarong and sash (usually provided at major sites, but carrying your own is more comfortable). Islamic mosques in Java require covered shoulders and knees, and women should bring a headscarf. Outside of religious sites, Indonesia is casual and warm. Lightweight, breathable fabrics dominate, and laundry services are cheap and fast everywhere.

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 Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) for Indonesia. The cost is 500,000 IDR (approximately $35 USD) for a 30-day stay. You can extend once for an additional 30 days. Apply for the e-VoA online before departure to skip the queue at the airport. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months with 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, including remote islands. Data plans cost roughly 50,000 to 100,000 IDR ($3.50 to $7 USD) for 10 to 20 GB. eSIM options like Airalo and Holafly work on newer devices. Register your SIM with your passport at the point of purchase, as unregistered SIMs are deactivated after 24 hours.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected but appreciated. Restaurants rarely add a service charge, and 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. Tipping in USD is common at tourist-oriented businesses in Bali.

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 for giving and receiving items, eating, and shaking hands. The left hand is considered unclean in Indonesian culture.
  • 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.
  • Remove shoes before entering homes, temples, and many shops. Slip-on footwear saves time and frustration.
  • 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 (when not using a meter or app). Start at about half the asking price and work toward a fair middle. Do not bargain at shops with fixed price tags.
  • Indonesian time is famously flexible. 'Jam karet' (rubber time) means events and transportation rarely start exactly on schedule. Build buffer time into your plans.
  • Bali's Nyepi (Day of Silence) in March shuts the entire island for 24 hours. No flights, no driving, no leaving your hotel. Check the date before booking.

Indonesia's most visited island blends Hindu temple culture, surf breaks, rice terrace hikes, and a thriving wellness scene. Bali is tropical year-round with a distinct dry and wet season.

Climate: Tropical with a dry season (April through October) and wet season (November through March). Temperatures stay between 75 and 90°F year-round. Humidity is high, especially during the wet season. The central highlands around Ubud are slightly 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 time to visit most of Indonesia. Skies are clear, humidity is lower, and seas are calm for island hopping and diving. July and August are the busiest months, especially in Bali. Surf season peaks on the western coast of Bali from May through September. Komodo diving conditions are optimal from April through June.

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

Wet Season (Oct-Mar)

October to March · 75-90°F

Daily afternoon downpours are common, but mornings are usually sunny. Humidity rises noticeably. January is typically the wettest month in Bali and Java. Surf shifts to Bali's east coast during this period. Some boat services to smaller islands reduce frequency or stop entirely. Prices drop and crowds thin, making it a good value window for travelers willing to plan around the rain.

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

Packing tips for Indonesia

  1. 1 Pack a sarong. It is the single most versatile item for Indonesia: temple entry, beach cover-up, towel, privacy screen, and emergency blanket. Buy a quality one at a Bali market for 50,000 to 100,000 IDR.
  2. 2 Bring reef-safe sunscreen. Indonesia's coral reefs are world-class and under threat. Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate. Check the label before packing.
  3. 3 DEET or picaridin insect repellent is essential. Dengue fever is present throughout Indonesia, and there is no vaccine. Apply at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
  4. 4 Do not drink the tap water anywhere in Indonesia. Hotels, hostels, and restaurants provide filtered water dispensers. Bring a reusable bottle and refill from these stations.
  5. 5 Carry a Type C/F plug adapter for 230V outlets. US phone chargers and laptops handle dual voltage, but hair dryers, curling irons, and electric shavers rated for 120V only will burn out.
  6. 6 Laundry services are cheap and fast across Indonesia, typically 10,000 to 15,000 IDR ($0.70 to $1 USD) per kilogram with same-day turnaround. Pack lighter and wash more often.
  7. 7 Bring a dry bag for boat transfers between islands. Speedboats to Nusa Penida, the Gili Islands, and Komodo splash water over passengers and luggage.
  8. 8 Download Grab (the Southeast Asian rideshare app) for reliable, metered transportation. Traditional taxis are fine but agree on a price before departure 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 Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) for Indonesia. The cost is 500,000 IDR (approximately $35 USD) for a 30-day stay, extendable once for another 30 days. Apply for the e-VoA online before departure to skip the airport queue. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Proof of onward travel is required.
What plug adapter do I need for Indonesia?
Indonesia uses Type C and Type F plugs at 230V and 50Hz. US travelers need a plug adapter. Most phone chargers and laptop adapters handle dual voltage (110V to 240V) and only need the plug shape changed. Hair dryers, curling irons, and electric shavers rated for 120V only will not work without a voltage converter and may be damaged.
Is the tap water safe in Indonesia?
No. Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Indonesia, including Bali, Jakarta, and resort areas. Hotels, hostels, and restaurants provide filtered water dispensers or large water jugs for refilling. Bring a reusable bottle and refill from these stations. Avoid ice from street vendors, though ice at established restaurants is generally made from filtered water.
What should I wear to temples in Bali?
Hindu temples in Bali require a sarong wrapped around your waist and a sash tied over it. Shoulders should be covered. Major tourist temples like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu provide loaner sarongs, but carrying your own is more comfortable and respectful. 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 from April through September offers the best weather across Bali, Java, and the eastern islands. July and August are peak tourist months with the highest prices. For fewer crowds and lower rates, visit in April, May, or September. Diving in Komodo is best from April through June. If visiting during wet season, mornings are usually clear, so plan outdoor activities before noon.
Do I need mosquito repellent in Indonesia?
Yes. Dengue fever is present throughout Indonesia, and there is currently no widely available vaccine. Mosquitoes that carry dengue are most active at dawn and dusk. Pack repellent with DEET (20 to 30%) or picaridin and apply it daily. Wearing long sleeves and pants in the evening adds an extra layer of protection. Most accommodations in Bali provide mosquito nets or coils.
What should I NOT bring to Indonesia?
Leave expensive jewelry and heavy formal attire at home. Do not pack sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate, as they damage coral reefs. Skip heavy winter clothing unless you plan a Mount Bromo or Ijen sunrise trek (a fleece layer is enough). Do not bring drugs of any kind. Indonesia has extremely strict anti-drug laws with severe penalties.
How much should I tip in Indonesia?
Tipping is not expected in Indonesia but is appreciated. In restaurants, 5 to 10% of the bill is generous if 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. Tipping in USD is common at tourist-oriented businesses in Bali.
Can I use Uber in Indonesia?
No. Uber exited Southeast Asia. Use the Grab app instead for reliable, metered rides across Bali, Java, and major cities. In areas where Grab is unavailable (rural Flores, Komodo boats), negotiate a price with local drivers before departing. Gojek is another popular Indonesian rideshare option, especially in Java.
What is Nyepi in Bali?
Nyepi is the Balinese Day of Silence, observed in March or April (date varies by the Hindu calendar). The entire island shuts down for 24 hours: no flights, no driving, no leaving your hotel, no lights. It is a deeply sacred day. If you are in Bali during Nyepi, your hotel will provide meals and activities. Check the date before booking flights around this period.

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