10 Things to pack when Traveling to Indonesia
So, your ticket’s booked and Indonesia is finally going to happen. Pretty soon you’ll be living all those picture postcard moments in paradise. With so many adventures ahead, it’s hard to know how best to prepare.
Not to worry - Panorama Destination is here to give you a few last-minute tips on some essential items to put in the suitcase.
10 Things to pack when Traveling to Indonesia
So, your ticket’s booked and Indonesia is finally going to happen. Pretty soon you’ll be living all those picture postcard moments in paradise. With so many adventures ahead, it’s hard to know how best to prepare.
Not to worry - Panorama Destination is here to give you a few last-minute tips on some essential items to put in the suitcase.
1. Camera
Ok, so this one’s obvious. However, if you’ve ever fancied yourself as more than just a happy snapper, or considered splashing out on some decent kit and taking the plunge into real photography, there’s no better place to learn your craft.
Indonesia has to be one of the world’s most photogenic destinations, with everything you could ever dream up for a photo album of picture perfect moments and settings.
2. Phrasebook
Although most people you meet will speak English to some degree, you’ll find that making the effort to speak some Bahasa Indonesia is always well received. Even just the basic greetings and pleasantries will go a very long way here; politeness is a big part of Indonesian culture, as is the warmth of the welcome. You’ll notice that even a clumsy attempt at the language will be met with broad smiles and open arms.
3. Map
Something people only truly realize after they arrive is the sheer scale of Indonesia. 17,000 islands and 34,000 miles of coastline form a constellation of cragged volcanic outcrops connecting mainland Asia in the northwest, all the way to Papua New Guinea and Australia in the southeast. If Indonesia were superimposed on top of Europe, it would stretch from Ireland in the Atlantic, all the way to Turkey and the Black Sea.
Mind boggled yet? Don’t worry. Joining the dots on a map as you go will give you a sense of scale, as well as an intrepid feeling of achievement.
4. Travel Reading
Whether you’re flying out for the first time, or connecting the dots of your journey around Indonesia, there’ll be plenty of time to immerse yourself in a good book. The scale and diversity of Indonesia provides ample opportunity for reading on the long trips between destinations, whilst the story of Indonesia is just as diverse and enchanting as the land itself. Here’s some recommended reading to get you started:
• Indonesia Etc. by Elizabeth Pisani
• Ring of Fire: An Indonesian Odyssey by Lorne and Lawrence Blair
• A Brief History of Indonesia by Tim Hannigan
5. Keepsakes from home
Many Indonesians are fascinated by the outside world and will be keen to get to know you. A really nice way to share with people you meet is through photos of your family and hometown, coins from your country, postcards, songs, magic tricks or simple trinkets you brought with you.
There’s a long tradition of gift giving and trade in Indonesia, so be prepared for souvenirs (and selfies) to be a regular feature of your travels.
6. Toiletries
Indonesia is developed, relatively westernized and very tourist-friendly, so pretty much everything you require can be found here. That being said, it’s a good idea to bring along some essentials just for convenience and in case of emergencies.
Mosquito repellent is always recommended, along with some gastro-stop or Imodium to help mitigate the local delicacies. For ladies, be aware that Indonesians don’t really ‘do’ tampons – sanitary towels are easy enough to find, but you’ll be met with a confused face if you ask for an alternative.
Sunscreen and after sun are also readily available here, but it’s always better to have and not need, rather than risk needing but not having either of them.
7. Water Bottle
Tap water is not safe to drink in Indonesia, so you’ll find you get through a lot of the bottled stuff. While it’s important to stay hydrated, you’ll find that all those takeaway bottles add up to a lot of plastic.
Indonesia is undeniably beautiful, but a topsoil of plastic castaways is becoming a noticeable problem. You’ll find mineral water dispensers in hotels and restaurants where you can stock up on fluids, so bringing your own re-useable water bottle is an easy way to be part of the solution.
8. Light cotton layers
Indonesia can get pretty humid at times, especially during the rainy season (November – March), so be prepared to get a little sticky.
The best solution is to bring a sun hat, along with light cotton clothing that will help keep you cool. You can layer this up when going to cooler climes, or if you’re in a place where it’s prudent to remain covered.
If the heat gets too much then don’t sweat it; in Indonesia you’re never too far from the crisp blast of AC, a refreshing cool drink, an invigorating dip in a pool or a crystal clear lagoon.
9. Walking shoes
There are some epic overland adventures to be had in Indonesia. Whether you plan on jungle trekking in the steamy interior of Kalimantan, squelching through rice paddies, hiking up volcanoes or exploring a dragon’s lair, it’s always important to tread carefully. Therefore, some rugged footwear is a must.
If the grand sum of your off-roading plan amounts to pottering on the beach, checking out some temples or propping up the bar, a trusty pair of flip-flops is all you’ll ever need.
10. A sense of humour
This is true of any trip, but essential in Indonesia. Particularly if you venture out of the main metropolises, you’ll find that life here can be as sedate and ponderous as the ocean waves.
People here have a relaxed attitude towards time and tides, which can be frustrating at first if you’re in a hurry and used to a more urgent pace of life.
The best thing to do is simply shrug off any delays or disruptions with a smile. Pretty soon you’ll be able to go with the daily ebb and flow of tropical island life and allow your natural rhythms to synchronize with Indonesia time.
Whether stuck in traffic or waiting for a boat, delayed by rain or waylaid by prayer, just remember the phrase “jam karet”; this simple maxim, meaning ‘elastic time’ is akin to a philosophy in Indonesia and will serve you well in times of trouble. If in doubt, just have a smile and sip from a coconut; pretty soon all the waiting will start to make sense.
1. Camera
Ok, so this one’s obvious. However, if you’ve ever fancied yourself as more than just a happy snapper, or considered splashing out on some decent kit and taking the plunge into real photography, there’s no better place to learn your craft.
Indonesia has to be one of the world’s most photogenic destinations, with everything you could ever dream up for a photo album of picture perfect moments and settings.
2. Phrasebook
Although most people you meet will speak English to some degree, you’ll find that making the effort to speak some Bahasa Indonesia is always well received. Even just the basic greetings and pleasantries will go a very long way here; politeness is a big part of Indonesian culture, as is the warmth of the welcome. You’ll notice that even a clumsy attempt at the language will be met with broad smiles and open arms.
3. Map
Something people only truly realize after they arrive is the sheer scale of Indonesia. 17,000 islands and 34,000 miles of coastline form a constellation of cragged volcanic outcrops connecting mainland Asia in the northwest, all the way to Papua New Guinea and Australia in the southeast. If Indonesia were superimposed on top of Europe, it would stretch from Ireland in the Atlantic, all the way to Turkey and the Black Sea.
Mind boggled yet? Don’t worry. Joining the dots on a map as you go will give you a sense of scale, as well as an intrepid feeling of achievement.
4. Travel Reading
Whether you’re flying out for the first time, or connecting the dots of your journey around Indonesia, there’ll be plenty of time to immerse yourself in a good book. The scale and diversity of Indonesia provides ample opportunity for reading on the long trips between destinations, whilst the story of Indonesia is just as diverse and enchanting as the land itself. Here’s some recommended reading to get you started:
• Indonesia Etc. by Elizabeth Pisani
• Ring of Fire: An Indonesian Odyssey by Lorne and Lawrence Blair
• A Brief History of Indonesia by Tim Hannigan
5. Keepsakes from home
Many Indonesians are fascinated by the outside world and will be keen to get to know you. A really nice way to share with people you meet is through photos of your family and hometown, coins from your country, postcards, songs, magic tricks or simple trinkets you brought with you.
There’s a long tradition of gift giving and trade in Indonesia, so be prepared for souvenirs (and selfies) to be a regular feature of your travels.
6. Toiletries
Indonesia is developed, relatively westernized and very tourist-friendly, so pretty much everything you require can be found here. That being said, it’s a good idea to bring along some essentials just for convenience and in case of emergencies.
Mosquito repellent is always recommended, along with some gastro-stop or Imodium to help mitigate the local delicacies. For ladies, be aware that Indonesians don’t really ‘do’ tampons – sanitary towels are easy enough to find, but you’ll be met with a confused face if you ask for an alternative.
Sunscreen and after sun are also readily available here, but it’s always better to have and not need, rather than risk needing but not having either of them.
7. Water Bottle
Tap water is not safe to drink in Indonesia, so you’ll find you get through a lot of the bottled stuff. While it’s important to stay hydrated, you’ll find that all those takeaway bottles add up to a lot of plastic.
Indonesia is undeniably beautiful, but a topsoil of plastic castaways is becoming a noticeable problem. You’ll find mineral water dispensers in hotels and restaurants where you can stock up on fluids, so bringing your own re-useable water bottle is an easy way to be part of the solution.
8. Light cotton layers
Indonesia can get pretty humid at times, especially during the rainy season (November – March), so be prepared to get a little sticky.
The best solution is to bring a sun hat, along with light cotton clothing that will help keep you cool. You can layer this up when going to cooler climes, or if you’re in a place where it’s prudent to remain covered.
If the heat gets too much then don’t sweat it; in Indonesia you’re never too far from the crisp blast of AC, a refreshing cool drink, an invigorating dip in a pool or a crystal clear lagoon.
9. Walking shoes
There are some epic overland adventures to be had in Indonesia. Whether you plan on jungle trekking in the steamy interior of Kalimantan, squelching through rice paddies, hiking up volcanoes or exploring a dragon’s lair, it’s always important to tread carefully. Therefore, some rugged footwear is a must.
If the grand sum of your off-roading plan amounts to pottering on the beach, checking out some temples or propping up the bar, a trusty pair of flip-flops is all you’ll ever need.
10. A sense of humour
This is true of any trip, but essential in Indonesia. Particularly if you venture out of the main metropolises, you’ll find that life here can be as sedate and ponderous as the ocean waves.
People here have a relaxed attitude towards time and tides, which can be frustrating at first if you’re in a hurry and used to a more urgent pace of life.
The best thing to do is simply shrug off any delays or disruptions with a smile. Pretty soon you’ll be able to go with the daily ebb and flow of tropical island life and allow your natural rhythms to synchronize with Indonesia time.
Whether stuck in traffic or waiting for a boat, delayed by rain or waylaid by prayer, just remember the phrase “jam karet”; this simple maxim, meaning ‘elastic time’ is akin to a philosophy in Indonesia and will serve you well in times of trouble. If in doubt, just have a smile and sip from a coconut; pretty soon all the waiting will start to make sense.
