UPF long sleeves
Two or three lightweight long-sleeved tops. On deck and snorkelling, fabric outperforms any amount of reapplied cream.
Pack for Sun, Not for Cold
It is 26 to 32°C every day of the year with a UV index that reaches 12. Almost everything on this list exists because of that one fact.
Light layers with real sun protection, closed shoes for the dragon trek, reef-safe sunscreen, and a dry bag. Almost everything else is aboard already.
- UV index runs 10 to 12 — long sleeves beat sunscreen alone.
- Snorkelling gear is standard on charters; dive gear usually is too.
- Indonesia uses Type C and F plugs at 230 V.
Six things that matter here
The rest is ordinary holiday packing. These six are specific to Komodo.
Closed shoes
Non-negotiable for the ranger treks on Rinca and Komodo, and useful on the loose upper path at Padar.
Reef-safe SPF 50+
You will be floating directly over living coral at Pink Beach and Kanawa. Standard sunscreen is not neutral there.
A 10-litre dry bag
Tender rides to shore are wet. Phone, camera and a change of shirt go in it, every single time.
Type C or F adapter
230 V at 50 Hz. Many boats have universal sockets, but bring one rather than assume.
A light rain shell
Under half a kilo. Even in the dry season a squall passes through; in the wet season it is essential.
What each day asks for
A Komodo day switches between three quite different environments.
What not to bring
Snorkelling gear is standard on every charter, and most dive-equipped boats carry tanks, weights and often full kit. Towels, toiletries and hairdryers are aboard. Hard suitcases are awkward in cabins built around soft bags. And the flight into Labuan Bajo carries a modest baggage allowance — typically around 23 kg in economy — so a big bag costs money before it costs cabin space.
Drones are popular here and rules change. Check current park regulations rather than assuming, and never fly over the ranger stations.
- 26–32°C
- Air temperature, all year
- 10–12
- UV index
- 230 V
- Mains, Type C and F plugs
- ~23 kg
- Typical economy baggage on the LBJ flight
The small kit worth assembling
Seasickness tablets taken before you feel unwell rather than after, any prescription medication in its original packaging with enough for the trip plus a few days, insect repellent for the treks and for evenings at anchor, and rehydration sachets. Boats carry first aid kits, but they do not carry your prescriptions, and the nearest pharmacy is back in Labuan Bajo.
Packing, answered
Do I need to bring snorkelling gear?
No. Masks, fins and snorkels are standard on every Komodo charter. Bring your own only if you care about mask fit, which is a reasonable thing to care about.
What shoes do I need?
Closed shoes with grip for the dragon treks and the Padar climb. Sandals for everything else. Nothing technical is required.
Is there a dress code aboard?
No. Swimwear and cover-ups by day; something light and long-sleeved for dinner, mostly because of the breeze rather than formality.
Will my phone work?
Intermittently. Coverage drops between islands. A local SIM helps around Labuan Bajo and does nothing at anchor in the northern park.
What about drones?
Popular, and regulated. Check current national park rules before you travel, and never fly over ranger stations or dragon areas.
Ask what is aboard
Equipment varies by vessel. A one-line question saves carrying things that were already waiting for you.