PACKING · BOATS, HIKES, BEACHES
One Bag, Three Kinds of Day
A boat deck, a steep dry hike and a reef, often before lunch. Pack for all three and keep it soft-sided — there is nowhere on a phinisi to put a hard suitcase.
- Daytime
- 25 - 32 °C
- Bag
- Soft-sided only
- Shoes
- Closed, with grip
- Cash
- Rupiah, for fees
By category
What Actually Earns Its Space
Six groups. Everything else is optional.
Clothing
On deck
Light cotton and linen, a long-sleeve layer for sun, and one warm thing for the crossing before dawn.
Footwear
For the climbs
Closed shoes with grip. Padar and Kelor are loose dirt and rock, and rangers will not walk you in flip-flops.
Snorkel
In the water
Your own mask if you have one, a rash vest against sun and stingers, and reef-safe sunscreen.
Essentials
Sun and health
High-factor sunscreen, a hat that stays on in wind, motion-sickness tablets, and any medication you cannot buy locally.
Tech
Power and dry bags
A power bank, waterproof phone pouch, and one dry bag. Cabin sockets are limited and often only run while the generator does.
Admin
Cash and documents
Rupiah in cash for park fees, printed insurance details, and your dive certification if you plan to use it.
Bring, and Leave Behind
Space on a boat is smaller than you think.
Bring
- A soft duffel that folds flat under a bunk
- Reef-safe sunscreen — the regular kind harms coral
- Modest cover-up for villages and mosques on Flores
- A head torch for pre-dawn climbs
Leave at home
- Hard-shell suitcases — there is nowhere to stow them
- A drone, unless you have confirmed the permit
- Hiking boots; trail shoes are plenty
- Anything you would be upset to see get salt on it
Related
What Changes the List
Season and route both move it.
Packing
Questions About What to Bring
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Route and dates, and we will tell you the three things people always forget for that particular week.
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