October 2, 2026
Alexandra Smith, Luxury Travel Advisor
I leave for Indonesia in SIX days! Packing cubes are out and ready, and I am making lists of what is actually coming with me.
Packing for a destination like Indonesia requires an almost uncomfortable amount of decision-making upfront. The weather can be hot and humid, most temples have dress codes, the hikes can be muddy and wet, and domestic flights have a much stricter luggage restriction than other luxury trips.
So, I’m trying not to overdo it — which, if you’ve ever seen me pack for a vacation, this is a really hard assignment!
What I’m Actually Bringing (and What I’m Not)
Carry-on and checked bag. Carry-on will have the non-negotiables in case anything happens with the checked luggage (if you’ve ever travelled internationally, you know the risk!). Keeping in mind for my checked bag that this is not the trip where you want a 70lb suitcase following you from island to island.
I’m prioritizing:
- Lightweight/moisture-wicking tops: Humidity + hiking; things that can be re-worn and dry quickly
- Trail sneakers: Traction for hikes/wet terrain without bringing actual hiking boots
- Versatile footwear: Sandals that can go from pool/beach to dinner
- Lululemon crossbody bag
- Foldable/lightweight tote or beach bag for boat days: Aloha bags are the best, they’re waterproof
- Swimsuits: More than I would normally bring because there are so many water days and nothing dries quickly in humidity
The Logistics Stuff That’s Easy to Overlook
Aside from clothes, there’s a whole other category of pre-trip prep that people forget until it’s too late. Here’s what I’m double checking:
- Passport: At least 6 months validity beyond arrival; ensure there are blank pages
- Indonesia Visa: Visa on Arrival/e-VOA (worth doing online ahead of time rather than dealing with it after the long flight)
- Bali tourist levy: Separate from the Indonesian visa (can pay ahead of arrival in Bali)
- Vaccines: I suggest making a travel-health appointment at your local hospital, who has all of the up-to-date CDC country recommendations
- Mosquito protection: DEET/picaridin + awareness of dengue; my husband and I are taking the malaria prophylaxis since it is recommended in some of the areas we’re visiting
- Small travel medical kit: Being equipped for “Bali belly” just in case (Imodium, Pepto, Liquid IV, etc…)
- Money: Credit/debit cards with no foreign transaction fees + some Indonesian Rupiah (can be arranged through bank app)
- Travel insurance: Especially relevant for this itinerary (multiple domestic flights, boats, remote islands, weather/volcanic disruptions, and NIHI Sumba). We splurged for “Cancel for any reason” coverage given we have young kids and who knows what could happen?
- Copies/screenshots of domestic flight confirmations: We have so many moving pieces and who knows when cell service may be spotty?
The itinerary is done, the countdown is very real, and now I just have to figure out how to fit two weeks and five versions of Indonesia into one suitcase (and leave room for six bottles of sunscreen).
I’ll be documenting everything as I go and sharing the full debrief when I’m back.
Quick question before I zip up the bag: What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever packed “just in case”…and did you actually use it? Comment below and let me know.
Ready to start planning your luxury trip to Indonesia?
Get in touch with team@thejourneybound.com to start the conversation and begin planning your Indonesia adventure.
