Packing List: An Indonesia SCUBA Trip
I am kind of an obsessive list maker when it comes to traveling. What? I just like to be organized. Since this was my first trip to Indonesia, first ever SCUBA dive trip, and first international vacation in a long time, I was seriously stumped on how to pack. I did a lot of googling phrases like “scuba trip packing list” “what to pack for Indonesia” “how many pairs of underwear for 15 days”. While I didn’t find a one stop shop for a packing list, I cobbled together my own packing list using a few different resources (including this “how many underwear to pack” chart).
Indonesia SCUBA Trip Packing List
Here’s a screenshot of my obsessively categorized and color coded packing list:
For reference, our trip was basically 5 days of travel time (2 there, 3 back) and 10 days SCUBA diving at the resort. We really didn't do any other traveling or activities other than SCUBA/snorkel/swim. So if you're going to be doing any hiking, temple visiting, climbing, etc., you'll want to reference some other lists as well. I packed a lot of things I already owned and had for a long time. For items that were specifically awesome, I'll link to them.
Clothes:
Dresses x 2 - I find dresses from "adventure" brands like Patagonia and prAna hold up to wrinkling well.
Spandex shorts (to wear under the dress for anti-chafing)
Capri pants – love these prAna ones in charcoal.
Lightweight black leggings
Running shorts x 2 - whatever quick dry running shorts you already have will work
T-shirt x 2 – loved the Standard Tee from Krochet Kids. It's got a little nicer shape than a plain t-shirt and it's sooo soft. Perfect for the airport.
Tank Top x 5 - I highly recommend loose, blousy tanks. I just brought old and/or cheap Target ones. The only thing I ended up not wearing was a fitted workout tank with built in bra. It seemed too hot for something that fitted! If we had gone hiking, I probably would have worn it, though.
SPF Long Sleeve Shirts x 3 – it felt weird taking 3 long sleeve shirts to the tropics, but I wore them every single day for sun protection. Columbia and Patgonia have nice ones.
Shorts x 3 – I packed knee length stretch denim shorts and, though I wore them once, I regretted it. My other ones were cheap black and khaki ones from Old Navy.
Sports Bra x 3 – didn’t pack a real bra, never regretted it.
Quick Dry Underwear x 5 - nothing is quick dry in the tropics. Wish I packed more underwear.
Socks x 3 - compression socks for the plane and two extras. Didn't need the other socks.
Rash Guard - I have one similar to this NRS Rash Guard.
Swim Suits - Tops x 4, Bottoms x 3 - I talk about my favorite swimsuits in this post. My favorite swimsuit brands for active ladies are prAna, Athleta, and Carve Designs.
Sweatshirt - strictly for airplane use. I brought an old zippy that I didn't care about losing or ruining for easy on/off.
On the plane, I wore lightweight leggings, the grey Krochet Kids t-shirt, compression socks, sweat shirt, and running shoes. I looked a little sloppy, but in the airport I ditched the sweatshirt and running shoes, put on the Sanuks and the straw hat and felt like I looked presentable. In my carryon, I packed a dress, extra underwear, running shorts and my favorite swimsuit. I figured I could get by on that for awhile if my luggage got lost.
Shoes/Accessories/Other
Shoes x 3: Old trail runners, Chacos, and Sanuk yoga slings.
Hat x 2: Straw hat and one of Greyson’s dorky visors. I forgot to bring a baseball cap, which I completely regret.
Sunglasses x 3: I like these ones and these ones by Sun Cloud. They have nice, polarized lenses but aren’t so expensive that I’m terrified of losing them.
Sunglasses Strap: I lost this in the ocean partway through. Ooops.
Water Bottle: I usually use a Klean Kanteen, but I wanted the lighter/bigger Nalgene for this trip.
Travel Pillow/Eye Mask/Ear Plugs: Necessary for long flights
Headlamp: Didn’t use, but glad to have it
Life Straw: Ditto
Phone/Charger/Converter: The only electronic that I brought was my iPhone. It was my entertainment/e reader/camera/contact with the outside world. I have a LifeProof Nuud Waterproof Case so I wasn't too worried about getting it wet, but I never brought it on the daily boat rides. Other people had GoPros and dive housing for their cameras, so I let them take all the actual SCUBA pictures.
Passport/Drivers License/PADI Card/Insurance Card/Credit Cards/Cash/Important Copies
Toiletries
Sunscreen – I’m really picky about what sunscreen I’ll use. Since we were spending so much time close to a delicate reef, it was really important to me that I use reef safe sunscreen. I brought two containers of thinksport SPF 50, which has a good Environmental Working Group rating. It had a bit of a learning curve, as I didn’t apply enough my first time out and got a little burnt on my nose. After I figured out how much I needed to use, I really liked it, especially for my face.
Bug Spray with DEET
Waterproof Mascara/CC Cream/Eyeliner – this was the only makeup that I brought. I rarely wore any, but it was nice to have and all I needed/wanted.
Bronners & Conditioner
Dry Shampoo
Hair Ties & Barrettes/Wide Tooth Comb – the barrettes were essential for keeping my bangs back in the water
Toothpaste/Travel Toothbrush/Floss
Face wash wipes
Deodorant & Body Glide – I was so sweaty all the time, and I’m so glad I brought body glide.
Tweezers/Nail Clippers
Medicine
Chapstick x 6 – I am also obsessively worried about losing all my chapstick.
SCUBA Gear
Note: I rented a BCD and regulator from Papua Explorers Resort. The resort also provided weights and a reef hook to the guests.
2.5 mm Full Length Wetsuit – Greyson, you were right. Even at the equator, a full length wetsuit was the right decision.
Dive computer
Safety sausage/whistle
Mask/fins– I carried by mask and snorkel in my carry on.
Fins/booties – I got the cheapest fins & booties package at the dive shop. I wish I’d gotten slightly nicer ones since I got pretty bad hot spots on my toes.
There's my list! While (nearly) everything I brought got used, there were a few standout products that I have to call out specifically.
Best Of:
Patagonia Magnolia Dress – I bought this dress in 2011 to wear in a friend’s wedding – it’s got to be the most versatile dress of all time. It barely wrinkles, it’s so comfortable and it’s super flattering. I have it in grey, but it comes in adorable patterns now.
Running shorts – I just brought a couple of old pairs that I had hanging around. I like them because they’re comfortable and dry quickly. I’d recommend ones without built in underwear if possible.
Columbia Sun Shirt – This was on sale, light, it protected me from the sun and let me live out my paleontologist fantasies. At 5’11”, the men’s medium fit me perfectly – way better than any of the women’s shirts.
SmartWool Strappy Sports Bra– the wool/synthetic blend helped them not smell bad, a miracle in the tropics.
Calavera Core Lifeguard swim top – this top was the best one to wear under my wetsuit. It’s also great to swim around in. I never worried about falling out or it coming untied, even while pulling my wetsuit on and off. It also didn’t have bulky knots. Unfortunately, Calavera has gone out of business, but something like the Patagonia Nanogrip Bikini Top or Sensi Graves Issy Top will perform similarly.
Columbia Straw Hat– this hat covered my face, my neck and my dirty hair while looking pretty stylish. It also was able to be re-shaped after I crushed it into my carry on over and over.
BodyGlide– chafing is no joke in the tropics. I used this daily for chafe-proofing my body. When I started developing hot spots on my toes, this stuff helped as well.
Sea to Summit Travel Pillow– I can sleep anywhere, and it’s in part due to this awesome travel pillow. It packs down so small, but blows up big and firm enough for real support.
2.5 mm Full Length Wetsuit – I bought a cheap suit from Seavenger and, while I’m not sure how long it’s going to last me, it worked great for this trip. It was easy to get on and off, didn’t stretch out too much, dried as well as other pricier suits, and never started to smell bad. Note: size down! According to their measurements, I was at the top end of a size 13. I ordered that and it was way too big. Luckily, they had an 11 still in stock and I ordered that. It fit me, and it was nowhere close to too small.
SUUNTO Zoop Dive Computer – This is a pretty basic model, but it was very easy to use. Greyson set it up in just a couple of minutes, and all I had to do was turn it on and jump in the water. Idiot proof!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I receive a small percentage of the sale as compensation – at no additional cost to you. I promise to only recommend products that I use and enjoy!