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If you’re wondering what to pack for the Komodo Islands, we have you covered! Here is the list of all the things you can’t forget to pack for your trip.
How much to pack
You definitely want to pack light for the Komodo Islands. Since you’ll likely be staying on a boat, space is tight! We brought one backpack for our camera gear, one carry-on suitcase where we combined both of our clothes, and a small duffle for our toiletries.
>>Read: everything you need to know to visit Komodo National Park
Medicine and skincare to pack for the Komodo Islands
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen – the sun is absolutely brutal on these islands so make sure to lather up. It’s important to use reef-safe sunscreen to preserve the beautiful reefs, which create the pink beach color!
- Bug spray – while you shouldn’t wear it on Komodo or Rinca island with the dragons, it’s important to wear bug spray when you visit Komodo National Park.
- Malaria pills – according to the US CDC the Komodo Islands are a malaria risk area, so we got a prescription for Doxycycline to take as a precaution.
- Motion sickness medicine – if you get any sort of sea-sickness, you’ll certainly want to pack some motion sickness medicine. Our favorite is Bonine – it seriously is a miracle drug!
- Emergen-C – it is pretty common to get a little sick when you visit Komodo, so getting ahead of it with Emergen-C or Airborne is smart.
>>Read: 6 CAN’T MISS things to do in Komodo National Park
Clothes to pack for the Komodo Islands
- Swimsuit – of course you can’t forget a swimsuit!
- Swimsuit coverup – a few stops on the itinerary will include both hiking and some sort of water activity, so a multi-purpose cover up is a great way to go.
- Jacket – while the islands are really hot during the day, the temperature can drop when the sun goes down and a jacket is nice to have.
- Clothes you can sweat in – it will certainly be very hot regardless of when you visit, so pack clothes you don’t mind sweating in for your hikes. For Scott that meant swim trunks and no shirt, for me (Kylie) that meant a dress per usual :).
- Shoes you can hike in – definitely don’t forget athletic shoes that you can do moderate hikes in. While they’re not super long or difficult, they would not be fun to do in flip flops.
- Shoes that can get wet – when you take a small boat to the different islands you’ll often have to walk through a bit of water, so make sure to have flip flops or water shoes.
>> Read: How to choose the right Komodo tour for YOU!
Camera gear to pack for the Komodo Islands
- Camera – because this region is one of the most picturesque parts of the world, be sure to pack your camera.
- GoPro – You may also want to pack a GoPro to capture your snorkel adventures!
- Drone – a few of the best places to visit here are best captured with a drone. Make sure to check with your guide about the most recent local drone laws for each island, though.
>> Read: Our MUST-HAVE travel camera gear & check out our online photography course!
Other things to add to your list
- Water and snacks – most tours feed you meals, however bringing some extra water and snacks will help tide you over between meals.
- Hand sanitizer – hand soap and bathrooms aren’t always accessible, so hand sanitizer is a good back up to have on hand.
- Your own snorkel – if you’re concerned about cleanliness, bringing your own snorkel mask and/or mouthpiece is a good idea.
- Cash – it’s good to have cash on hand to tip your guide or pay for the activities and park entrance fees if they’re not included in your tour.
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>>Make sure to read this article for everything you need to know before you visit these islands!
Enjoy your visit to the Komodo Islands!
Kylie & Scott
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