Packing List for Raja Ampat: What to Bring?

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That you clicked on this packing list can only mean one thing: you are going to Raja Ampat! Now the question is, what should you bring to this paradise? We can already reveal that you’ll need to think of quite a few things. After all, you’re traveling to a remote corner of the world. To help you prepare and make sure you’ve thought of everything, you can check off our packing list for Raja Ampat. That way, you can start your adventure carefree and well-prepared!

A good preparation is half the work

When you’re packing for Raja Ampat, it’s important to know that there are no shops or supermarkets on the islands. So, it’s not possible to buy anything if you forget something. In cities like Sorong and Waisai, you could still buy a few things, but on the islands themselves, almost nothing is for sale.

Packing List for Raja Ampat

Below you will find a list of specific items to bring to Raja Ampat, divided by category.

Note: The list below only includes specific items that are useful for Raja Ampat. General items like underwear, a toothbrush, and a passport are not included. For those, please check our general packing list to ensure you don’t forget anything.

Basics

  • Cash: There are no ATMs, and you can almost never pay with your credit card
  • A water bottle: to fill with water at your homestay
  • Flip-flops: for showering and going to the toilet
  • Diving mask and snorkel: a must-have because you can hardly rent them anywhere
  • Snorkel fins: you’ll need these for the strong currents at many spots
  • Water shoes

Medical

  • Reef Safe sunscreen SPF 50: Reef Friendly is not the same as Reef Safe, only Reef Safe sunscreen is truly harmless to coral
  • Mosquito spray: with a high percentage of DEET. Be sure to bring enough
  • Azaron stick: helps with the itching from mosquito bites
  • UV-protective clothing: to protect against the sun while boating and snorkeling and against jellyfish stings
  • Coconut oil: works perfectly against biting sand flies that are common on many islands
  • Basic first aid items: disinfectant, waterproof bandages, anti-diarrhea medication, paracetamol, and ibuprofen
  • ORS: in case you get food poisoning
  • Cetirizine tablets: helps with the itching from sand flies and mosquito bites

Other

  • A roll of tape: to seal holes in a mosquito net
  • Hat or cap
  • Snacks
  • Underwater camera
  • Hygiene wipes: for when there’s no running water to wash your hands
  • Drybag: to keep your things dry during a boat trip
  • Headlamp: for when there’s no electricity
  • Trash bags: to avoid leaving plastic waste on the islands. Dispose of the trash bag in Waisai or Sorong
  • Poncho: for when you end up in a tropical rainstorm during a boat trip
  • Baby shampoo: to rub on your diving mask so it doesn’t fog up underwater. Baby shampoo won’t sting your eyes
  • Power bank
  • Book
  • Travel game
  • Frisbee or beach tennis racketss
  • Local SIM card from Telkomsel: the only working provider in Raja Ampat
  • A yoga mat: the bungalows in Raja Ampat are perfect for a morning stretch with a sea view!

What clothes should you bring to Raja Ampat?

Packing clothes for Raja Ampat is not difficult. Swimwear is the most important because you’ll be wearing your bikini or swim trunks every day. It’s best to bring several sets. Also, make sure to pack light clothing. Not only is it comfortable, but it also dries quickly. It’s also handy to bring a long pair of pants and a long-sleeved shirt for protection against mosquitoes. Leave denim shorts and warm clothing at home. In Raja Ampat, you’ll be outdoors all day, and the sun shines a lot. That’s why UV-protective clothing is also a must-have. You can also swim in this clothing, and it protects you against jellyfish stings as well.

Additional Tips to Keep in Mind for Your Trip to Raja Ampat

In addition to the detailed packing list, there are other things to keep in mind before you leave for Raja Ampat.

Download music, podcasts, and seriesThere is little to no Wi-Fi on the islands of Raja Ampat. Therefore, it’s wise to download music, podcasts, audiobooks, movies, or TV shows in advance.

Set your debit card to global useIt might be obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. Set your debit card for worldwide use. Otherwise, you won’t be able to withdraw Indonesian rupees, and you will definitely need them in Raja Ampat. You can’t pay with your credit card there.

Check passport validityBefore you travel, check the validity of your passport. For Indonesia, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon arrival.

Recommended vaccinations for Raja AmpatBefore leaving, it’s a good idea to get the recommended vaccinations from the GGD or a Travel Clinic. Consult with a doctor or specialist about which vaccinations you need.