This Kit-List is for anyone who is part of a School Expedition. If you are joining us as a Research Assistant, Dissertation student or to complete your Divemaster training, you should be looking at this webpage: Indonesia Kit List
This document is a guide to the expedition kit you will need for your expedition based on what you will be doing in Indonesia and the experience of previous expeditions.
When packing you need to be thinking of the minimum amount you can take whilst remaining comfortable and safe. For Indonesia the internal flights limit is 20kg of hold luggage (please refer to the main training video for details) and 7kg of hand luggage (although we have never known them to weigh this, so please put heavy things in your hand luggage), therefore you need to aim for light, compact, durable, quick-drying and versatile equipment. The list below is essential kit – unless stated as optional. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact your local Opwall office. The Indonesia Project Leader can also be contacted: Mo Johnson, Indonesia: +62 8124 572 4054 or indonesia@opwall.com/ or the Opwall UK office: +441790 763194 or indonesia@opwall.com
To download a copy of the kit list, click here.
Insurance documents – Please bring 3 photocopies of your Travel insurance documents with you. One to hand in at both the forest and marine site, and one to keep with you. Not applicable if your school is providing travel insurance cover.
Photocopy of passport – Please bring 3 passport photocopies with you (each on a separate piece of A4 paper) as you will need to hand these in at each camp and you should have a spare in-case you lose your passport. Store these in a separate place to your passport.
Visa copy – Please bring 3 photocopies with you. One to hand in at both the forest and marine site, and one to keep with you.
Unfortunately, when working in such remote locations, often involving numerous flights and forms of transport, luggage can go missing. It is best to be prepared to go without your large bag for a few days, just in case, so here is what we recommend you pack in your hand luggage.
Valuables – Including passport, money, and any expensive equipment (e.g. camera).
Personal medicine – Must be in original packaging. Please bring any medication you require personally, such as inhalers, epi-pens, as well as your malaria tablet.
Change of clothes – Including spare underwear.
Head torch /head lamp – Essential for your expedition. – Red light setting for terrestrial night surveys is ideal.
Toiletries – Tooth brush and wet wipes, deodorant.
Walking boots – Wear these on the plane, reduces weight in your bag and makes sure you don’t lose them.
Fleece/thick top – Wear this on the plane, it will keep you warm, and also saves space in your luggage
Documentation – Listed above, these documents need to be in your hand luggage
Travel adapter & power bank – Pack these so you can keep your devices charged and usable during transit and unexpected delays. Please ensure you have the correct adaptor for Indonesian socket which is a European Style adaptor (2 large round prongs).
Below is a list of essential equipment required for the whole expedition. Unless clearly stated, everything here is completely essential. Some items in this list will also be used in the marine site (such as your sleeping bag and rucksack) but the forest site is much more limited on what will be suitable.
Please note that during your forest week you will be allowed to store your marine specific kit securely in a local town.
Rucksack – We recommend at least 50L capacity with good back support and a waistband. Need to fit you well and be comfortable as you will need to carry this bag on a trek lasting up to 2hrs. Hold alls and suitcases are not suitable and will not be permitted in the forest.
Rucksack waterproof cover & waterproof liner bag – It can rain quite heavily in Indonesia, and you will be carrying your bag to camp. A cover will help to keep your kit dry. The pack ideally needs to have a waterproof liner/bag into which everything is packed inside (a water-proof cover helps keep a bag looking clean, but a large garbage bag into which everything is packed and can be sealed inside is the easiest solution for keeping everything dry).
Day bag/Small rucksack – 20-30L. Used for your surveys to carry your water and equipment, so ensure a comfortable fit. Use this as your hand luggage on flights. Waterproof cover recommended.
Sleeping Bag and/or liner or cotton sheet – Lightweight, 1-2 seasons. A light sleeping bag is recommended – the temperature rarely drops below about 20 degrees. You may also want to bring a sleeping bag liner as in warmer conditions these can be more comfortable and they are very light.
Water bottle and/or platypus – You must have the capacity to carry at least 2L of water with you (can be in multiple containers if needed). A combination of leak-proof plastic bottles (total capacity 2 litres) is imperative. The ‘hydration systems’ on the market (Platypus, camelback, Ortileb) have the advantage of packing flat when not in use. Many participants that bring a flat pack platypus for the forest week, comment that they wish they’d bought a water bottle that would stand on a table at meal times.
Head Torch – Absolutely essential as there is no electricity at night in either camp and you will need this to get back to your hut on Hoga and for the night time surveys in the forest. Night surveys require strong headlamps, a red light setting will be less attractive to insects and is needed for the bat surveys. It is highly recommended that you bring a head torch that has a rechargeable lithium battery rather than single use batteries. Batteries are not available to purchase or dispose of on-site, you must take any used ones home with you.
Waterproof jacket/poncho – You only need a very lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho, as it is very humid. Pac-a-mac or similar would be ideal as it they pack down very small. Heavyweight Gore-Tex raincoats are pointless – they are hot and may get snagged and torn. Some people would rather not worry about trying to keep dry in the forest because it rains so much and it is almost impossible to stay dry, however if it’s raining during the night and you need to go the bathroom – you may regret not bringing anything.
Padlock – Useful for locking your pack in the forest, and for valuables lockers at the marine site.
Travel towel/Sarong – Don’t bring a big thick towel as it won’t dry quickly enough.
Watch with alarm – To wake yourself up early for surveys. Doesn’t have to be expensive.
Notebook and pencil – Essential for taking notes during lectures!
The most important thing to remember is that you WILL BE OUT IN THE RAIN when in the forest camp. It is a rain forest and it rains regularly. Surveys don’t stop unless the rain is so heavy that it becomes hazardous. Therefore, you should bring clothes that you don’t mind getting wet, muddy and stained! Synthetic quick dry fabrics are essential for surveys as it is very humid in the rainforest and clothes do not dry well. Light colours (not white) are recommended as they don’t retain the heat. You will need to bring separate clothes for wearing in camp which stay in camp and stay dry, so that you always have something to change in to when you return from survey. You should also be prepared to put on wet clothes from the day before to go out on survey as it is not easy to dry things in the forest, in fact sometimes clothes dry quicker from you wearing them than hanging them up!
It is a good idea to keep one set of clothing clean for your flights to and from country, this makes your travel and the people around you more comfortable. Due to cultural sensitivities, in the forest you must wear clothing that covers your shoulders (no vest tops) and knees (long trousers, knee-length shorts, or sarong/skirt).
Remember you need to travel light so wear your hiking boots onto the airplane to keep the weight of your pack down, and then you can kick them off during the flight for comfort. Label your baggage, clothes and kit; there are many volunteers, and some may have the same or similar items to you. Unfortunately valuables are very occasionally at risk, so please only take what is vital.
We have included rough quantities for each item but please feel free to bring more or less, it’s personal preference and up to you…as long as it fits!
T-shirts (3-6) – Loose fitting is best, must cover shoulders. Quick drying material best for surveys. Even split between camp clothes and survey (i.e. 2-3 of each).
Long sleeved shirts (3) – Lightweight. For covering up in the evenings. Essential for avoiding insect bites (especially on evening surveys such as bats). Button up shirts are a good option to be worn on surveys to protect your arms.
Lightweight long trekking trousers/pants (2-3) – These should be lightweight and loose fitting. You will get very muddy, so quick drying material is best. Trousers that zip off at the knee are a good idea, as they can be turned into shorts for the river crossings, but you can also just roll your trousers up if you wish. Cotton trousers are not suitable for trekking.
Long Shorts (2) – Lightweight and loose fitting, quick dry is best. Must cover the knee, or stop just above. For camp wear only in the forest – shorts are not permitted on survey for safety reasons
Nightwear/Pyjamas – Accommodation is shared so bring something comfortable and appropriate to sleep in.
Underwear and bras – Please bring at least 2 weeks’ worth of underwear. This should be comfortable fitting. We recommend sports bras for the forest, as these will be more comfortable when trekking.
Hiking socks x 6 pairs – Enough for 1 week. It is very important to keep your feet dry, so a clean pair of hiking socks will be needed daily. You will be able to hand wash these on site, but if you don’t wish to then bring more.
Hat or Bandana – Useful to protect you from the sun.
Sunglasses – A good pair are useful to protect your eyes from the sun and glare reflected from water in the marine site and when travelling on boats.
Flip-Flops (camp shoes) – It is absolutely essential that you change into dry footwear when returning to camp after survey. A pair of cheap flip-flops or similar are ideal, or an old pair of trainers to cover for insects. Flip-flops can also be worn for walking around the marine site.
Swimwear – For river bathing, board shorts that go to the knee are compulsory for all and girls will need a top (rash vest or t-shirt) that covers the shoulders as well.
Marine site clothes – Bring a couple of sets of ‘normal’ clothes to wear for the first couple of days at the marine site while you wait for your jungle laundry to come back.
Hiking boots/Jungle boots or Wellington/Rubber Boots – For trekking, everyday. It is your decision whether you take hiking boots or wellies, but you do not need both.
They need to be waterproof and quick drying, as the forest can be very wet and muddy. They also need to have a good grip. Walking boots provide considerably better ankle support but will not dry at any point if it rains. Wellies are more reliable to keep water out and dry quicker but offer less support. You will likely have wet feet at somepoint on survey so whichever option you go with you’ll have to accept that.
Walking Gaiters (Optional) – As mentioned, it can be very wet and muddy in the forest. Gaiters can help to keep your boots and the bottom of your trousers dry if you’re wearing hiking boots. Please note these are optional and not a requirement.
Hiking Sandals – For river crossings and are essential. Must have a good grip and fit your feet well. TEVA style sandals are recommended. Flip flops or dive booties are NOT suitable for river crossings.
Below is a list of essential (unless stated otherwise) equipment required, and is in addition to the core & terrestrial kit. With spending so much time in the water, you want to make sure that you have the correct equipment. Dive and snorkel equipment is included as part of your package though you may wish to buy your own mask, snorkel or fins.
If you do wish to buy any of these we strongly suggest that you call the agents that we work with directly (see purchasing advice) as they will be able to provide you
with both excellent advice as well as giving you information on their best deals!
Dive Training Materials – If you’re learning to SCUBA dive on expedition, you will need dive training materials. These are now entirely online so to make things easier for you we’ve arranged them on your behalf. You’ll receive an email from us in the run up to the expedition with login details and information on how to access them. We highly recommend bringing a smartphone or tablet with you so you can then access them on expedition. If you have independently bought dive training materials please let us know as soon as possible by emailing diving@opwall.com.
Marine medical forms – You must complete these online via the Opwall portal at least 3 months prior to travel. It’s recommended that you bring out a printed copy of the completed form with you on expedition, particularly if you’ve had it signed by a doctor or dive medic.
Proof of dive qualification – If you are already a qualified diver, we will require proof of your dive qualifications on site. We do accept non- PADI qualifications, as long as it is equivalent to or more advanced than PADI Open Water.
Wetsuit – Bring a 3mm thick full-length wetsuit for protection in the water and warmth. If bringing a shortie wetsuit you must also bring a long sleeve rash vest and full-length leggings to wear underneath. Not available to hire on site.
Dive Booties – Essential for walking out to the boats. Need to have a rubber sole.
Swimsuit/swim shorts AND rash vest – Shoulders and midriffs must be covered. A rash vest is essential along with your swim suit or swim shorts. You wear these under your full-length wetsuit.
Dive watch or computer – This is a requirement under PADI regulations for qualified divers. However, PADI allows Open Water divers to go off diving in buddy pairs on their own without a Dive Master whereas Opwall regulations require that all divers are accompanied by a Dive Master who times their dives. Under these circumstances we don’t consider it necessary but if you have a waterproof watch or dive computer please take it.
Mask, snorkel and fins – optional to bring your own – The hire costs of these items is already included in your package price to Opwall so these items will be provided for you to use onsite. You may however wish to bring your own mask & snorkel if you already have one.
Waterproof plastic/zip lock bags/dry bag/bin liners – These are very useful to keep the water out of your kit and clothes and also for packing – dry bags can be used to compress clothes and save space. You can line your rucksack with a bin/garbage bag and have smaller bags for clothes and items like your camera.
Camera – You will have lots of opportunities to take pictures but please bring a waterproof carrying case/bag for the camera. You will have lots of opportunities to take pictures so if you have a GoPro or waterproof camera, consider bringing this with you. Please do not bring a drone, without the correct license from the Indonesian Government you could face a penalty fine.
Binoculars – These are really useful to see much of the wildlife in the forest. 8×42 are the best to bring but any you may have at home will suffice.
Earphones/cards/book – Coach journeys can be long so bring something to keep yourself entertained.
Language/phrase book – This is a recommendation stressed by previous volunteers. Also worth noting many translating apps allow you to download language packs you can use offline
Folding fan – You will be glad you brought one when the midday heat hits.
Handheld mirror – You will have no access to mirrors in the jungle so it may be useful to bring one.
Earplugs/eye mask – If you are someone that generally struggles to sleep, you may find that the lively sounds of the jungle or people walking by with their torches on keeps you awake. Also useful for a long plane and coach journey!
Caribiner – Can be used to hang items up inside the tents as there are no hooks or shelves. Keeping things off the ground may be helpful to prevent damp
Camping Lamp – The army style tents are dark when the power is not on – even during the day so a lamp can be helpful for lighting a wider area than your head-torch. Although you won’t be spending much time in your tent!
Small tupperware box with a good seal – To keep any snacks in to prevent wildlife from helping themselves
Personal reusable straw – For drinking fresh coconuts on site.
Nail clippers/tweezers – If you are staying in camp for a long amount of time these will be very useful.
2-3 Bandanas or cotton handkerchiefs – To be used as ‘sweat rags’ to wipe your face while on jungle walks. It is very humid and sweaty!
Vitamin/mineral supplements – The diet is very basic in Indonesia, so these can be a good idea.
Snacks & condiments – Cereal bars, protein bars or things to spice up your meals!
Optional suggested donation or gift items to bring for the school in Sampela Village – Examples would be pencils and erasers, colouring pencils, whiteboard markers, kids colouring books, sports equipment like footballs and basket balls, frisbee, volley balls, badminton rackets, nets and shuttlecocks.
Toiletries bag – How are you storing these
Toothbrush & Toothpaste – Avoid bringing an electric toothbrush as you may struggle to charge it in the forest. We would recommend bringing a case to keep it clean.
Deodorant/anti-perspirant – You will sweat but nice to be fresh after washing. Avoid spray cans and take roll-on instead.
Hair and Body Wash – Biodegradable if possible, small travel sizes or bars rather than liquids to save space (make sure you have a tin if you have bars)
Small hand soap – For your private bathroom at the marine site. There is hand soap in all communal handwashing areas.
Insect repellent – Malaria and dengue do occur in SE Sulawesi. ‘Mosi-Guard’ and ‘Skin so soft’ by Avon are effective, environmentally friendly insect repellents that do not contain DEET. DEET products are not recommended in the forest so we can minimise our impact on the environment and you will not be able to handle any animals on surveys if wearing this. See: www.alternativeinsectrepellent.co.uk/.
Talcum powder/anti-fungal powder – It is important to keep your feet dry, so it is recommended to use antifungal powder at the end of each survey and after washing. A small tube of anti-fungal cream and some talcum powder may help to dry feet at the end of each day and prevent any issues.
Sun cream – Factor 30, minimum, is recommended. Please ensure it is a coral friendly sun-block if you intend to use it in the water.
Sanitary towels/tampons – Please note, tampons are not available in Indonesia. Bring some even if you are not expecting to use them as both travel and the tropical climate can affect your menstrual cycle.
Any other toiletries you would normally use
Staff will be carrying medical kits and the medical provision on site is excellent. However, there are some items listed below you will also need to carry yourself. It is
essential that you bring your own basic medical kit.
Antihistamine tablets – For insect bites. It’s useful if you can bring both drowsy and non drowsy
Antihistamine/Hydrocortisone cream – Bite/sting cream. Can be very beneficial for reducing itching and swelling of in- sect bites.
Paracetamol/aspirin – For headaches etc.
Ibuprofen – For swelling etc.
Rehydration salts – Essential! Rehydration salts kept in camp do not have the most appetising taste so please bring your own. You will be sweating a lot and losing fluids. Because of this, we recommend you take a dosage of rehydration salts every day. Don’t forget to read the correct dosage to ensure you are absorbing the salts correctly
Antiseptic wipes – Cleaning cuts or grazes
Plasters (assorted sizes) – May also be worth adding a couple of blister plasters as well as normal ones.
Vitamins – If you normally take these.
Malaria Tablets – Please seek your doctors advice on malaria prophylaxis. Please do not take Larium (mefloquine hydrochloride) if you are intending to dive, as you will not be allowed to dive on this medication.
Ear drops/ Eg swim ear – Useful to bring, especially if you are prone to ear problems
Sea/travel sickness tablets – The roads on Buton can be bumpy, and the boat journey to Hoga can be rough.
Any personal medication you usually take – It is vital that you bring any prescribed medications.
If you normally carry an epi-pen for any allergies, it is essential that you bring at least 2 or 3 with you on expedition.
If you use an inhaler, it is essential that you bring at least 2 with you in case you misplace one.
A Guide to Buying Dive Equipment – https://www.opwall.com/article/all-the-gear-but-no-ideayet/
Top Eco-Friendly Kit Ideas – https://www.opwall.com/article/top-eco-friendly-kit-ideas/
Beginner Fieldwork Equipment – https://www.opwall.com/article/beginner-fieldwork-equipment/
What Equipment to Borrow or Buy – https://www.opwall.com/article/the-festive-guide-to-gearing-up-for-your-expedition/
Top 10 Must Have Items! – https://www.opwall.com/article/lets-find-out-what-you-couldnt-live-without/
Hair & Skin Care at a Marine Site – https://www.opwall.com/article/hair-and-skin-care-at-a-marine-site/
Ecological Apps to Download – https://www.opwall.com/article/ecological-apps-so-you-can-identify-appsolutely-everything/
BBC Documentaries –
BBC Planet Earth, Episode 8: Jungles Documentary
BBC Planet Earth, Episode 9: Freshwater Documentary
BBC Life of Mammals, Episode 8: Tree Dwellers
Malay Archipelago – by Alfred Russel Wallace gives an excellent background to the area of Indonesia now known as the Wallacea region. This book which was published in the 1850’s can be obtained from Pisces Conservatione -book format for £14-40 if you contact them directly (tel +44 (0)1590 674000 or emailpisces@irchouse.demon.co.uk)
A Guide to the Birds of Wallacea: Sulawesi, the Moluccas and Lesser Sunda islands, Indonesia – by Brian J Coates and K.D Bishop is the best bird guide. This book is very expensive, so this is certainly not a compulsory purchase.
Reef Fish Identification—Tropical Pacific – By Gerald Allen is the best fish ID book for the area
Merlin Bird ID app – We strongly recommend that you download the Merlin Bird ID app and install the Sulawesi pack before arriving in Indonesia. We will show you how to use it on arrival and it will greatly help with the bird point count surveys. Download on the App Store or Google Play
You may find that you have suitable gear already, so don’t feel you have to buy everything new. Shop around as there are some really great deals out there and some items you may even be able to borrow from friends or relatives of a school outdoors or camping club. Never be afraid to buy second hand from places like vinted.
Please check the fundraising resources library (Password: wallacea81) for discount codes and a copy of the Sponsorship Support Letter to download for purchasing any equipment in person.
Below are some retailers we recommend checking out for great gear and helpful advice:
Go Outdoors (UK) – gooutdoors.co.uk – Lot’s of good brands and discounts for outdoor gear (wellies and boots!)
Mountain Warehouse (UK) – mountainwarehouse.com – good entry leverl dear at cheap prices – also occasionally has great sales/deals
Decathalon (UK/EU) – Decathalon.co.uk – some of the cheapest outdoor gear out there
Regatta/Craghoppers (UK) – craghoppers.com or outlet stores – can have a great sales, really high quality tropical equipment
Back Country Gear (US) – backcountrygear.com – For outdoor clothing and equipment
US Outdoor (US) – usoutdoor.com – For outdoor clothing and equipment
Scuba Store (US and Canada) – scubastore.com – Diving equipment
Naturally Organic (NZ) – naturallyorganic.co.nz – Organic shampoos, body washes, sun lotion
Bivouac (NZ) – bivouac.co.nz – Outdoor clothing and equipment
Ecostore (NZ) – ecostoredirect.co.nz – Ecofriendly shampoos and body washes
Some spending money is needed to purchase meals during the internal travel period before and after the expedition.
The meals you will need to purchase yourself are outlined in the internal travel package info provided. We recommend budgeting 5-10 pounds sterling per meal and you will likely need to purchase between 4 and 6 meals depending on your exact travel itinerary.
If your hold luggage weights more than 20kgs you will be asked to pay for any extra kgs in IDR Cash at the airport when you check in. The cost for extra luggage is approx. GBP5/ UDS6.50/ AUD10 per kilogram extra, for each leg of the journey! So if you are 1kg over take that amount and multiply by two for your outbound and homeward bound journey.
You may also want to bring some spending money for personal on-site optional extras. This may include snacks & drinks, souvenirs that you wish to purchase from local shops at the marine site, and also to pay for any clothes washing you would like done by the local people when you arrive at the marine site.
The local Indonesian currency is Rupiah, it is essential that you bring some to use on site as other currencies are not accepted. Changing money to Rupiah may be possible in your home country, and if so this is recommended. If this is not possible, then you can change money at Jakarta or Bali international airport, or withdraw Rupiah from ATMs whilst in Jakarta, Bali, Makassar, or Kendari. Although you are likely to be on a tight travel schedule and so this may not be possible. Once you get to Buton Island there will be no way to exchange money, and no other currency is accepted apart from Indonesian Rupiah so ensure to plan ahead.
Once you are on the expedition you will be provided with 3 meals per day. In the forest site an afternoon snack is also provided. If you would like to have extra snacks outside of this you are welcome to bring snack bars or protein bars with you, and you will also have the opportunity to purchase snacks from small local shops when at the marine site, but not at the forest site.
Every meal will include rice, as this is a staple in Indonesia. The diet is largely carbohydrate based. There is no meat or fish at the forest site. There is protein source in every meal in the form of beans, tofu and tempe, as well as eggs, but you may wish to bring an additional source of protein with you. However, fish is often served at dinner the marine sites, and occasionally other meat such as chicken. There is a vegetable dish with every meal, and fruit is served when possible.
In the forest camps the water is boiled over the fire in order to sterilize it for drinking. This does mean it can have a slightly smoky taste that is not to everyone’s liking, so you may wish to bring something to add some flavour, such as flavour sachets, or concentrates. However, this is optional.
You will be able to wash clothes in the river/small bucket in the forest if you take your own biodegradeable laundry soap, however it is unlikely to dry before you leave for the marine site. Therefore, please ensure you have enough clothes to last you the full week. You are able to send some clothes away for a washing when you arrive on Hoga (for a small fee – so make sure to have small notes) but it can take a couple of days so make sure you don’t send it all away! It is a good idea to keep one set of clothing clean for your flights to and from country, this makes your travel and the people around you more comfortable.
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