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If you’re wondering what to wear in Indonesia, it really depends on where you’re going and what you’ll be doing. Lombok is an island right next to Bali and it is quickly becoming just as popular with several boats of travelers heading to the Gili Islands daily.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that just because Lombok is so close to Bali that the packing list will be the same! There are a few other must-have items you need to pack that you may not know about. Read on to discover the five gotta-have items you can’t travel to Lombok without!
What to Wear in Indonesia: Lombok
Written By: Kelly Ella Maz
BYOT – Bring your own toiletries!
Convenience Kits Premium Travel Necessities Kit
Lombok and the Gili Islands are significantly less developed than the neighboring island of Bali, and because of this it’s nearly impossible to find a lot of toiletries in stores.
Things like skincare, tampons, sunscreen and medicine should all be purchased ahead of time because it will be really difficult (if not impossible) to find while you’re there. Some hotels don’t even provide shampoo and conditioner, so it would be worthwhile to check ahead of time before you leave.
Read about this Indonesia tampon disaster!
Save your hair with easy solutions
Most hotels in Lombok and on the Gili Islands use saltwater in their bathrooms. This left my hair feeling not as clean as usual, so I highly suggest packing a dry shampoo to help you feel extra clean. A hat will also prolong the time between hair washes!
If you’re a stylish girl on the go, check out these 10 heatless hairstyles for no heat curls.
Sandals (when you aren’t barefoot!)
Havaianas Women’s Freedom Sandal
You’ll probably spend most of your time barefoot while in Lombok, and don’t be surprised if even your waiters at restaurants are barefoot too! Because of this the only pair of shoes you really need is a pair of flip flops.
I love Havianas because they’re great quality and come in tons of colors – they’re also the most comfortable!
I’d also recommend flip flops over other styles of sandals becaue you’re going to want something that you can slip on and off with ease when you’re boarding boats around the islands. You board these boats straight off the beach and kicking your sandals off to walk into the water barefoot is the easiest way to go!
Find out why flip flops are a travel must have!
A swimsuit as your daily uniform
A swimsuit is a must in Lombok, and it’s likely that you’ll find yourself wearing one every day. From snorkeling around the Gili Islands to swimming in your hotel’s infinity pool, almost everything in Lombok is all about the water.
It would be ideal to bring at least two different swimsuits so that you always have a dry one to put on, but more than two isn’t necessary, as your wet swimsuit will always dry pretty quickly.
If you plan on doing a lot of snorkeling a rash guard or spring suit will give you a little added sun protection too. There is a turtle sanctuary right on the beach on Gili Trawangan and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to share the waters with these beautiful creatures!
Check out this stylish swimwear for women!
Fast-drying clothing
Between the dusty roads and the sweat-inducing heat I found that I was changing outfits nearly three times a day in Lombok. Packing clothing made from fast-drying fabrics (like 100% cotton) will ensure that you can very easily wash and re-wear your outfits.
I generally found that anything I wore in Lombok could not be worn a second time without being washed first!
Read our step-by-step tutorial on how to handwash clothing when traveling!
What do you recommend when planning what to wear in Indonesia when visiting Lombok? Please comment below!
For more tips on packing for Southeast Asia, please read:
- 10 Step Packing Guide for Southeast Asia
- Thailand Packing List
- What to Wear in the Philippines
- What to Wear in Bali
Suggested Travel Resources:
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Author Bio: Kelly Ella Maz is a travel writer from Canada. Her passion for travel and world-wide experience led her to start her own travel planning business and blog. She recently bought a one-way ticket to Barcelona, where she’ll be living by the beach and traveling around Spain. You can follow her travels at Kellyellamaz.
What a great list to pack for Lombok. I head there in 3 weeks and I can’t wait!
I chose to wear rash top and board shorts to be more respectful at the beach, also usually loose t-shirts to cover the shoulders , and the best thing I brought were my harem style yoga pants made of bamboo, they were cool soft and comfortable but covered the knees , great for hiking , yoga , and every day decent clothing
You show a 100 % cotton dress with spaghetti straps that would not be considered in “good taste” to wear in that county. They are a modestly dressed country, dispite the heat, shoulders, knees and clevage covered please. Update your packing list
Hi Sharon, thank you for your feedback. The packing suggestions are specific to the Gili Islands and beach towns in Lombok, not for all of Indonesia. Sorry for the confusion!