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 page 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 they rarely weigh this, so please put heavy things in your hand luggage). You 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 Mo Johnson, can also be contacted on: +62 8124 572 4054 or indonesia@opwall.com, or you can contact the Opwall UK office on: +44 1790 763194
To download a copy of the kit list, click here.
Insurance Documents – Bring two copies of your travel insurance documents, one to keep in your bag and one to submit on site.
Photocopies of Passport – Please bring 3 photocopies of your passport with you, and keep these in your hand luggage. Each copy should be on a separate sheet of A4 paper. We need to submit these to local authorities when you arrive on site.
Visa Photocopies – Please bring 3 photocopies with you. One to hand at hotel on arrival, one at marine site, and one to keep with you.
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. remember you may only have 7kgs of hand luggage on internal flights
Valuables – Including passport, money, and any expensive equipment (e.g. phone, camera etc).
Personal medicine – Must be in original packaging. Any medication you require personally, such as inhalers, epipens, as well as any malaria tablets.
Documentation – Passport photocopies, visa copies, and insurance copies.
Change of clothes – Including spare underwear.
Head torch /head lamp – Essential for your expedition, so this is not something you want to lose.
Toiletries – Tooth brush and wet wipes, deodorant.
Sleeping bag liner or sarong – It’s always nice to have your own sleeping bag liner or sleeping sheet to use. It is generally too hot for a sleeping bag and you may prefer to use the liner only.
Fleece/thick top – Wear this on the plane, it will keep you warm, and also saves space in your luggage.
Light colours (not white) are recommended as they don’t retain the heat. Use quick drying, lightweight materials. There will be a chance to get clothing washed onsite if you wish (this is very cheap). It is ok to wear shorts (knee length) and vests/strappy tops around the marine site as long as they aren’t too revealing and your midriff isn’t on show. You will need t-shirts covering your shoulders when visiting local villages. Remember you need to travel light. 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 for your expedition. Don’t forget to buy your Opwall t-shirt from here!
3-5 T-shirts – Should be light-weight and relatively loose fitting. These tops should cover your shoulders so they are suitable to wear when leaving the Opwall site.
2 Long sleeved tops/shirts – Lightweight, for covering up in the evenings. Essential for avoiding insect bites.
3-4 Vest tops/strappy tops – For wearing around the Opwall site ONLY. Must cover up when leaving site.
2 Lightweight long baggy trousers – Lightweight and loose fitting, quick drying material is best. For covering up in the evenings and when leaving the Opwall site. Essential for avoiding insect bites.
3-4 long shorts – Should be light-weight and comfortable. Must come to just above the knee (no hot pants).
Swim suit/Board Shorts – 1 or 2. Essential for wearing under your wetsuit
Underwear – Enough for 2 weeks. Sports bras recommended for girls.
1 Fleece top or Jumper – Not too thick. It can get cool in the evenings and when travelling on boats.
1-2 Pairs of socks – It can get cool in the evenings.
Hat with brim – Optional but recommended to protect your face from the sun, ideally would be easy to pack up in your bag.
Nightwear – Accommodation is shared so bring something comfortable & cool to sleep in.
Main Bag – You will need a large holdall or rucksack, 50L minimum. At the marine site you shouldn’t need to carry your bag for long periods, however you will need to be able to carry it yourself for a 15-20 minute walk along the beach to your accommodation therefore a comfortable, well fitting bag is recommend. Suitcases are NOT suitable. Remember you only have a 20kg allowance for hold luggage.
Day bag/Small rucksack – Useful for carry on luggage, used daily at the marine site.
Sleeping bag/Sleeping Sheet – The temperature rarely drops below 25 degrees even at night so a light sleeping bag or sleeping sheet will be fine. We recommend a single duvet cover to sleep inside. Pillows and mattress covers are provided.
Footwear – Old pair of trainers to travel in. Flip flops or Teva style sandals to wear around the camp.
Quick dry towel/sarong – Quick dry travel towel or sarong, thick towels will not dry quick enough.
Water bottle – A leak proof bottle to carry water (capacity at least 2 litre) is imperative.
Torch/head torch – A head torch is essential for walking around site at night, but it doesn’t have to be anything expensive. Essential as there is no electricity at night.
Spare batteries (if required) – For head torch, camera etc. Batteries not available to buy on site. If you are planning on bringing an external power bank, these cannot be put in your hold luggage.
Waterproof jacket/poncho – Rainfall is unpredictable in this part of the world, so a plastic poncho or lightweight rainjacket is invaluable. Expensive heavyweight Gore-Tex raincoats are not recommended.
Camera – You will have lots of opportunities to take pictures but please bring a waterproof carrying case or zip lock bag for the camera. Some like to bring go-pro cameras or cheaper versions of these for use underwater.
Plug/socket adapter – If you need to charge any cameras etc. Two pronged European style adapter
Hand Sanitizer & Hand soap – These are provided in communal areas but not in personal bathrooms.
Small Padlock for safe – Recommended so that you can lock away valuables
Notebook and pencils – Required for taking notes during lectures
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.
Proof of Qualification – Qualified divers must bring proof of your qualifications, and completed log books. Non-PADI qualifications are accepted if equivalent to or more advanced than PADI open water.
PADI forms – You must complete these online via the OpWall portal (portal.opwall.com) 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.
Wetsuit – This must be at least 3mm thick and full length is advised. If bringing a shortie wetsuit you must bring a long sleeve rash vest and leggings to wear underneath it. Not available to hire on site.
Marine booties – Essential for walking out to the boats and are essential. A solid sole is required, and booties that cover the ankle are best.
BCD & Regulator – 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.
Mask, snorkel and fins (optional) – 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.
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.
Waterproof watch – 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 bring it.
Please bring ‘green’ or biodegradable toiletries to minimize the impact on the environment. Most biodegradable soaps are multi-use. Sanex 0%, Lush, The Body Shop, Ecover, Alba Botanica and many health stores offer ’green’ detergents.
Good tip to travelling light is to get into small groups to combine things like toiletries and sun block as you don’t all need to bring a bottle each!
Toiletries – Tooth brush, tooth paste, hair and body wash (biodegradable). Consider sharing with a friend to reduce weight.
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 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/
Antifungal foot powder – 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 /sunblock – Minimum SPF 30. Please use coral friendly sun cream (use natural sun blockers such as Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide, instead of the chemical ones)
Small hand soap – For your private bathroom at the marine site. There is hand soap in all communal handwashing areas.
Hand sanitizer – Optional for use prior to meal times. Handwash stations and soap are provided.
Sanitary towels/tampons – Please bring a good supply even if you do not expect to need them.The tropical environment often affects the menstrual cycle.
Any other toiletries you would normally use – e.g. deodorant/anti-perspirant, clensers or moisturisers.
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 medical kit.
Any personal medicines – This includes any epipens and inhalers. Bring a plentiful supply with original packaging.
Malaria tablets – Please seek your doctors advice on malaria prophylaxis. Please do not take Larium if you are intending to dive, as you will not be allowed to dive on this medication.
Rehydration salts – Essential as you will be sweating a lot during the expedition. Please bring a plentiful supply.
Paracetamol/Ibuprofen – For headaches/mild aches and pains. Bring your own plentiful supply of these.
Alcohol /antiseptic wipes – Used for cuts and scrapes, as these need to be kept clean
Plasters/ band aids – These are essential, please bring plenty. Waterproof if possible.
Antihistamine tablets – Can be used for any mild reactions.
Antihistamine/ Hydrocortisone cream – For insect bites
Sea/Travel sickness tablets – The boat journey to Hoga can be bumpy.
Ear drops such as swim ear – Useful to bring at least one per group, bring your own if you are prone to ear problems
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.
These items are not essential for your expedition but if you have room in your bag they will certainly be a good addition to your kit!
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.
Smart phone or tablet & charger (essential for dive training students) – Essential for those undertaking the PADI Open Water Course onsite. You will need to download the PADI Learning materials onto this device before you travel as there is no internet connection onsite. Remember headphones/earphones for travel.
Cards/book/travel games – For any down time.
Language/phrase book – To learn a little bit of the local language.
Vitamin/mineral supplements – The diet is very basic in Indonesia, so these can be a good idea.
Protein bars/ snack bars – You may wish to bring extra snack bars or protein bars. Snacks and drinks are also available for sale locally.
Sunglasses – A good pair recommended to protect your eyes from the glare reflected from the water.
Underwater Slate – Can be used for underwater practical sessions.
Tupperware – Small, to keep snacks stored safely so as not to attract any animals
Personal reusable straws – For drinking fresh coconuts on site.
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.
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 Conservation in e-book format for £14-40 if you contact them directly (tel +44 (0)1590 674000 or email pisces@irchouse.demon.co.uk)
Reef Fish Identification—Tropical Pacific – By Gerald Allen is the best fish ID book for the area
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.
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.
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, and also to pay for any clothes washing you would like done by the local people.
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. 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 selling things such as hot donuts, chips/French fries and instant noodles.
Every meal will include rice, as this is a staple in Indonesia. The diet is largely carbohydrate based. 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, and occasionally other meat such as chicken. There is a vegetable dish with every meal, and fruit is served when possible.
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