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 4 passport photocopies with you (each on a single piece of A4 paper) as you will need to hand these in at each camp.
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, epipens, 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.
Sleeping bag/liner – If you have to borrow a sleeping bag it is always nice to have your own liner to use.
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
Below is a list of essential equipment required for the terrestrial element of your 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.
Your first week will be in a rainforest and you should expect it to be very wet and muddy. We are recommending the kit below to keep you as comfortable as possible during your expedition.
Main Rucksack/Backpack – 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. These 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 in inside is the easiest solution for keeping everything dry)
Day bag/rucksack –20-30L. Used for your surveys to carry your water and equipment, so ensure a comfortable fit. Should also use this as your hand luggage on flights. Waterproof cover recommended & a liner bag for inside.
Waterproof plastic/zip lock bags/dry bags – It rains a lot in Indonesia so these are very useful to keep the water out of your kit and clothes. You can line your rucksack with a bin/garbage bag and have smaller bags for clothes and items like your camera. Silica gel packets can help keep equipment dry. Bin bags can also be used for taking wet clothes out of the forest at the end.
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.
Hiking boots/Jungle boots or Wellington/Rubber Boots – For trekking. 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 some point on survey so whichever option you go with you’ll have to accept that.
Gaiters (optional) – It can be very muddy so if you have hiking boots rather than wellies, gaiters are recommended. They also provide extra protection for long pants/trousers.
Hiking sandals (with straps) – 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.
Footwear for camp – 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.
Towel/sarong – Quick dry travel towel or sarong, a standard bath towel will not dry in the camps.
Water bottles or platypus/camelback hydration system –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.
Head torch/head lamp, with red light setting – Essential as there is no electricity at night in the forest and you will need this for the night time surveys. 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.
Spare batteries – For head torch, camera etc. Batteries not available to buy on site. Rechargeable batteries where possible. If you are planning on bringing an external power bank, these cannot be put in your hold luggage.
Waterproof jacket – 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.
Waterproof watch with alarm – To wake yourself up early for surveys. Doesn’t have to be too expensive.
Small padlock for safe – Useful for locking your pack and if you need a valuables locker on Hoga Island.
Notebook and pencils – Required at forest and marine sites for field work and for taking notes during lecture.
Plug/socket adaptor – 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, and is in addition to the 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.
PADI Crew Pack – 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 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.
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 or dive medic.
Wetsuit – Essential. This is mandatory and will effect whether you can dive if you do not have one. 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. Used for walking out to the boats . A solid sole is required, and booties that cover the ankle are best.
Mask, snorkel and fins- 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 watch – This is a requirement under PADI regulations for qualified divers. This is because PADI allows Open Water divers to go off diving in buddy pairs on their own without a Dive Master. However, Opwall regulations require divers are always 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. A cheap waterproof watch (waterproof to at least 100metres) with alarm can be used for both sites(e.g. cheap Casio watch).
Flip-flops/thongs – For walking around the marine site (if you have flip-flops for the terrestrial site, use these – don’t take a second pair).
Additional large water bottle – 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.
Rental of the dive equipment items below is prepaid and is included as part of your package:
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.
Don’t forget to buy your Opwall t-shirt from here!
4-6 t-shirts – 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).
3 long sleeved tops – 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.
1 fleece/thick top – This is for colder nights in camp, and travelling on the plane.
2-3 pairs trekking trousers/pants – 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.
2 long shorts – 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
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.
Underwear – Please bring at least 2 weeks’ worth of underwear. This should be comfortable fitting.
Sports bras – 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
Nightwear – Accommodation is shared so bring something comfortable to sleep in.
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. A couple of sets of shorts and t-shirts or shorts and vest tops for girls would be suitable at the marine site. We recommend storing these with your marine kit in the village and not taking them into the forest camp so they stay nice and dry.
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 and many health stores offer ’green’ detergents.
Good tip to travelling light is to get into small groups to combine things like toiletries, foot powder and sun block as you don’t all need to bring a bottle each!
Biodegradable soaps/shampoo – Please only bring biodegradable soaps to minimise impact on the environment.
Toothbrush and toothpaste
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. See: www.alternativeinsectrepellent.co.uk/. You will not be able to handle any animals if you are wearing a DEET based insect repellent.
Sunblock – Factor 30, minimum, is recommended. Please ensure it is a coral friendly sunblock.
Talcum powder/antifungal powder (Essential) – 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.
Sanitary pads/tampons – Please note, tampons are not available in Indonesia. Bring some even if you are not expecting to use them as the tropical climate can affect your menstrual cycle.
Hand sanitiser – Just a small bottle. Just a small bottle. Hand-washing facilities are available on site but useful if you are eating on transect or while travelling.
Small hand soap – For your private bathroom at the marine site. There is hand soap in all communal handwashing areas.
Although every expedition will have its own medical supplies, and medical teams on site, you MUST carry your own personal medical kit:
Antihistamine tablets – Can be used for mild reactions to insect bites. Tablets need to be taken regularly throughout the expedition they won’t work after one use
Hydrocortisone/ after bite cream – For insect bites.
Paracetamol/Ibuprofen – For headaches/mild aches and pains. Bring your own plentiful supply of these.
Rehydration salts – Essential as you will be sweating a lot during the expedition. Please bring a plentiful supply.
Plasters/band aids – These are essential, please bring plenty and in different sizes. Waterproof if possible.
Blister plasters – Sweaty/wet feet can cause blisters! Special blister plasters/band aids are recommended.
Alcohol wipes – Used for cuts and scrapes, as these need to be kept clean
Sea/travel sickness tablets – Road travel on Buton can be bumpy and the boat journey to Hoga can be rough.
Swim ear or equivalent – highly recommended as you will be in and out of the water a lot, especially if you are prone to ear problems.
Prescribed medications including any malaria prophylaxis – 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.
Any personal medication you usually take
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.
Binoculars – These are really useful to see much of the wildlife in the forest. 8 X 40 are the best to bring. Consider bringing a few pairs per group to be shared on site.
Bandanas or cotton handkerchiefs – 2 or 3. To be used as ‘sweat rags’ to wipe your face while on jungle walks. It is very humid and sweaty!
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.
Indonesian phrase book or dictionary – To learn a little bit of the local language.
Music/cards/book/travel games
Protein bars/snack bars – You may wish to bring extra snack bars or protein bars. Snacks and drinks are available to purchase on the marine site.
Tupperware – Small, to keep snacks stored safely so as not to attract any animals.
Vitamin/mineral supplements – The diet can be basic in Indonesia so these can be a good idea.
Sunglasses – A good pair are recommended to protect your eyes from the glare reflected from the water and sun.
Personal reusable straws – for drinking coconuts on the marine site.
Underwater slate – Can be used at marine site.
Carabiner – 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!
Plug/socket adaptor – If you need to charge any cameras etc. Two pronged European style adapter
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.
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 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
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.
Below are some retailers we recommend checking out for great gear and helpful advice:
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 itienrary.
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.
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