Traveling to Indonesia is the trip of a lifetime. Indonesia is located in Southeast Asia between the Pacific and Indian Oceans and enjoys a hot climate all year long. The good news is, that makes selecting a wardrobe a snap. If you're making your first trip to this tropical island country, there are a few things you should know before you pack your bags. Here are five ideas of what you should wear when embarking on a journey to Indonesia.
Take a Backpack
Taking a backpack is a smart idea whenever traveling internationally. It offers plenty of room to store your essentials like your phone, camera, makeup, lip repair and bottled water. It also allows you to sightsee hands-free and gives you a place to stash all the treasures you find throughout the day. Given Indonesia's hot climate, be sure to take a pack that's lightweight and made from breathable material. You'll soon discover that a backpack will become one of your best travel companions.
Pack Lightweight Clothing
With the heat in Indonesia, the last thing you want to wear is denim, so leave your jeans at home. Instead, choose lightweight clothing made from natural fibers like cotton and linen. Light pants and dresses are a great choice for women, while shorts and a tee are perfect for men. Citizens of Indonesia are primarily Muslim, so in cities like the current capital Jakarta, as well as places of worship, women are required to cover their shoulders and knees. Bringing a scarf and a long, lightweight skirt is an excellent solution.
Opt for Lighter Colors
Wearing light-colored clothing in hot weather keeps you cooler. Dark colors absorb more heat and can make you feel like you're roasting. White and pastels reflect this heat keeping you more comfortable. The same goes for footwear. Avoid wearing black shoes, including sandals. The heat can be relentless in Indonesia and wearing dark shoes can make your feet feel like they're on fire. Choose neutral colors like tan or nude for the greatest comfort.
Bring Appropriate Shoes
It's always best to bring comfortable walking shoes wherever you travel. Sneakers and sandals are both good choices and, of course, flip flops. Many locals prefer wearing sandals not only for the heat, but also because it's customary to remove shoes before entering someone's home. If you plan on doing any hiking, such as across the trails of the gorgeous Munduk Jungle and waterfall, be sure to pack reliable hiking sandals or shoes.
Keep Beachwear on the Beach
Indonesia is made up of over 17,000 islands, so it's a given that you'll do some swimming while you're there. When you're frolicking on the beach, it's fine to wear bikinis and short shorts. However, when going into town, it's best to cover up. Unlike the States, where people wear shorts everywhere, this is considered disrespectful in Indonesia. The best advice is to avoid revealing outfits for the duration of your trip and keep beachwear where it belongs—on the beach.
Wear Sun Protection
When traveling to Indonesia, always be sure to wear sunblock. Nothing can ruin a vacation quicker than a sunburn, so slather it on. The higher the SPF the better, and reapply often. It's also wise to bring along a hat and a cover-up for the beach. Remember that UV rays can still burn you even on a cloudy day. If you do end up getting a sunburn, you should be able to find fresh aloe leaves at most supermarkets to relieve the pain. Simply cut them open and apply the cool gel.
Prepare Early
There are so many reasons to travel to Indonesia, such as world-class beaches, jungle tours, religious sites and of course, the people. By preparing your packing list early, you should be able to find exactly what you need to stay cool, enjoy the beach and respect local culture. Once your bags are packed, get ready to concentrate on the adventure of a lifetime.