Essential Packing List for Diving in Komodo
Knowing what to bring — and what your dive operator provides — will help you pack smart for your Komodo diving trip. Here is a comprehensive packing guide divided by category.
Dive Equipment: What to Bring vs. What Is Provided
| Item | Bring Your Own? | Rental Available? | Notes |
|---|
| Mask and snorkel | Recommended | Yes (included) | Own mask ensures better fit and comfort |
| Wetsuit (3mm) | Optional | Yes (included) | Warm months, north and central sites |
| Wetsuit (5mm) | Recommended | Sometimes available | Essential for south Komodo (water can drop to 19°C) |
| BCD and regulator | Optional | Yes (included) | Operators provide well-maintained gear |
| Dive computer | Highly recommended | Yes (~IDR 100,000/day) | Essential for monitoring multi-dive days |
| SMB (Surface Marker Buoy) | Mandatory | Some operators provide | Required at virtually every site in Komodo |
| Reef hook | Recommended | Sometimes available | Used at cleaning stations and current-exposed sites |
| Torch / dive light | Recommended | Sometimes available | Essential for night dives and peering into crevices |
| Whistle or horn | Yes | Rarely | Critical safety device for surface signaling |
Personal Items and Travel Essentials
- Reef-safe sunscreen — chemical sunscreens damage coral; use mineral-based (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) products
- Motion sickness tablets — boat rides are 1.5 to 2.5 hours each way, and seas can be choppy
- Dry bag — to protect electronics and valuables on the boat
- Rash guard / UV protection top — sun exposure is intense at 8° south of the equator
- Insect repellent with DEET — malaria and dengue mosquitoes are present in the region
- Cash in IDR — for park fees, tips, and small purchases; ATMs in Labuan Bajo can be unreliable
- Travel adapter — Indonesia uses Type C and Type F plugs (European-style, 230V)
- Waterproof phone case or pouch — for surface interval photos and boat transfers
For Liveaboard Trips
- Soft-sided luggage — easier to store in cabins and under bunks than hard cases
- Microfiber towel — quick-drying and compact (some boats provide towels)
- Light layers for evening — temperatures drop on deck after sunset
- Entertainment — books, music, or a tablet for surface intervals
- Underwater camera — Komodo's marine life is world-class for photography
What NOT to Pack
- Gloves — not permitted in Komodo National Park to discourage touching marine life
- Excessive luggage — domestic flights to Labuan Bajo have strict baggage limits (typically 20–23 kg checked)
- Non-reef-safe sunscreen — chemical-based sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate harm corals
