What to pack for Raja Ampat
Part of Raja Ampat’s appeal is its isolation but with that means no fallback plan when you usually have the option to tell yourself “whatever I forgot to pack I can just buy there”.
As such, see below the list I wrote on the ferry back of all the items I wished I had.
Toys for the kids - I packed bubbles and colouring sets. They loved it. Remember it’s super isolated so they appreciate gifts.
Leave in conditioner / detangler - your hair will get matted and you don’t have the luxury of sitting in the shower to comb it out. Trust me on this one.
Sunscreen reef safe
Mozzie repellant
Mozzie electric thing (a technical term, apparently you can get battery operated ones to leave on during the night)
Mozzie coils
Wide brim hat that’s secure on boats
Robe - good for when you come out of the “shower” and you can just sit in it. I lived in mine.
Large light sarong to double as bedsheet
Beach towel (some Homestays don’t offer bath towels so my beach towel doubled as both)
Snacks / alcohol (goon bags because they’re light, there won’t be refrigeration though so wine is probably best) - I wish I packed more oreos, my “dessert” for the week were bananas…
Very very light clothing - you live in your cozzies, you really don’t need much. Oversized shirts, linen pants and shirt to protect from mozzies, nothing tight, no denim. It’s hot, not sure if that’s sunk in enough yet to you but the humidity will make you want to be as naked as possible 24/7.
Waterproof shoes - I know they’re ugly but very useful
Stinger suit - or at least something to cover your arms in the water
First aid -betadine, bandaids, bandage wrap, antibiotics - chest & skin and diarrhea, cordazone, eye drops to wash, antihistamine. Vinegar solution for jellyfish stings. If you only take one thing, make sure it’s a comprehensive first aid kid. Everyone on our trip got injured in some way. I had to leave early to go to hospital from a coral infection.
GoPro and spare battery - I ended up buying a gopro of a guy at my homestay who was heading home. Trust me, you’ll want to capture everything you see underwater here.
Books - I brought 4 books for a week, I wish I brought more. Remember, there’s no service so decide how to entertain yourself as you will.
Own snorkel, fins, booties + baby shampoo + Vaseline for men for the mask
Battery fan for sleeping
Head torch
Australian power board or strong power bank - my friend had the snap wireless powerbank, it was incredible. I’ve since bought one.
Wet bag
Face wipes and body wipes
Remember this is full island living, pack less clothes and more firstaid.
