Packing List for Your Diving Trip to Indonesia
So you’ve decided on North Sulawesi for your next diving trip. First of all, good choice! Located right in the center of the coral triangle, this idyllic tropical region is home to some of the greatest proliferations of marine biodiversity to be found anywhere on the planet.
Now, with your tickets booked and bucket lists forming in your mind, the serious business of preparation can finally begin. And key to making the most of your diving trip in Indonesia is quite simple: it’s what you pack (and what you leave behind).
In this article, we’ll provide a helpful checklist of all the essential gear you need to make your scuba diving trip to North Sulawesi an unforgettable experience. Let’s dive in.
- Dive Gear Essentials
This one probably goes without saying, but you’d be surprised how many people arrive for diving vacations in North Sulawesi and find they’ve left some essential piece of kit behind. Before you fly, make sure your essential dive gear – mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit (if you prefer to use your own), BCD, and regulator, etc. – are all ready and in good working order.
With so much to explore in Manado, Bangka, and Bunaken, you’re likely to be doing plenty of diving in North Sulawesi, so it’s a good idea to make sure all your equipment is up to the task. Check mask straps for wear and tear, and be sure that wetsuit hasn’t shrunk since all your recent festive indulgence. If you do leave anything behind or need a replacement, then don’t worry – Murex Resorts have all the scuba diving gear you need available for rent. Just get in touch and let us know what you need.
Packing List for Your Dive Trip: Regulator, BCD, Mask & Snorkel, Fins, Rashguard, Wetsuit (3-5mm), Underwater Camera Set, Drybag, Reef-safe Sunscreen, and other essentials.
2. Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Sunscreens contain a cocktail of chemicals and minerals that can be harmful to coral reefs and the delicate ecosystems they support. Before packing your sunblock, check the label to see if it includes ingredients like microplastics, oxybenzone, oxtinoxate, octocrylene, andtriclosan. If it does, then leave it behind. That said, you still need to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation. Eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen is available. You can find a range of sustainable sunscreens that are certified as reef-friendly over at Stream2Sea. Use the code 𝗠𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗫𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 at checkout and you’ll get a 𝟭𝟬% discount. To find out more about this topic, you can read our blog about reef-friendly sunblock.
Stream2Sea Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Use Our Discount Code – “MUREXRESORTS”
- Dry Bag
Possibly the most important piece of kit you own, but one that’s often overlooked when packing for scuba diving holidays, a decent dry bag will keep your belongings safe and dry during dives and boat trips. Before you fly, check you have yours and remember to rinse out the sand from your last adventure. Your phone and wallet will thank you later. Left your dry bag at home? We also have a range of sizes available to buy in our shops at both Murex dive resorts.
- Underwater Camera/GoPro
We’ve all been on diving holidays where that illusive shot you’ve been craving appears and passes you by without a camera in your hand. To capture all the beauty and diversity of your diving trip to North Sulawesi, remember to pack your waterproof camera or GoPro, along with the proper underwater housing.
If you haven’t already been bitten by the underwater photography bug, but are thinking of taking the plunge and splashing out on some new camera equipment, check out our Recommendations and Tips for Marine Enthusiasts with an interest in photography. Here you’ll find plenty of helpful pointers for choosing the right camera for your interests, skill level, and available budget. For a deep dive into the fascinating world of underwater photography, read our 8 Tips for Improving Your Underwater Photography article.
- A Local Phrasebook
Indonesia, and North Sulawesi in particular, are famous for the warm welcome visitors receive when they arrive. At Murex Resorts, we take pride in making you feel at home. If you want to return the favor, you’ll find that learning a few local phrases – like terima kasih (thank you), sadap (delicious), and ikan itu indah sekali! (that fish is so beautiful!) – will be met with even bigger smiles. With just a few magic words, you’ll soon find your dive guide is your new best friend!
Last-minute Checks: Other Useful Items
Other useful items to pack for your diving trip in Indonesia include your PADI diving license (Murex is one of several official PADI dive resorts in the region), dive computer, and a rash guard for snorkeling or as an extra layer under your wetsuit (we have these for sale in the shop too if you need one). We can also recommend bringing any personal medications you may need, such as seasickness tablets, mosquito repellent, and meds for allergies.
One last thing: Don’t forget to bring comfortable footwear too – flip-flops for exploring the beach, and durable outdoor shoes for trekking on one of our many unforgettable land tours. So whether you’re diving bangka, diving bunaken, or trekking inland from Manado, you’ll enjoy every step of the adventure!
For more helpful tips on what to pack for your diving trip to Indonesia, check out our video on this topic that we recently posted to YouTube.
