We have watched travelers board our boats carrying rolling suitcases the size of small refrigerators, packed with items they'll never use and missing the three things that would have made their trip comfortable and carefree. After hundreds of sailings through Komodo National Park, our guides have seen it all — and this list is the result of that collective experience. Pack it right, and the trip takes care of itself.

A sailing trip to Labuan Bajo is not a beach resort vacation. You're on a boat, moving between islands, swimming multiple times a day, climbing hills, and sleeping under the stars. Your packing should reflect that reality. The golden rule: soft bags only, 20–25 liters maximum. Rigid suitcases take up cabin space that belongs to everyone. Everything you need for 3 days fits in a daypack if you pack it correctly.

The Essential 20

1
Reef-Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Apply before entering the water. Chemical sunscreens damage coral — mineral/physical SPF only in Komodo National Park.
2
Rash Guard (Long Sleeve)
The sea sun is brutal. A rash guard protects better than sunscreen alone and dries in 20 minutes.
3
Dry Bag (10–15L)
Non-negotiable. Salt water and phones do not mix. Store all electronics here during every water activity.
4
Prescription Snorkel Mask
If you wear glasses/contacts, bring a prescription mask. Everything underwater is worth seeing clearly.
5
Seasickness Medication
Even if you've never been seasick before. Komodo's currents can surprise anyone. Take it before you need it.
6
Lightweight Compact Towel
Microfibre dries in 10 minutes. You'll use it after every swim, which means 4–6 times per day.
7
GoPro or Waterproof Camera
Your phone camera won't capture what's underwater. Even a basic GoPro transforms your documentation.
8
Flip Flops + Closed-Toe Shoes
Flip flops for the boat deck; closed shoes for Padar Island trek and Komodo ranger walk.
9
Wide-Brim Hat
Head and face protection during trekking and open deck sailing. Sun exposure at sea is 40% more intense than on land.
10
Polarized Sunglasses
Reduces glare off the water significantly, especially during trekking with sea views at noon.
11
Reusable Water Bottle (1L+)
Fresh water is provided on the boat. Reduce single-use plastic — Komodo's ocean doesn't need more of it.
12
Compact Rain Jacket
Not an umbrella (unusable on a boat in wind). A lightweight packable jacket handles all weather scenarios.
13
Quick-Dry Shorts & T-Shirts
2–3 sets is enough for 3 days. Cotton stays wet for hours. Synthetic quick-dry fabric is essential.
14
Personal First Aid Kit
Antiseptic, bandages, pain relief, antihistamine. Coral cuts are common — even small ones need proper care at sea.
15
Portable Power Bank (20,000mAh)
Charging points on the boat are limited. A large power bank keeps your camera, phone, and GoPro running.
16
Waterproof Phone Case
For shallow water photos and to protect your phone from sea spray on the deck. IDR 30K at the Labuan Bajo market.
17
Light Long Pants or Sarong
Required for Komodo Island ranger visits. Also useful for cool nights at anchor and visiting local villages.
18
Small Flashlight or Headlamp
Boat lighting after midnight is minimal. A headlamp is useful for moving safely between decks at night.
19
Ziplock Bags (Assorted)
Backup waterproofing for documents, snacks, and anything you want kept dry. $2 worth of ziplock bags saves countless headaches.
20
Cash (Indonesian Rupiah)
No ATMs in Komodo National Park. Bring enough for tips (IDR 50–100K/person for guides and crew is standard and appreciated), souvenirs, and meals on shore.

I've packed for 20+ sailing trips. The difference between a good trip and a great one often comes down to one thing: sunscreen. Reef-safe, SPF 50, applied before you get in the water. Everything else is secondary.

— Yusuf, Senior Guide, Basa Basi Trip

What NOT to Bring

Just as important as what you pack is what you leave behind. These items cause problems on sailing trips and are worth leaving at your hotel in Labuan Bajo:

What Basa Basi Trip Provides

Your package includes: snorkeling mask, fins, and life jacket; all meals (no need to bring food); fresh water; sleeping mats or cabin space; and GoPro documentation of your underwater moments. You don't need to bring your own snorkeling gear unless you prefer it.

Packing for Padar Island Trek Specifically

The Padar summit hike takes 30–45 minutes each way and gains significant elevation. Specific needs for this part of the trip: closed-toe shoes with grip (not flip flops), at least 500ml of water per person, sunscreen already applied, and a small daypack for your camera. Leave your dry bag and valuables on the boat — the crew stays aboard.

A Note on Seasickness

The waters around Komodo National Park can be choppy — particularly in the straits between islands where tidal currents run strong. Seasickness is more common than travelers expect, even among people who have sailed before. The most effective approach: take medication the evening before departure (Dramamine or a local equivalent), avoid reading or looking at screens during the crossing, focus on the horizon, and stay hydrated. Ginger candies are also genuinely effective and widely available at Labuan Bajo pharmacies.