Logistics

Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.

Quick Facts

Primary airport: Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)
Typical transfer: 20 km drive (traffic-dependent)
Entry requirement: Entry rules depend on nationality, but many travelers use Indonesia's Visa on Arrival (VOA) or eVOA options for short tourism stays.
Getting around: For dive travel, think in layers: Flights for long jumps (Bali to Labuan Bajo, Bali to Manado, Jakarta to Sorong).

Getting There

Indonesia is a long-haul destination for most travelers, and domestic flights are the glue between dive regions. Common international entry points are Jakarta (CGK) and Bali (DPS), with domestic connections onward to Labuan Bajo for Komodo, Manado for Bunaken, and Sorong for Raja Ampat. For remote islands, expect at least one extra travel day for flight changes and sea transfers.

Airports

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport

CGK • WIII

20 km • 20 km drive (traffic-dependent)

Indonesia's largest international gateway near Jakarta, with the widest domestic network for onward flights across the archipelago.

Transport: Airport taxis, Ride-hailing apps in designated zones, Pre-booked drivers, Airport rail link to the city

I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport

DPS • WADD

15 km • 15 km drive to Sanur or central south Bali

Main gateway for Bali and the most common launch point for Nusa Penida, the Gili Islands, and flights to Labuan Bajo for Komodo.

Transport: Airport taxis, Ride-hailing apps, Pre-booked vans, Hotel transfers

Lombok International Airport

LOP • WADL

55 km • 55 km drive to Bangsal or Senggigi (traffic-dependent)

Alternate gateway for the Gili Islands and Lombok beaches when you want to avoid transiting Bali.

Transport: Pre-booked drivers, Airport taxis, Car rentals

Getting Around

For dive travel, think in layers:

Flights for long jumps (Bali to Labuan Bajo, Bali to Manado, Jakarta to Sorong).
Boats for the last mile (Bali to Nusa Penida, Sorong to Raja Ampat, island hops in the Gili Islands).
On land, pre-booked drivers are common for dive day logistics in Bali. Ride-hailing apps work in many cities, but coverage is inconsistent on outer islands.

Driving standards vary. If you rent scooters, wear a helmet and confirm that your insurance actually covers it.

Entry Requirements

Entry rules depend on nationality, but many travelers use Indonesia's Visa on Arrival (VOA) or e-VOA options for short tourism stays. Plan for:

Passport validity and at least one blank page.
Proof of onward or return travel.
Occasional extra screening at busy hubs (arrive with time buffers).

If you are connecting through Bali to other islands, remember that Bali also has a separate tourist levy that is not a visa fee.

Gear Logistics Checklist

Indonesia has a mature dive industry in key hubs, but quality varies by region.

In Bali, Manado, Labuan Bajo, and many liveaboards, you can usually rent full kits and find nitrox. In smaller islands, assume fewer sizes and limited spares.
Pack essentials that can end a trip if they fail: mask, computer, prescription lenses, spare O-rings, and a save-a-dive kit.
Protect cameras from salt and humidity. Dry bags and silica packs help on fast boats.
If you bring a lot of gear, consider splitting across carry-on and checked bags to reduce single-bag failure risk.

Practicalities

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Cards are common in Bali, Jakarta, and larger resorts, but cash dominates on smaller islands and at harbors. For dive travel, assume you will need cash for port fees, tips, and small restaurants outside major hubs.

ATMs are plentiful in cities and main tourist towns, but coverage can be patchy on outer islands. Withdraw before you leave big hubs (Bali, Labuan Bajo, Manado, Sorong) and keep a backup card in a separate bag.

Electricity

230V • 50Hz • C, F

Most outlets fit European-style plugs. On boats, power strips and charging stations can be limited, so bring a small multi-USB charger and label your cables.

Communications

Indonesia is easy for connectivity in main hubs and less reliable on remote islands.

Local SIM cards and eSIM options are widely available in airports and cities.
Expect strong coverage in Bali and major towns, and weaker signals in outer-island regions like parts of Raja Ampat.
Download offline maps and keep screenshots of ferry tickets and permits for days with no signal.

Language

Bahasa Indonesia is the national language, and it is useful to learn a few basics for markets and transport. In major dive hubs (Bali, Labuan Bajo, Manado, Sorong) you will usually find serviceable English in hotels and dive centers, but do not assume English in small villages or on public ferries.

Insurance

Carry travel insurance that covers the activities you will do. For scuba and freediving, confirm that your policy covers diving depth limits, scooter riding (if relevant), and evacuation from remote islands. Many divers choose a specialist dive accident policy for medical coordination and recompression support.

Packing list

Packing depends on where you dive, but a few items pay off across Indonesia:

Exposure protection: many divers are comfortable in a 3mm suit, but upwelling areas can justify 5mm, especially around Nusa Penida and southern Komodo.
Safety: SMB, whistle, and a small cutting tool for fishing line.
Sun and skin: reef-safe sunscreen, rashguard, hat, and hydration salts for boat days.
Reef respect: good buoyancy beats gloves. Bring booties if you plan rocky shore entries in Bali.
Spares: mask strap, fin strap, and a compact save-a-dive kit.