The Ultimate Flores Packing List for a 30 Day Motorbike Adventure
What We Packed (and What We'd Pack Again)
Travelling Lighter, Travelling Smarter
For this trip, we knew we'd be travelling across Flores by motorbike, so packing light wasn't just a preference—it was essential. Everything we took needed to fit comfortably on the back of our bikes while still giving us everything we needed for three weeks on the road.
For longer adventures, we usually travel with our 50-litre backpacks, while shorter getaways typically call for a small wheeled cabin bag. But with Kevin recently retired and our plans to travel much more frequently, we also wanted to rethink the way we packed. Staying within airline carry-on limits wherever possible means avoiding checked baggage fees, spending less time waiting at baggage carousels, and enjoying the freedom of travelling lighter.
With all of that in mind, we decided it was finally time to invest in cabin-sized travel backpacks that were comfortable, practical and versatile enough for both international flights and motorcycle adventures. And, if we're being honest, now that we're both in our 60s, comfort has become just as important as capacity. Gone are the days of effortlessly carrying oversized packs—we're all about travelling smarter, not harder.
After much research we found a Caribee Altitude Carry On 40L Black
Bringing Our Own Motorcycle Helmets
Another non-negotiable for this trip was bringing our own Australian Standard motorcycle helmets. For us, it simply comes down to one thing - safety. While it's convenient to hire helmets, we've always preferred the comfort, fit and peace of mind that comes with wearing our own.
We usually carry our helmets onto the plane in the dust bags they came with, but if you've ever tried to walk through an airport like that, you'll know it's far from ideal. They're awkward to carry, don't offer much protection, and there's nowhere to store your travel essentials.
For this trip, we decided to invest in dedicated helmet carry bags. One of our priorities was finding a bag that didn't immediately look like a helmet bag. A more discreet design makes it feel just like another piece of carry-on luggage, which is much more practical when navigating airports and boarding flights.
The bag we chose also comes with a built-in lock, which is a handy bonus, but it was the clean, understated design and comfortable carry options that really sold us.
Beach Days & Komodo Liveaboard Essentials
Whether you're relaxing on Flores' beautiful beaches, island hopping around Riung, or spending a few unforgettable days aboard a Komodo liveaboard, these are the items we wouldn't travel without.
Swimwear – We packed at least two sets so one could dry while the other was in use.
Lightweight cover-up or rash shirt for extra sun protection between swims.
Microfibre travel towel that dries quickly and takes up very little room.
Reef-safe sunscreen to help protect both your skin and the marine environment.
Wide-brim hat or cap for shade during beach days and time spent on the boat.
Polarised sunglasses to reduce glare on the water and make it easier to spot marine life.
Thongs or sandals for beaches, boat decks and accommodation.
Tropicfeel Sneakers for hiking and walking across coral covered beaches.
Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Dry bag to protect your phone, camera, drone batteries and other valuables from water and sand.
Snorkelling gear (optional) if you prefer using your own mask and snorkel rather than hired equipment. In addition, an important piece of scuba diving equipment, my dive watch.
Lightweight long-sleeved shirt for sun protection while cruising between islands.
Insect repellent for the evenings when mosquitoes can be more active. (purchase from any convenience store eg: Indomart, Circle K etc
Small power bank to keep your phone or camera charged during long days away from power.
Motion sickness medication if you're prone to seasickness, especially for longer boat crossings.
💡 Not So Grey Travellers Tip: Keep your beach and liveaboard essentials packed together in a small dry bag or packing cube. It makes it easy to grab everything you need for a day on the water without unpacking your entire backpack, while also keeping your valuables protected from sand, salt and unexpected tropical showers.
Riding Days
When you're spending long days on a motorbike in a tropical climate, comfort and practicality quickly become more important than fashion. We wanted clothing that would keep us cool, provide some protection from the sun, and be lightweight
What We Wore on the Road
For most riding days, our wardrobe consisted of:
Lightweight, breathable long-sleeved shirts to protect our arms from the sun without overheating.
Quick-drying shorts or lightweight travel pants, depending on the weather and the day's activities.
Enclosed shoes with good grip, which we always wear when riding. They provide far more protection and support than sandals or thongs and are much safer on uneven ground when exploring.
Moisture-wicking socks to keep our feet comfortable during long riding days.
A lightweight waterproof jacket that could be quickly pulled on for an unexpected tropical shower or cooler mountain temperatures.
Heavy-duty poncho for riding in tropical downpours, offering more protection than a standard rain jacket.
Sunglasses with UV protection to reduce glare and eye fatigue on long days in the saddle.
A lightweight cap for exploring once we'd parked the bikes.
Swimmers, as you never know when you'll come across a beautiful beach, waterfall or hot spring that deserves an impromptu stop.
Lightweight riding gloves to protect your hands from the sun, improve grip on the handlebars, and provide extra warmth during chilly mountain rides.
💡 Not So Grey Tip: Even in tropical destinations like Flores, don't underestimate the cooler temperatures in the mountains around Moni, Bajawa and Ruteng. A lightweight fleece or jumper takes up very little room in your bag but can make those early morning starts and higher elevations much more comfortable.
Dressing Respectfully for Cultural Sites
When visiting traditional villages, churches and other cultural sites throughout Flores, we recommend packing a few versatile items that allow you to dress respectfully while staying comfortable in the tropical climate.
We packed:
Lightweight long-sleeved shirt to cover your shoulders when required.
Lightweight long pants or a longer skirt for visiting cultural or religious sites.
Sarong or lightweight scarf, perfect for covering shoulders or legs when needed and handy as a beach towel, picnic blanket or extra layer.
Modest tops that aren't too revealing, particularly when visiting villages and churches.
Comfortable enclosed shoes or sandals suitable for walking around uneven village paths and historical sites.
Lightweight hat and sunglasses for sun protection while exploring outdoor attractions.
Small daypack to carry water, sunscreen, insect repellent and any extra clothing layers.
Not So Grey Tip: A little preparation goes a long way. Dressing respectfully is a simple way to honour local customs and helps create positive interactions with the communities you meet throughout your journey.
Mountain Regions & Cooler Weather
While Flores is generally warm and tropical, the higher elevations around Moni, Bajawa, Ruteng and Mbeliling can be surprisingly cool, especially in the early mornings and after sunset. We packed a few extra layers to stay comfortable without adding unnecessary weight to our backpacks.
Lightweight fleece or jumper for cool mornings and evenings.
Thermal base layer for those who feel the cold, particularly on early morning rides or at higher elevations.
Lightweight waterproof jacket to stay warm and dry during mountain showers.
Long travel pants for cooler temperatures and added comfort in the evenings.
Lightweight long-sleeved shirt for an extra layer without overheating.
Lightweight beanie or buff for early morning rides and higher elevations.
Collapsible trekking poles for hikes and uneven terrain. They pack down small and provide extra stability on steep trails, steps and mountain paths—something we've come to appreciate more with each adventure!
💡 Not So Grey Travellers Tip: Don't let the tropical climate fool you. The mountain regions of Flores can be surprisingly cool, particularly before sunrise and after dark. Packing a couple of lightweight layers means you'll stay comfortable without sacrificing valuable luggage space.
Liveaboard
A couple of extras people often forget:
Head torch very handy on boats at night
Ear plugs cabins can be noisy
Light jumper for evenings on deck
The "Not So Grey" Extras
Reusable shopping bag (great for groceries, beach gear or laundry)
Travel clothesline for washing small items
Small packet of tissues and a few antibacterial wipes for remote stops
Ziplock bags for storing opened snacks
Camera & Tech
As we love photography and recording our adventures, this section was almost as important as our clothes!
Our essentials:
Camera (we used our iphone cameras)
Action camera (we used GoPro)
Drone (where permitted) (we used DJI Mini Mavic)
Spare batteries
SD cards
Laptop
External SSD
Charging cables
Multi-port charger
Kindle
Rechargable head torches
Health & Essentials
Personal medication
Basic first aid kit
Electrolytes
Hand sanitiser
Insulated stainless steel waterbottle
Anti-bacterial wet wipes
Tissues
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Travel insurance documents
What You Don't Need to Overpack
If you forget something, don't panic. Flores has excellent convenient stores including Indomaret, Alfamart or Circle K, where you'll find toiletries, snacks, drinks and many everyday essentials.
Things We'd Do Differently Next Time
For once, we actually felt like we packed just the right amount of clothing for this trip. We had enough to cover the three weeks without carrying things we never wore, and with inexpensive laundry available along the way, there was no need for anything more.
The one addition we made was a puffer vest. We had a feeling it might get cold once we reached the higher mountain areas of Flores, but a vest was literally all we could find before heading up. As it turned out, we were very glad we bought it!
Our biggest packing tip for Flores would be to pack light, but don’t underestimate how cool it can get in the mountains. Lightweight layers and a rain jacket are definitely worth making room for.
And, of course, leave a little spare space for the unexpected purchases along the way - in our case, an ever-growing collection of magnets!
Instead:
Things we're so glad we packed
Lightweight rain jackets
Rain poncho
A warm jumper for Moni and Bena
Packing cubes.
Daypack.
Dry bag.
Universal power adaptor.
First aid kit.
Clothesline.
Offline maps.
Microfibre towel.
Mosquito repellent.
Uno Cards
Playing Cards
Zip lock bags
What We Didn't Pack
Packing for a three-week motorcycle adventure taught us that sometimes what you leave behind is just as important as what you take. Travelling with carry-on backpacks meant we had to be selective, but it also made getting around airports, loading the bikes and moving between accommodations so much easier.
Here are a few things we deliberately chose not to pack:
Bulky hiking boots – A good pair of enclosed shoes was more than enough for the walks and hikes we had planned.
Multiple pairs of shoes – We kept it simple with riding shoes, (Tropicfeel Sneakers) thongs and one pair for sandals evenings exploring.
Heavy jackets – Lightweight layers kept us comfortable in the mountains without taking up valuable space.
Too many clothes – Quick-drying clothing meant we could wash items along the way rather than packing a different outfit for every day.
Full-size toiletries – Travel-sized products saved space and weight, and most essentials were easy to buy locally if we ran out.
'Just in case' items – We've learnt that packing for every possible scenario usually means carrying things you'll never use.
💡 Not So Grey Travellers Tip: Pack for the trip you're actually taking, not the one you imagine you might take. Travelling lighter gave us more flexibility, made packing and unpacking quicker, and meant everything fitted comfortably in our carry-on backpacks and on the back of our motorbikes. We didn't miss any of the things we left behind.
Pack for the journey you’re actually taking rather than every possible “what if”. Travelling light makes life on the road so much easier - especially when you’re carrying everything on a motorbike.
And in the end, the best things we brought home from Flores weren’t tucked into our backpacks at all, but the memories and stories we collected along the way.
Donna & Kev
XOXO
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