Bengkulu, Indonesia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Bengkulu, Indonesia? If you're planning to go to Bengkulu, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Bengkulu, Indonesia

Based on the climate and weather in Bengkulu, Indonesia, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Bengkulu, Indonesia

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Bengkulu, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Bengkulu, Indonesia by month

January

If you vacation in Bengkulu during January, you are likely to see that it is consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bengkulu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to choose the correct kind. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

February

If you vacation in Bengkulu during February, you will probably see that it can be very hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bengkulu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

March

If you visit Bengkulu during March, you are likely to notice that it is consistently hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bengkulu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you get the right kind. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

April

April can be sweltering and somewhat stormy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bengkulu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to find the right type. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

May

Traveling to Bengkulu in May, you will notice that it is extremely hot and somewhat stormy. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bengkulu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you get the correct type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

June here can be very hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bengkulu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

July in Bengkulu can be sweltering. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bengkulu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to pick the correct kind. Many adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

August

August in Bengkulu is extremely hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bengkulu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to choose the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

September

September can be very hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bengkulu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to get the correct type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

October

October in Bengkulu can be very hot and somewhat stormy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bengkulu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

November

If you vacation in Bengkulu during November, you are likely to notice that it can be very hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bengkulu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

December

If you are traveling to Bengkulu in December, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Indonesia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Bengkulu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you choose the correct kind. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Bengkulu, Indonesia

Bengkulu is a charming city located in the south-west coast of Sumatra Island in Indonesia. It is known for its pristine beaches, unspoiled natural beauty, historical landmarks, and rich cultural heritage. Here are the top tourist attractions that you should not miss when visiting Bengkulu.

1) Fort Marlborough - This colonial-era fort was built by the British in 1713 and is a testament to the city's rich history. It now serves as a museum that showcases the artifacts from the past, including old guns and cannons. From the top of the fort, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

2) Panjang Beach - With its crystal-clear water, fine sand, and a calm breeze, Panjang Beach is a must-visit destination for beach lovers. The beach is also famous for its seafood restaurants, which serve fresh fish and other seafood.

3) Tapak Paderi Beach - This long sandy beach is known for its scenic lighthouse, which stands tall at the top of the cliff. It is an ideal place to relax, swim, or surf.

4) Bukit Kaba - Bukit Kaba is an active volcano that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trek to the top may be challenging, but it is worth it for the stunning view at the top.

5) Soekarno's House - This impressive colonial-style house is where Indonesia's first President, Soekarno, spent his exile years in Bengkulu. It is now a museum where visitors can learn about his life and the nation's history.

6) Fort York - Fort York was built by the Dutch in the 17th century to defend Bengkulu from the invading British. It has now been restored and turned into a museum that highlights the city's rich cultural heritage.

7) Enggano Island - The stunning Enggano Island is located off the coast of Bengkulu and is accessible by boat. The island is known for its unspoiled natural beauty, clear water, colorful coral reefs, and diverse marine life.

In conclusion, Bengkulu offers a wide range of tourist attractions that cater to different interests. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or simply soaking in the sun at a beautiful beach, there is something for everyone in Bengkulu. Plan your visit to this charming city today and discover its hidden treasures.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Mawlamyine, Myanmar, Silsila, Egypt, Lytton, British Columbia, Canada, Central Bohemian Uplands, Czech Republic, Beach, Montana, United States of America, Worland, Wyoming, United States of America, Burnsville, Mississippi, United States of America, Mid-Hudson and Catskills, New York, United States of America, Parque Nacional Ciénaga de Zapata, Cuba, Onogawa Onsen, Japan, and Hillside, Illinois, United States of America.