• Tripod
• DSLR camera or a very high spec hybrid camera.
• Wide angle to normal zoom lens,  at least 24/70 mm on a full frame sensor, the equivalent on cropped (1.5x) sensors are 17 or 18-55mm.  Long tele zoom lens - 70/200mm (or longer) the equivalent on cropped sensors are 55-200mm.  Zooms like 28-300 (18-200/300 for 1.5x or 18-105/135 for 1.5x) will be fine for general photography.
• Highly recommended a fixed 24mm (about 17mm for cropped 1.5X) f2,8 or wider.   They will be indispensable if you plan on getting star trials, the Milky Way (if we are lucky), time lapses and general landscapes.  Zooms are ok but you will have better results with fixed lenses for photographing the stars.
• Intervalometer.  Looks like this.  Make sure you get one that suits your camera model.  Some cameras may have this feature but it will be easier to set things up using an external intervalometer.  This is needed for star trails and timelapse photography.
• Sufficient memory cards.  Each card should be at least 16 GB.
• USB keys with large storage space to transfer or store your images to free up space on the memory cards.
• Extra Camera batteries, charger and socket adaptors.  Indonesia uses a mix of U.S. and European sockets.
• Photography backpacks and should have a 'All Weather' protection option.  It is a sheet that is intergrated into the camera bag that easily slips off to cover the bag. Looks like this.  This protects the equipment if it rains and especially dust which we will encounter quite alot in Indonesia.
• Polarizer filter.  Looks like this.  Make sure you get one that fits your lens.
• Zip lock bags to protect your equipment from dust, moisture and condensation.
• Flashlights with a preference for those that be mounted over your head, leaving your hands free to handle equipment and walk freely in the dark.

• Laptop with the latest Lightroom and photoshop installed for editing and viewing.
• Fixed 50mm.
• A square graduated ND filter. Looks like this. (size should be larger than your camera lens).  There are workaround ways if you prefer not to invest in one.
• A few extra lens and body caps incase you lose them along the way.
• While it is generally dry season, consider other alternatives to weather-proof and dust protection for your equipment
• An external flash unit.
• A basic camera cleaning kit.

Indonesia is generally dry, warm and humid during the period of July-August. Usual casual holiday wear is acceptable.  However, bear in mind that at some locations we will be above 2,000m and it can be cold.  The Indonesian culture is conservative, Come prepared with some conservative clothing not showing bare shoulders and ankles as they may offend the locals, some temples and locations may refuse entry.  Most places will offer or rent appropriate dressing attires.

Must haves :

• A waterproof outer jacket in case we encounter rain.
• Sweaters, head protectors, polar tops, gloves.  Scarfs are useful to keep warm and to cover your face and respiratory system from dust.  Tip -  Come with old winter clothing and give them away when we are done with the Java tour.  This leaves more space later for souvenirs ;-)
• A good pair of comfortable trekking shoes and flip flops.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Some conservative clothing.
• And that's it!  Needless to say, come with summer and beach wear.

• Indonesia accommodations are affordable and good value apart from Mount Bromo.
• Accommodation standards are pretty low at Mount Bromo.  Don't expect much in service, meals or amenities unless you are willing to pay more than €150 per night.
• At Kawah Ijen, we will be exposed to sulphur fumes which can be over-bearing at times for the eyes and respiratory system.  Some people are more sensitive to this than others.  Your local guest house in Banyuwangi will usually have gas masks available for rent.  They are quite used but acceptable for most people (I survived).   If you think this could be a potential issue, come prepared with your personal alternatives.  You can always opt out if you feel this part of the tour could be physically challenging.
• International driving license if you plan to rent scooters or motobikes later in Bali.  Rental shops will not check but the police may.  Without one, you risk a big fine (or rather an unoffical pay-off).
• Mosquito repellents if you are sensitive.
• Indonesia is generally dry, warm and humid during the period of July-August.  Usual casual holiday wear is acceptable.  However, do bear in mind that at some locations we will be above 2,000m and it can cold.  As the Indonesian culture is conservative, do come prepared with some conservative clothing not showing bare shoulders and ankles as some temples and locations may refuse entry.

• Develop core photography competence.
• Understand landscape, night. people and street photography.
• Work with long exposures and capturing star trails.
• Effective composition tips.
• Shoot great travel photographs.
• Manage challenging light situations and using available light.
• Create panoramic images.
• Other image editing & processing techniques of with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
• People interaction skills in spontaneous situations & street photography.