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

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Ready to pack for Derawan, Indonesia? If you're planning to go to Derawan, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Derawan, Indonesia

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

What to wear/what to pack for Derawan, Indonesia

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

If you vacation in Derawan during January, you may see that it can be sweltering. Temperatures tend to hover around the 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 Derawan. 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 bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to choose the right kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

February

If you visit Derawan during February, you will probably notice that it can be very hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 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 Derawan. 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 airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you pick the necessary kind. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties 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

March

March for Derawan can be very hot. Temperatures average in the 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Derawan. 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 voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

April

Traveling to Derawan in April, you will notice that it is consistently 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Derawan. 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

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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 get the correct type. Most adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

May

If you go to Derawan in May, you will notice that it is constantly 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Derawan. 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 constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice 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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to get the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

June

June in Derawan is really 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Derawan. 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 little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to choose the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • 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

If you visit Derawan during July, you may see that it is extremely 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Derawan. 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you choose the right kind. A lot of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

August

Traveling to Derawan in August, you will notice that it can be sweltering. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • 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 Derawan. 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 airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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 find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

September in this region is constantly 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Derawan. 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to find the right kind. A lot of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • 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. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

October

October in Derawan is constantly hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s 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 Derawan. 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 things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice 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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to pick the right kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

November

Traveling to Derawan in November, you will notice that it is constantly 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 frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Derawan. 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 little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • 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. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to choose the right type. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

December

December 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Derawan. 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 frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to find the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

What to do in Derawan, Indonesia

Derawan, Indonesia is a hidden gem located off the coast of East Kalimantan in Borneo. Famous for its crystal clear waters, rich marine life, and untouched beaches, it is a must-visit destination for travelers in Southeast Asia. If you are planning a trip to this beautiful island paradise, here are some of the top tourist attractions you should definitely consider visiting.

1. Derawan Island

The name of the island itself is one of the top tourist attractions in Derawan, Indonesia. Derawan Island is the largest island in the region, and it's where you’ll find most of the island's accommodation, restaurants, and shops. You can enjoy swimming or sunbathing at the island’s pristine beaches, or explore the village's unique culture and way of life. But the most popular thing to do on Derawan Island is certainly diving and snorkeling, which are amazing experiences that offer a glimpse into the island's incredible underwater world.

2. Maratua Island

Maratua Island is another island off the coast of Derawan that is worth exploring. It's home to several species of turtles, and you can swim alongside them while snorkeling or diving. The island's surroundings are also unique, with ancient mangrove forests, and freshwater lakes connected to the sea. Visit Maratua Island to experience a sense of tranquility and beauty like no other.

3. Kakaban Island

Kakaban Island is a unique destination within the Derawan Archipelago. It features a secluded blue lagoon, which is one of the most unique natural phenomena in Southeast Asia. This lagoon is home to hundreds of jellyfish species, including stingless jellyfish that are not found anywhere else in the world. Tourists can take a dip in the lagoon and go snorkeling among these fascinating creatures, offering an experience that is hard to forget.

4. Sangalaki Island

Sangalaki Island is another must-see destination in Derawan, Indonesia. This small island is famous for its nesting turtles, including loggerheads and green turtles. The island also offers a chance to see manta rays and sharks in their natural habitats. The island is one of the most popular locations for divers and visitors can have the unforgettable experience of swimming alongside the sea creatures.

5. Whale Shark Watching

Lastly, no trip to Derawan would be complete without a chance to spot some of the island’s most incredible wildlife. This includes the largest fish on earth - the whale shark. Derawan is one of the few places in the world where you can see these magnificent creatures up close and personal. Tourists who visit can take an organized tour to snorkel with the whale sharks, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In conclusion, Derawan Island is an absolute paradise, with something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are interested in swimming with jellyfish, observing sea turtles’ nesting habits or taking the opportunity to stare in awe at the majesty of the largest fish in the world - this Indonesian paradise is worth it all. So indulge in the trip of a lifetime, and experience one of the most beautiful, serene, and unique parts of the island nation of Indonesia.

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.

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