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

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

Contents

When to go to Northern Sulawesi, Indonesia

Based on the climate and weather in Northern Sulawesi, Indonesia, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Northern Sulawesi, Indonesia

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Northern Sulawesi, Indonesia by month

January

If you are traveling to Northern Sulawesi in January, you will notice that it is consistently hot. Daytime temperatures are in the 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 airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Sulawesi. 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 little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

February

If you are traveling to Northern Sulawesi in February, you will notice that it can be very hot. Daytime temperatures are in the 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 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Sulawesi. 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
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you get the necessary type. Most adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges 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

March

If you vacation in Northern Sulawesi during March, 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 70s F (mid 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 Northern Sulawesi. 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 constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you pick the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April in Northern Sulawesi can be very hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you 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 stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Sulawesi. 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. Be careful to choose the right kind. Most adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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

May

Traveling to Northern Sulawesi 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Sulawesi. 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 frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, 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 voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to get the right type. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • 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 prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

June

June in Northern Sulawesi is extremely hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 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 little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Sulawesi. 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 repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you get the correct type. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

July

If you vacation in Northern Sulawesi during July, you will probably find 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you 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 Northern Sulawesi. 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to choose the right kind. The majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in 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 large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

August

August in Northern Sulawesi is extremely hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to 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 luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: 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 belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Sulawesi. 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
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

September 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.

  • 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Sulawesi. 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 repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: 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 amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel adapter

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

October

If you vacation in Northern Sulawesi during October, you are likely to find 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 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally around 70 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 frequently losing luggage 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 Northern Sulawesi. 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 little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to get the right kind. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

November

Traveling to Northern Sulawesi in November, you will notice that it can be very 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 airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Sulawesi. 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
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require 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.

December

December is really 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Sulawesi. 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 frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to find the correct type. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Northern Sulawesi, Indonesia

Northern Sulawesi is a region in Indonesia that offers an abundance of culture, history, and natural beauty. This area is home to some of the most sought-after tourist attractions in the country, boasting an array of outdoor activities, historical landmarks, pristine beaches, and excellent diving spots. Without further ado, here are some of the top tourist attractions in Northern Sulawesi.

1. Bunaken National Marine Park

Bunaken National Marine Park is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sulawesi. The park, located in the north of Manado, boasts some of the most breathtaking coral reefs in the world. It is home to more than 390 species of coral, and over 3,000 species of fish live in this crystal-clear ocean. Snorkeling and diving attract visitors from all over the world to explore the beautiful underwater world here.

2. Tomohon Market

Tomohon Market is less of a tourist destination and more of a glimpse into a unique culture that has been practicing for generations. It’s an incredible marketplace known for its unusual meat selection, which includes dogs, rats, and bats. Apart from this, Tomohon has beautiful scenery, and the local people are friendly and welcoming.

3. Lake Tondano

Located about 35 km south of Manado, Lake Tondano is an idyllic place for a day-long adventure. This freshwater lake is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and is often referred to as “the twin lake.” The best way to experience the lake is with a boat ride to explore the serene waterscape.

4. Mount Soputan

Mount Soputan is an 1,800-meter-high volcano located in the north of Sulawesi. It’s an ideal destination for hikers who enjoy a good climb, and it’s surrounded by beautiful, lush forests too. Visitors can take a two-day hike to reach the summit and witness stunning views from the top.

5. Tangkoko Nature Reserve

Tangkoko Nature Reserve is an ecological paradise located in the village of Batu Putih, and just a one-hour drive from Manado. The reserve boasts lush green vegetation, numerous animals, and over 90 unique species of birds that visitors can spot on their trip. The most popular animals to see here are the tarsiers – small primates that are fascinating to watch.

In conclusion, North Sulawesi is a unique region that offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s exploring the underwater world of the Bunaken National Marine Park or witnessing the unique culture at the Tomohon Market, visitors are sure to make memories in this beautiful part of Indonesia. It’s a must-visit destination for all adventurers, nature lovers, and cultural enthusiasts.

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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