Papua, Indonesia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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

Contents

When to go to Papua, Indonesia

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

What to wear/what to pack for Papua, Indonesia

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

January in Papua is consistently 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

    Indonesia has some specific safety 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 repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Papua. 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you pick the right type. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

February for Papua is extremely 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

    Indonesia has some specific safety 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 things.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Papua. 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option 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. Check that you get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

March

March here 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

    Indonesia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Papua. 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 bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to get the right kind. Many adapters currently being sold are just plugs 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 countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April in Papua can be sweltering. 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

    Indonesia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Papua. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you choose the right kind. Many 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 should work in most places.

  • Travel neck 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 huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

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

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Indonesia has some specific safety 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 things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Papua. 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 things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

June in this region is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Indonesia has some specific safety 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 luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 Papua. 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 huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice 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. Ensure that you choose the correct type. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

If you vacation in Papua during July, you may find that it is hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Indonesia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

August

August in this region is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Indonesia has some specific safety 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.

  • 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 Papua. 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 nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts 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

  • Travel voltage adapter

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

September

If you go to Papua in September, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Indonesia has some specific safety 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 Papua. 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 these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

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 huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • 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. It's important that you find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

October

October in Papua is hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Indonesia has some specific safety 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Papua. 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

  • 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to pick the necessary kind. Many adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

November

If you go to Papua in November, 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

    Indonesia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, 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 Papua. 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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

December

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

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Indonesia has some specific safety 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage 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 Papua. 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 neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

What to do in Papua, Indonesia

Papua, Indonesia is a beautiful region situated in the easternmost part of Indonesia, and it is well-known for its fascinating landscapes, diverse cultures, and exotic wildlife. Most parts of Papua, are still unexplored, so it's no wonder that the region has become a favorite tourist destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Here is a rundown of the top tourist attractions that you can visit in Papua.

1. Raja Ampat Islands

Raja Ampat is a stunning archipelago comprised of over 1,500 small islands located in the north-west tip of Papua, Indonesia. With its powdery white beaches, crystal clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, it's no wonder that Raja Ampat is considered one of the best diving spots in the world. Visitors can go snorkeling, diving, or simply relax on the beaches.

2. Baliem Valley

The Baliem Valley is a beautiful highland region in Papua that is inhabited by the Dani tribe, one of the most distinctive and colorful groups of people found in Papua. The valley is surrounded by misty peaks and lush green forests and is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture by learning about their way of life or taking part in traditional ceremonies.

3. Lorentz National Park

The Lorentz National Park, located in central Papua, covers an area of approximately 9,674 square miles and contains splendid mountains, mysterious cloud forests, and vast stretches of savanna. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the Tree Kangaroo, Cassowary, and a range of elusive birds-of-paradise. Hiking, trekking, and bird-watching are some of the popular activities that you can do in Lorentz National Park.

4. Asmat cultural exhibition

Asmat is a region in Papua that is home to the Asmat tribes; an indigenous group whose unique culture is still very much alive. Asmat the artwork is world-renowned, and visitors can witness their artistic expression through sculpture, wood carving, and paintings. Visitors to the region can participate in traditional ceremonies or visit one of the many exhibitions to observe the beautiful artistry of the Asmat people.

5. Puncak Jaya

Puncak Jaya is a mountain peak that is located in the western central of Papua and is the highest mountain in the whole of Indonesia, with an altitude of 16,024 feet. The mountain is a famous climbing destination for adventurers from all over the world. Climbers should be in excellent physical condition to tackle the climb to the summit, but if you are not up for the challenge, you can still take in a breathtaking view of the peak from a distance.

Papua, Indonesia, is truly one of the most beautiful and exotic regions in the world. With its diverse culture, spectacular natural landscapes, and unique wildlife, it is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an adventure of a lifetime. So why wait? Plan your trip to Papua and explore all that this gem of a destination has to offer.

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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