SPF 50+
Reef-safe sunscreen
Free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, which harm coral. Reapply often, especially after swimming.
Plan Your Trip · Packing
Derawan packing list: what to bring
Light, quick-drying layers for tropical heat, kit for sea days and island days, and modest clothes for village visits.
- Average daily temperature
- ~27°C
- Humidity, often
- 80%+
- Rash guard and hat
- UPF 50+
- In Kakaban Jellyfish Lake
- No fins
The climate
Pack for steady heat and humidity
Derawan sits just north of the equator. The average daily temperature is around 27°C and rarely moves more than a few degrees, while humidity often exceeds 80%.
Choose breathable, quick-drying fabrics such as linen, cotton or bamboo blends, in light colours that reflect the sun. Showers are usually brief and intense, so a light packable rain jacket is useful.
- Lightweight, quick-drying clothes
- Light colours rather than dark
- A packable rain jacket or umbrella
- A sarong: beach cover-up, towel or scarf
Sea days
Swimwear and water gear
Snorkelling and island hopping fill most days, so pack at least three swimsuits to allow for daily changes and drying time. Our Derawan trips are snorkel-based; scuba diving is not included.
On our trips the snorkel kit (mask, snorkel and life jacket) is provided. Fins are not included, and fins are not allowed in Kakaban's Jellyfish Lake.
- A rash guard with UPF 50+ sun protection
- Reef shoes or water sandals for coral, rocky shores and boat decks
- A waterproof camera for the underwater world
- Your own mask and snorkel if you prefer your own fit
- Your own fins if you want them: fins are not included, and not allowed in the Jellyfish Lake
Sun and health
Sun protection and a health kit
The equatorial sun is intense, with UV readings often above 10, and medical care on the islands is basic.
Village visits
Dress modestly on shore
Indonesia is predominantly Muslim, and modest dress in villages, markets and local eateries shows respect for local customs.
Women
- Loose trousers, long skirts or dresses
- Shoulders and knees covered
- A light scarf for extra cover or sun
Men
- Collared shirts rather than tank tops
- Bermuda shorts or light trousers
- Walking sandals or light sneakers for village paths
Tech, money and papers
Power, signal, cash and documents
Bring chargers, power banks and spare memory cards, and a waterproof dry bag for boat transfers and rain. Wi-Fi is slower than in cities; a local Telkomsel SIM generally gives the best coverage.
ATMs are scarce on Derawan Island, so carry enough rupiah for local purchases, tips and the day-3 lunch in Berau, which is at your own expense. Travel insurance and entrance fees are included in our trips. Your passport needs at least six months' validity; check Indonesian visa rules before you travel.
- Printed and digital copies of your bookings
- Flight confirmations: flights are booked by you, to Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) in Berau
- Flight times: Open Trip guests land by 08.20 WITA and fly out no earlier than 15.40 WITA; Private Trip guests fly out after 15.00 WITA
Pack light on plastic
Sustainable packing
The reefs thrive on minimal human impact, and small packing choices help.
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Packing questions
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