Main image

K. Sumaryano, (Volcanological Survey of Indonesia) CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Damar Island

Island

Damar Island lies in Indonesia's Maluku province as a volcanic island with small coastal villages, rocky shores and nearby coral reefs. Visitors who reach it expect remote beaches, traditional village life and opportunities for snorkeling.

Damar Island TernateTidoreHalmaheraAmbonSeramBanda IslandsKei IslandsDamar Island
In this guide

Damar Island essentials

Country: Indonesia
Driest months: Aug-Oct
Pay in: Rupiah (Rp)
Language: Indonesian
Emergency: 110

Damar Island at a Glance

About Damar Island

Damar Island is a volcanic island in Indonesia’s Maluku province situated in the Banda Sea region. It is a relatively small, rugged island with traditional villages and a volcanic interior.

The island offers rugged coastal scenery, village life with local cultural practices and basic snorkeling opportunities in surrounding reefs. Facilities for tourists are minimal and travel is commonly undertaken by local boat services.

Formed by volcanic activity, the island has long been inhabited by maritime communities who practiced subsistence fishing and small-scale agriculture; its cultural and linguistic traditions align with eastern Indonesian island groups.

Located in Maluku province in eastern Indonesia, Damar lies in the Banda Sea among other volcanic islands of the region and is accessed by boat from nearby islands and regional ports.

  • Access and infrastructure: The island is remote with limited tourist infrastructure; travel typically requires a boat from larger islands or regional ports and schedules can be irregular.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Damar Island

Best in the region's dry season when sea conditions are most reliable for inter-island travel.

Dry season
May-September · 24-30°C (75-86°F)
Calmer seas and better conditions for boat travel and snorkeling.

Weather & Climate near Damar Island

Climate

Damar Island's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1777 mm/year), wettest in December with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 29 Good
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberAugustOctober
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 23° - 29° 26° 251 mm overcast 83% 2.9 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.4h
February Good 23° - 29° 26° 216 mm overcast 83% 3.0 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.2h
March Good 23° - 30° 26° 218 mm overcast 82% 2.2 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.0h
April Good 22° - 30° 26° 214 mm partly cloudy 79% 2.2 m/s 2.4 extreme 11.8h
May Good 22° - 29° 25° 203 mm partly cloudy 80% 2.1 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.7h
June Very Good 21° - 28° 25° 140 mm partly cloudy 80% 2.2 m/s 1.8 very high 11.6h
July Excellent 21° - 27° 24° 78 mm partly cloudy 80% 2.1 m/s 2.0 very high 11.6h
August Ideal 21° - 28° 24° 23 mm some cloud 78% 2.5 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.8h
September Ideal 21° - 29° 25° 20 mm mostly sunny 79% 2.8 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.0h
October Ideal 21° - 30° 26° 41 mm mostly sunny 77% 2.4 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.2h
November Excellent 23° - 30° 26° 111 mm some cloud 76% 2.0 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.3h
December Good 23° - 30° 26° 262 mm overcast 79% 2.1 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.4h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Damar Island

Damar is accessible by regional boat services from larger Maluku hubs; itineraries vary seasonally. Travelers typically connect through Ambon or other provincial ports and arrange local transport for the final leg.

Tips for Visiting Damar Island

  • Arrange inter-island transport in advance-ferries may be irregular and weather-dependent.
  • Bring cash and provisions; services on smaller Maluku islands can be limited.
  • Respect local customs and ask permission before photographing villages and people.