Derawan Island in East Kalimantan is a natural tourist destination with underwater beauty, white sandy beaches, and unique experiences such as swimming with stingless jellyfish.
Derawan Island, located in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, is a tropical paradise that captivates the hearts of travelers. This island is a tourist magnet thanks to its unmatched natural beauty.
From its colorful underwater world to its calming stretch of white sandy beaches, Derawan Island offers a complete holiday experience.
Despite its remote location, Derawan Island is still crowded with visitors because it offers authentic natural charm and is far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This destination is the perfect choice for adventurers who want to enjoy the beauty of the tropical sea and for those seeking peace and quiet.
A Glimpse of Derawan Island
Derawan Island is a tourist destination that offers authentic tropical natural beauty and unique experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. From its stunning underwater to its relaxing beaches, Derawan Island is the perfect place for a memorable vacation.
Not only that, the existence of activities such as swimming in Lake Kakaban, watching turtles lay eggs, and snorkeling among the beautiful coral reefs make this island a paradise for nature and adventure lovers.
Main Attractions of Derawan Island
1. Amazing Underwater Beauty
Derawan Island is a paradise for divers. The sea around this island is decorated with diverse and colorful coral reefs. There are three types of coral reefs that dominate, namely fringing reefs, barrier reefs, and atolls.
The presence of more than 1,051 species of marine life, including manta rays, whale sharks, green turtles, and various other types of reef fish, makes Derawan Island a destination that should not be missed by sea lovers.
For those who don’t dive, snorkeling is a fun alternative. With clear sea water, you can enjoy the underwater panorama directly from the surface.
2. The Charm of a Calming Beach
Derawan Island Beach offers a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The soft white sand combined with the turquoise sea water creates a perfect landscape.
The swaying coconut trees along the beach add a tropical feel, while the mangrove forests that adorn some areas of the beach provide another touch of natural beauty.
3. Seagrass Ecosystem
In addition to coral reefs, the seagrass ecosystem is also an attraction of Derawan Island. Seagrass plays an important role in maintaining the stability of the marine ecosystem.
In addition, the existence of seagrass makes this area a habitat for various marine species, such as turtles and small fish.
4. Kakaban Lake: Home of Non-Stinging Jellyfish
One of the unique attractions in the Derawan Islands is Lake Kakaban. This lake is a brackish water lake inhabited by thousands of stingless jellyfish.
Unlike most jellyfish, this species lost its ability to sting because it evolved without predators. Visitors can swim with these jellyfish, a rare experience that can only be found in a few places in the world.
5. The beauty of Maratua and Sangalaki Islands
In addition to Derawan Island, two other islands worth visiting are Maratua Island and Sangalaki Island. Maratua Island is famous for its stunning blue lagoon and exotic caves such as the Halo Tabung Cave.
Meanwhile, Sangalaki Island is known as a green turtle conservation area and a world-class diving location.
Access to Derawan Island
To reach Derawan Island, you can choose one of the following two routes:
Route Via Berau
- Take a plane to Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan Airport, Balikpapan.
- Continue your flight to Kalimarau Airport, Berau.
- From Berau, the land journey to Tanjung Batu takes about 2-3 hours.
- From Tanjung Batu, take a speedboat to Derawan Island (about 30-45 minutes).
Route Via Tarakan
- Fly to Juwata International Airport, Tarakan.
- From Tarakan, head to Tengkayu Port by land transportation.
- From the harbor, take a speedboat directly to Derawan Island.
Fun Activities on Derawan Island
Derawan Island is a tourist destination rich in interesting activities. Here are some things you can do there :
1. Diving and Snorkeling
Diving activities on Derawan Island are an experience not to be missed. Beautiful coral reefs and diverse marine life provide an extraordinary exploration sensation.
Snorkeling is also an alternative to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world without having to dive too deep.
2. Swimming in Kakaban Lake
Kakaban Lake offers the unique experience of swimming among thousands of stingless jellyfish. The calm lake water and natural surroundings provide a different holiday feel.
3. Exploring Maratua Island
Maratua Island is the perfect destination to explore the beauty of tropical nature. You can walk on white sand beaches, swim in blue lagoons, or explore exotic caves.
4. Watching Turtles Lay Eggs
Derawan Island is one of the favorite places for green turtles and hawksbill turtles to lay their eggs. If you come during the egg-laying season (April-June), you can witness this rare moment at night.
5. Camping on Sangalaki Island
Sangalaki Island offers a camping experience amidst the beauty of nature. You can also visit the turtle conservation center to see the conservation process and witness the release of baby turtles into the sea.
Facilities and Entrance Ticket Fees to Derawan Island
1. Transportation Costs
Even though there is no entrance ticket to Derawan Island, you need to prepare transportation costs. The cost of renting a speedboat to the island ranges from IDR 80,000 to IDR 100,000 per person.
2. Accommodation
Derawan Island has a variety of accommodation options, from simple homestays to luxurious villas on the sea. Some villas even have private balconies that directly face the sea, providing a luxurious and relaxing stay.
3. Other Facilities
Restaurants, snorkeling equipment rentals, and souvenir shops are available on Derawan Island. These facilities make your visit more comfortable and enjoyable.
4. Operating Hours
Derawan Island is open to the public every day for 24 hours. The best time to visit is from morning to evening, especially for those who want to enjoy outdoor activities. Derawan Island is a hidden gem that you must visit.
With its extraordinary natural beauty, exciting activities, and adequate facilities, Derawan Island is an ideal destination to explore the wonders of East Kalimantan. So, when are you planning a vacation to Maratua Island?
