The Derawan islands must be everyone’s dream of the perfect tropical paradise: warm, isolated islands with soft white sand beaches fringed with waving palm trees, pristine seas that change color from green to deep blue, and an amazing underwater life of giant turtles, dolphins, manta rays, dugongs and barracudas, stingless jellyfish and sometimes, whales Derawan is indeed one of world’s richest areas in bio-diversity. Small wonder that the Derawan Islands are considered the third best dive destination in the world.
Located just away from the mainland of East Kalimantan in the district of Berau, the Derawan archipelago comprises 31 islands, most well known among these are the islands of Derawan, Maratua, Sangalaki and Kakaban. Here is Indonesia’s largest nesting site of the rare and endangered giant green turtles and hawksbill turtles, where one can daily watch turtles lay their eggs in the sand or swim to sea with the turtles. The entire marine conservancy region covers a total area of no less than 1.27 million hectares.
Here, you can find 460 different species of corals, ranking this area second only to the Raja Ampat Islands in West Papua. The Nature Conservancy and a team of international experts also found more than 870 species of fish here, ranging from tiny pygmy seahorses to giant manta rays. On some days, groups of up to 50 manta rays have been seen feeding together in Derawan’s waters, says the Conservancy.
While on Kakaban, you can find the world’s largest and most diverse jellyfish lake, including four unique species of stingless jellyfish one of which can swim upside down. It is for this reason that Kakaban is considered for UNESCO nomination as a World Heritage Site.
Additional information
| Location | Berau, East Kalimantan |
|---|---|
| Includes | Pick up from the airport, Guide, Speedboat for Island Hopping, Water Cottage, Food as itinerary, Underwater Camera, Assurance from Jasa Raharja, Entrance ticket fee, Snorkeling set (Life jacket, Mask and Snorkel) |
| Exludes | Flight to Berau, Additional tour, Tipping |
Day 1: Berau - Derawan Island (D)
Day 2: Explore Kakaban and Maratua Island (B, L, D)
The next destination to visit is Maratua Island, enjoy your private beach and Haji Mangku Beach, where you can jump from 6 meter high cliff to the cool water inside the cave and go out from the other side. After all back to Derawan Island.
Day 3: Swim with Whale Shark and Explore Sangalaki Island (B, L)
Early morning board the speedboat again to go to Bagang (A huge traditional fish trap) whe the whale shale usually swimming around. You can swim with this big creature and have a selfie.
Heading to Sangalaki Island for having breakfast on the white sandy beach, with the amazing view of turquoise sea. After breakfast you will visit the turtle conservation to see the process of saving endangered species. Go for snorkelling to see the clown fish snorkelling, and if you are lucky you can swim with the giant manta ray.
After lunch go back to Derawan Island, on your way back you can stop on a tiny island called Gusung Island. This is a temporary Island, only come when the water level is low, you can do more snorkelling here if you wish.
Enjoy your last sunset from the sunset point in Derawan Island.
Day 4: Derawan Island – Berau (B)
After breakfast pack your bag and go back to the airport with the same way where you are coming. See you next trip.
