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)
Enjoy the sunrise at the east side of Derawan Islands, after breakfast heading to the island of Sangalaki (Explore the island of Sangalaki, you can see turtles, manta ray and snorkeling)
Than Continue to Kakaban, arrived on Kakaban island heading to the Lake, snorkling with jelly fish. Enjoy your lunch surrounding by the nature and continue on Kakaban island snorkeling reef. The last destination is Maratua Island, you can enjoy the unique Haji Mangku Cave, jumping from the top of the cave and swing through the tunnel. Go back to Derawan Island. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Derawan Island – Talisayan (B, L, D)
Early morning leaving Derawan island for 6 hours journey by car to Talisayan. On our way stop in the natural hot spring, but it has a salt water and surrounded by forest. Check in to the hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Talisayan - Whale Shark – Labuan Cermin Lake (B, L, D)
Before dawn leaving the hotel by boat to spot for swimming with the giant Whale Shark. After back to the hotel for shower and continoe the journey to Labuan Cermin Lake. Enjoy Labuan Cermin Lake, a lake with salt and fresh clear water in the inside. Check in to the hotel, if we still have time we will take a fishing boat to explore Kanuingan island for Snorkeling and Island hopping.
Day 5: Biduk-biduk – Berau (B)
After breakfast heading to Tanjung redeb (6 hours by car) and transfer directly to the Kalimarau Airport.
