The Derawan Islands offer serene escapes with crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. Each island possesses its own unique soul, and choosing the right one is key to crafting the perfect escape. This expert guide moves beyond the basics, matching you to the ideal beach for your dream getaway, complete with insider tips to elevate your journey.
1 – Derawan Island: The Heart of the Archipelago
- Location: Derawan Island, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia.
- Signature: A vibrant blend of local Bajau culture and the unique opportunity to swim with giant green sea turtles right off the village jetties.
- How to get there: As the main entry point, most boat transfers from the mainland or other islands arrive here.
In Derawan, you’ll stay in an overwater bungalow, wake up, and the turtles will be right there. The best thing to do is rent a snorkel, jump right off your pier, and swim with them before breakfast. In the evening, walk through the village, try some pisang goreng (fried banana) from a local stall, and just watch the lazy island life go by. It’s busy but in the best way.
Explore Derawan Islands’ Itinerary
2 – Sangalaki Island: Where Turtles Come to Nest
- Location: Sangalaki Island, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia.
- Signature: A protected marine park known for its turtle hatchery and as a cleaning station for majestic manta rays.
- How to get there: Accessible via a day trip by speedboat, typically organized from Derawan or Maratua.
Sangalaki is a must-visit destination for those who love nature. This isn’t a resort island; it’s a conservation island. At night, you might get to see turtles come ashore to lay their eggs—ask the park rangers. The diving here is all about Manta Avenue, where you can see huge manta rays gliding by. It’s a wild, natural place, perfect for people who want to see animals in their true home.
3 – Maratua Island: The Breathtaking Crescent Lagoon
- Location: Maratua Island, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia.
- Signature: A stunning, expansive turquoise lagoon and dramatic coral-covered drop-offs for diving.
- How to get there: Accessible by longer boat transfers from Derawan or by charter flights to its small airstrip.
Maratua is the vision of paradise brought to life. Its vast, crescent-shaped lagoon holds impossibly turquoise water, creating a serene sanctuary perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply floating in bliss. Beyond the calm, the atoll’s outer walls offer some of Indonesia’s most thrilling dive experiences. The famous “Big Fish Country” is a high-current channel where divers can hook in and watch a spectacular parade of sharks, tuna, and swirling vortexes of barracuda.
4 – Nabucco Island: A Secluded and Luxurious Escape
- Location: Nabucco Island Resort, Pulau Maratua, Berau, East Kalimantan, Indonesia.
- Signature: An intimate and sustainable eco-resort experience, perfect for honeymoons.
- How to get there: Typically reached via a short boat transfer arranged by the resort from Maratua Island.
Nabucco is a tiny private island with just one eco-resort. The best days here are simple: read a book on the white-sand beach, snorkel the house reef, and look for the rare coconut crabs that wander around. It’s very quiet and romantic. Be sure to have a sunset drink on the pier; it’s the perfect end to a peaceful day.
5 – Panjang Island: “Your Private Island”
- Location: Panjang Island, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia.
- Signature: A long, narrow island known for its raw, untouched beauty and deserted coastlines.
- How to get there: Usually visited as a day trip by private boat from either Derawan or Maratua.
Panjang is a true escape place to spend time in Derawan for the day. There’s almost nothing here, and that’s the point. The beach is long and empty. Pack a cooler with drinks and a simple lunch of nasi goreng (fried rice). You can spend hours just walking the coastline, swimming in the calm water, and not seeing another soul. It’s your own private island experience.
6 – Kakaban Island: The Beach Gate to a Natural Wonder
- Location: Kakaban Island, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia.
- Signature: Home to a unique, landlocked marine lake filled with millions of stingless jellyfish.
- How to get there: A popular stop on island-hopping day tours from Derawan or Maratua.
The beach at Kakaban is merely the portal to an otherworldly experience. A short walk up a wooden staircase and through a lush jungle path reveals a hidden, landlocked marine lake.
Here, you can float weightlessly among millions of harmless, pulsating jellyfish of four different species. This mesmerizing, gentle encounter is a bucket-list moment that exists in only a few places on Earth, making Kakaban an essential stop.
7 – Pulau Gusung: The Disappearing Sandbar
- Location: Gusung Sanggalau, off the coast of Derawan Island, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan.
- Signature: A picturesque, gleaming white sandbar that emerges from the sea only during low tide.
- How to get there: A quick boat ride from Derawan, timed specifically for low tide.
Pulau Gusung is a strip of perfect white sand that appears in the middle of the ocean for just a few hours. There’s nothing to do here except take incredible photos and swim in the warm, shallow water that surrounds it. It feels like you’re standing in the middle of the sea. It’s a must-do for the amazing pictures you’ll get.
8 – Pulau Samama: A Rustic Gem for Nature Lovers
- Location: Samama Island, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia.
- Signature: A peaceful retreat with a long wooden pier, rich birdlife, and a protective mangrove ecosystem.
- How to get there: A very short and easy boat trip from Derawan Island.
Samama is the peaceful counterpoint to the more bustling Derawan. It is a haven for those who appreciate quiet observation and natural ecosystems. The mangroves that line the island serve as a vital nursery for reef fish, and the air is filled with the calls of kingfishers and sea eagles. The pier offers a perfect, shaded vantage point to sit and watch the natural world go by.
Our Insider Tips for Enjoying Derawan’s Beaches
To really enjoy the Derawan islands, you have to move with the rhythm of the tides and the sun. Bring small denominations of cash (Rupiah), as the local warungs on the beach won’t have change for large bills.
Also, pack a lightweight dry bag; unexpected tropical showers are common, and it’s the best way to protect your phone and camera when hopping between islands on a small speedboat. These simple things will make your trip much smoother.
Embracing “Santai” (Relax) and Sustainable Travel
Santai, which means to relax and take it easy. This applies to how we treat our ocean, too. The beauty of these islands is in their fragile marine environment.
When you’re in the water, please remember that the coral is alive; never touch or stand on it.
Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the reefs, and always take your trash with you. By being a conscious visitor, you help keep this paradise beautiful for everyone.
When is The Best Time to Visit Derawan’s Beaches?
Dry season, which is usually from March to October, is the best time to visit Derawan’s beaches. This is when the sea is calmest and the sky is clearest, making it perfect for island-hopping and getting those beautiful photos. The water is warm all year, but during these months, the underwater visibility is incredible, often more than 20 meters, which is fantastic for snorkeling and diving
Create Your Exclusive Beach Escape with Indonesia Impression Tour
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Partner with us to deliver authentic, world-class Indonesian adventures with the confidence of a trusted local expert. Contact us, and let’s start planning the unforgettable Derawan Islands Tour Packages you deserve.
