Home to untouched tropical scenery and vibrant marine life, Borneo’s best beaches offer a peaceful escape for those seeking pristine island landscapes. As the world’s third-largest island, Borneo is shared by Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia, with the Indonesian territory of Kalimantan hosting the most remote shores. This guide explores the Derawan Archipelago and quiet coastal gems, highlighting unique destinations and providing practical tips for planning an unforgettable adventure across these less-crowded, world-class marine parks.
1. Sangalaki Island
- Address: Sangalaki Island, Derawan Archipelago, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
- Activities: Diving and snorkeling to observe manta rays, sea turtles, coral reefs, and other marine life.
- Signature Experience: Swimming with manta rays at famous dive sites such as Manta Run and Manta Avenue
Nestled within the Derawan Archipelago, Sangalaki Island offers crystal-clear waters, soft white sands, and a tranquil tropical atmosphere. Fringed by coconut palms and gentle waves, this quiet paradise is a vital turtle nesting ground where conservation teams protect hatcheries and release hatchlings into the sea. Beyond its serene shores, the island boasts vibrant coral reefs and frequent manta ray sightings, making the experience of watching baby turtles reach the ocean an unforgettable highlight for any traveler.
2. Tanah Merah Beach
- Address: Jl. Samboja – Muara Jawa, Tanjung Harapan, Samboja District, Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
- Activities: Swimming, camping, snorkeling, fishing, photography, and riding ATV vehicles along the shoreline.
- Signature Experience: Watching sunrise or sunset from the wooden walkway while surrounded by rows of pine and casuarina trees.
Despite its name, Tanah Merah Beach features a vast coastline of soft white sand shaded by hundreds of pine trees. This natural canopy creates a cool, refreshing atmosphere perfect for family recreation along the calm, shallow shoreline. Beyond the water, the peaceful pine forest is a favorite spot for overnight camping, while the iconic wooden bridge offers a picturesque vantage point for photography overlooking the sea.
3. Kemala Beach
- Address: Kemala Beach, Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
- Activities: Beach walks, casual swimming, relaxing at seaside cafés, and enjoying sunset views.
- Signature Experience: Watching the sunset while dining at a seaside Borneo restaurant overlooking the Makassar Strait.
Located near downtown Balikpapan, Kemala Beach offers a clean and convenient coastal escape for both locals and travelers. While the shoreline is relatively compact, it is well-maintained and features a relaxed, local atmosphere with nearby restaurants and seating. It is a popular gathering spot for families to enjoy the evening breeze and stunning sunset views without leaving the city, making it an ideal destination for those seeking accessibility and a peaceful urban retreat.
4. Binalatung Beach
- Address: East Tarakan District, Tarakan City, North Kalimantan, Indonesia
- Activities: Beach walking, swimming, photography, family picnics, and small barbecue gatherings.
- Signature Experience: Enjoying a seaside barbecue while watching the sunset over Tarakan’s calm coastal waters.
Located on Tarakan Island, Binalatung Beach serves as a wide, sandy recreational hub for both locals and travelers. The coastline is naturally shaded by coconut and pine trees, offering a cool retreat even during hot afternoons. With its lively weekend atmosphere, the beach is a favorite for family picnics and outdoor activities. Visitors can relax in gazebos or on benches to enjoy the refreshing sea breeze, making it a comfortable and authentic spot to experience local coastal life.
5. Batu Lamampu Beach
- Address: North Kalimantan, Indonesia
- Activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, nature photography, and exploring the rugged coastline.
- Signature Experience: Watching the sunset as turquoise waves reflect across the unusual grey pebble shoreline.
Batu Lamampu Beach offers a striking departure from the typical tropical coastline, replacing soft sand with a shore of smooth grey pebbles. This unique terrain creates a dramatic contrast against the bright turquoise water and rugged rocky formations. Due to its remote location, the beach remains a peaceful, untouched sanctuary where vibrant coral reefs support diverse marine life. It is an exceptional destination for snorkeling and experiencing a rugged coastal scenery rarely found elsewhere in Borneo.
6. Tanjung Batu Beach
- Address: Tanjung Batu, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
- Activities: Swimming, picnicking, coastal walking, and joining sunset boat tours nearby.
- Signature Experience: Strolling along the beachfront walkway while watching fishing boats return to the harbor.
Tanjung Batu Beach offers a relaxed coastal setting with expansive ocean views and convenient facilities, including picnic tables, parking, and restrooms. A winding shoreline path invites travelers to enjoy the scenery on foot, making it an ideal destination for day trips and accessible recreation. The beach is particularly favored for peaceful sunset walks, where visitors can observe local fishing activities along the coast in a calm and authentic environment.
7. Derawan Island Beach
- Address: Derawan Island, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
- Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, banana boat rides, and island hopping around the Derawan Islands.
- Signature Experience: Swimming alongside green sea turtles in clear turquoise water near the island’s coral reefs.
As one of the most iconic destinations in Borneo, Derawan Island Beach is defined by its soft white sands, swaying coconut palms, and signature over-water wooden lodges. The island’s vibrant coral reefs support a rich ecosystem of tropical fish and sea turtles, with visibility reaching 20 meters during favorable weather. This creates exceptional snorkeling conditions, allowing visitors to easily observe the thriving marine wildlife directly from the shoreline or the island’s many piers.
8. Maratua Island Beach
- Address: Maratua Island, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
- Activities: Snorkeling, diving, kayaking, cycling around the island, and visiting Bajau fishing villages.
- Signature Experience: Exploring dramatic coral walls while diving among sea turtles, barracudas, and tropical fish.
Situated on the outer edge of the Derawan Archipelago, Maratua Island features stunning turquoise lagoons and palm-lined beaches. The island is home to Bajau sea nomad communities, whose traditional stilt houses reflect a unique and vibrant maritime culture. Often described as a peaceful tropical paradise far from mass tourism, Maratua serves as a premier destination for those seeking abundant marine life and some of the most colorful reefs in Borneo.
9. Kakaban Island Beach
- Address: Kakaban Island, Derawan Archipelago, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
- Activities: Swimming in the jellyfish lake, snorkeling around coral reefs, kayaking through mangroves, and wildlife photography.
- Signature Experience: Floating among thousands of non-stinging jellyfish inside the island’s ancient saltwater lake.
Kakaban Island stands as one of the most extraordinary destinations in the Derawan Archipelago, defined by its dense forests and surrounding coral reefs. Its centerpiece is a rare saltwater lake where, over thousands of years, resident jellyfish evolved to be completely stingless. Swimming in this hidden lake offers a surreal marine experience unlike any other. As an uninhabited island, Kakaban maintains a profound sense of untouched nature and raw adventure for every visitor.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Beaches in Borneo?
The best time to visit Borneo’s beaches is during the dry season from April to September. These months offer sunny weather, calm seas, and optimal conditions for boat transfers between islands.
This period is ideal for the Derawan Archipelago, where underwater visibility can reach 20 meters. Divers and snorkelers will enjoy the clearest views of coral reefs, sea turtles, and manta rays in islands like Maratua and Sangalaki.
While travel is possible during the rainy season (October to March), stronger winds and heavy rain can result in rougher seas and reduced visibility. For the ultimate adventure, many travelers combine their beach escape with a visit to Kalimantan’s rainforests to see orangutan conservation areas.
Explore more: 8 Must-Try Restaurants in Borneo for Authentic Island Flavours
Travel Tips for Visiting the Best Beaches in Borneo
To ensure a smooth journey to the best beaches in Borneo, you can follow this straightforward travel flow:
- Arrival: Start your journey by flying into Balikpapan or Berau in East Kalimantan.
- Land & Sea Connection: From these cities, continue by road to the harbor and then board a speedboat to reach the Derawan Archipelago.
- Island Transfers (Per Person):
- Derawan: 100,000 – 350,000 IDR
- Maratua: 500,000 – 580,000 IDR
- Private Charters: For more flexibility, private boat rentals range from 1,500,000 – 7,000,000 IDR, with trusted operators like Scuba Junkie Sangalaki providing reliable connections.
Experience a side of Indonesia far beyond the crowds of Bali by embracing these responsible travel habits:
- Practice Reef-Safe Habits: Always use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching coral reefs to prevent damage to the marine environment.
- Respect Wildlife: Maintain a respectful distance from sea turtles, manta rays, and other marine life at all times.
Explore the Best Beaches in Borneo with Indonesia Impression Tour
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You can seamlessly combine a visit to the Kalimantan rainforest to see orangutans with world-class diving in the Derawan Archipelago. Whether you want to swim with manta rays or relax by turquoise lagoons, we personalize every detail to ensure your island escape is smooth and unforgettable.
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