While the Derawan Islands are famous for their stunning marine life, many travelers miss out on a key part of the experience: the incredible local food. Finding the best places to eat, from authentic local grills to unique dining experiences, can be challenging.
This guide solves that problem, pointing you directly to the most memorable culinary journeys the archipelago has to offer. Whether you’re a diver needing a hearty meal or a food lover seeking tradition, we’ll show you where to go.
1 – Derawan Dive Resort Restaurant: Convenience, Comfort & Premium Seafood
- Location: Located on Derawan Island, within the Derawan Dive Lodge. View on Google Maps
- Signature: A satisfying blend of Indonesian and Western cuisine, often served buffet-style.
- Price Range: IDR 150,000 – IDR 350,000 per person.
- How to Get There: Easily accessible to guests of the resort and visitors staying nearby on Derawan Island.
As the central hub for divers and travelers, the atmosphere at Derawan Dive Resort’s restaurant is one of shared adventure and relaxed comfort. The open-air dining area, situated on stilts over the water, offers a scenic backdrop for enjoying a meal.
2 – Derawan Dive Lodge Restaurant: The Reliable Waterfront Hub
- Location: Jalan Saba Ani, RT III, Pulau Derawan, Kec. Pulau Derawan, Kabupaten Berau, Kalimantan Timur 77381, Indonesia.
- Signature: A satisfying blend of Indonesian and Western comfort food.
- Price Range: IDR 150,000 – IDR 350,000 per person.
- Best For: Divers, families, and those seeking a comfortable and scenic meal.
As the central hub for many travelers, the Derawan Dive Lodge restaurant offers a relaxed, open-air dining experience on a deck perched over the turquoise water. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of diving.
3 – Private Beach BBQ by Nabucco Island Resort: Exclusive Romantic Dining
- Location: Teluk Alulu, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
- Signature: Freshly grilled seafood (lobster, prawns, squid) served in a private, candlelit setting.
- Price Range: IDR 1,500,000 – IDR 2,500,000+ per couple, depending on the menu and inclusions.
- How to Get There: Arranged through your resort or a specialized tour operator like Indonesia Impression Tour.
- Signature: A private, candlelit seafood barbecue prepared by a dedicated chef.
- Price Range: Premium / Exclusive.
- Best For: Honeymooners, couples, and special celebrations.
For the ultimate special occasion, nothing compares to a private beach barbecue. While several high-end resorts offer this, Nabucco Island Resort is renowned for executing it perfectly. Imagine a table for two on the sand, illuminated by candles and the stars, as a private chef grills lobster, prawns, and fresh fish just for you.
4 – Maratua Paradise Resort Restaurant: An Upscale Island Escape
- Location: Jl. Langoan, RT.3, Tlk. Harapan, Kec. Maratua, Kabupaten Berau, Kalimantan Timur 77381, Indonesia
- Signature: International cuisine with fresh seafood and stunning sea views.
- Price Range: IDR 300,000 – IDR 600,000+ per person.
- Best For: Guests on Maratua Island, couples, and those desiring a more refined dining setting.
For those staying on the stunning Maratua Atoll, the restaurant at Maratua Paradise Resort offers a more polished dining experience. Set in an expansive overwater building, it provides panoramic views of the Celebes Sea. The menu is more extensive than most on the islands, featuring a mix of Indonesian specialties and international dishes to cater to a global palate.
5 – RM Apung (Floating Restaurant): Dining on the Water
- Location: Melayu, Kec. Banjarmasin Tengah, Kota Banjarmasin, Kalimantan Selatan 70121, Indonesia
- Signature: Fresh seafood, especially crab and squid, enjoyed with your feet dangling close to the water.
- Price Range: IDR 70,000 – IDR 180,000 per person.
- Best For: A unique and casual lunch experience with a fun, novel setting.
For a meal with a memorable twist, head to RM Apung (Rumah Makan Apung). This simple restaurant is built on a floating platform, allowing you to dine literally on the sea.
The menu is straightforward and seafood-focused—the Cumi Bakar (grilled squid) and Kepiting Saus Tiram (crab in oyster sauce) are particularly popular. The gentle rocking of the platform and the 360-degree water views create a truly unique island ambiance.
Exclusive: Customized Culinary Tour by Indonesia Impression Tour
- Location: A curated multi-stop itinerary across the islands, from local villages to private boats.
- Signature: A bespoke dining itinerary designed entirely around your preferences.
- Price Range: Custom (based on the experience).
- Best For: Travelers who want a seamless, immersive, and diverse culinary adventure.
Indonesia Impression Tour designs experiences that a typical tourist couldn’t arrange on their own. Imagine a day that starts with trying freshly made kuih (traditional cakes) in a local village, followed by snorkeling in Kakaban Lake, and then enjoying fresh coconuts on the jetty.
For lunch, your boat crew grills the fish you bought from a fisherman that morning. This bespoke approach transforms dining from a meal into the highlight of your trip, offering the deepest insight into the culture of Sulawesi and its islands.
Local Tips for Dining in the Derawan Islands
To make the most of your culinary explorations, a little insider knowledge goes a long way. These tips, drawn from local expertise, will help you dine like a seasoned traveler.
How to Choose the Freshest Seafood
When choosing fish from a warung’s display, look for bright, clear eyes, vibrant red gills, and firm flesh. For the absolute freshest catch, take a walk down to the main jetty in the late afternoon (around 4-5 PM) when the local fishermen return. You can often buy directly from them and ask your guesthouse or a warung to grill it for you for a small fee.
Speak the Language of Spice
Indonesian food can be famously spicy (pedas). If your tolerance for heat is low, don’t be shy. When ordering, you can say “tidak pedas” (not spicy) or, even better, ask for the “sambal pisah” (sambal served separately). This way, you can control the heat level yourself and fully enjoy the flavors of your dish.
Important Notes on Payment & Culture
Cash is king in the Derawan Islands. While resorts may accept credit cards, the vast majority of local eateries, shops, and vendors only accept Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). It is essential to bring enough cash from the mainland. When dining, remember that local custom often involves eating with your right hand; it’s a sign of respect. A simple “Terima kasih” (thank you) and a smile will always be warmly received.
Let Us Curate Your Exclusive Culinary Adventure
The Derawan Islands Tour Packages are both an adventurer’s playground and a foodie’s paradise, where the thrill of discovery flows seamlessly from vibrant coral reefs to the dining table. Here, every unforgettable meal is more than nourishment—it’s a story, an experience, and a memory waiting to be savored.
Indonesia Impression Tour can custom a tour to arrange a private dining beach with a chance to see bioluminescent plankton, introduce you to the family that makes the best Sambal Mangga, and ensure your culinary adventure is as breathtaking as your dives. Let us handle the details, so you can focus on savoring every moment.
