How to visit the Derawan Islands in East Kalimantan
The Derawan Islands are a remote marine destination in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, known for clear lagoons, coral gardens, sea turtles, manta rays, and quiet beaches. The archipelago lies off the coast of Berau Regency in northern Kalimantan, far from Indonesia’s busiest resort areas. Reaching it takes time, but the long journey leads to some of the country’s most rewarding island scenery.
A trip usually centers on Derawan Island, the most accessible base, while excursions can include Maratua, Kakaban, and Sangalaki. Each island has a different character: Derawan offers relaxed beachfront stays, Maratua has spectacular lagoons and resorts, Kakaban is famous for its stingless jellyfish lake, and Sangalaki is associated with manta sightings and turtle conservation.
Because transport schedules, boat availability, and weather can change, careful planning matters. Travelers should allow extra time for transfers, carry sufficient cash, and confirm accommodation and boat arrangements before leaving the mainland. The wider Indonesia travel portal can also help place this destination within a longer itinerary.
Where the islands are and why they are special
The Derawan archipelago is located in the Sulawesi Sea, east of Berau and north of Samarinda. The nearest major mainland town is Tanjung Redeb, the capital of Berau Regency. From there, travelers continue to the coastal harbor at Tanjung Batu before crossing by speedboat to Derawan Island.
The region’s attraction is its exceptional marine biodiversity. Green turtles and hawksbill turtles feed around the islands, while coral reefs shelter reef fish, rays, sea snakes, and occasional sharks. The water is often warm throughout the year, making snorkeling and diving possible in every season, although visibility depends on wind, rain, currents, and local sea conditions.
Derawan itself has a friendly village atmosphere, with simple guesthouses, seafood restaurants, bicycle rentals, and jetties leading into turquoise water. Maratua feels more spacious and secluded, with larger stretches of beach and dramatic limestone formations. Kakaban and Sangalaki are generally visited as day trips because overnight facilities there are limited.
Planning the route from mainland Indonesia
Most visitors fly to Kalimarau Airport, also known as Berau Airport, near Tanjung Redeb. Flights commonly connect through Balikpapan or Samarinda, although schedules vary by season and airline. From the airport, a car or minivan takes approximately two to three hours to reach Tanjung Batu, depending on road conditions and traffic.
At Tanjung Batu, a shared or private speedboat crosses to Derawan. The journey usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes in suitable weather. Shared boats may wait until they have enough passengers, while private transfers offer more flexibility but cost more. Travelers staying on Maratua may need a longer boat ride or a separate arrangement from Derawan.
Another route is through Tarakan in North Kalimantan. Some travelers fly to Tarakan, travel overland to a coastal departure point, and then take a boat toward the islands. This option may work when flights to Berau are inconvenient, but it involves more complicated logistics. Confirm the complete route with a local operator before booking flights, especially when traveling with luggage or during unsettled weather.
Choosing the best island base
Derawan Island is usually the simplest choice for first-time visitors. Accommodation ranges from modest homestays to comfortable beachfront lodges, and the island has easier access to food, boat operators, and daily supplies. Its shallow coastal waters are excellent for casual snorkeling, while nearby reefs and sandbars can be reached on organized excursions.
Maratua is better suited to travelers looking for a quieter island escape or a resort-focused stay. The island is larger and more spread out, with lagoons, coconut palms, limestone cliffs, and scenic viewpoints. Accommodation can sell out quickly, particularly during holidays, so reservations should be made well in advance.
Kakaban is best known for its enclosed marine lake, where visitors may swim among non-stinging jellyfish. Follow local instructions carefully: sunscreen, insect repellent, fins, and other substances may be restricted in the lake to protect its delicate ecosystem. Sangalaki is valued for manta encounters and turtle-related conservation work, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and depend on natural conditions.
| Planning detail | Typical expectation | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Main airport | Kalimarau Airport, Berau | Flights often require a connection |
| Mainland transfer | Airport to Tanjung Batu | Usually around two to three hours by car |
| Sea crossing | Tanjung Batu to Derawan | Roughly 30–45 minutes by speedboat |
| Best travel window | Approximately April to October | Sea conditions can still change quickly |
| Island transport | Shared or private boat | Reserve for remote island excursions |
| Daily budget | Varies from modest to premium | Boat trips and resort stays raise the total |
| Payment | Cash is widely useful | Bring rupiah because card access is limited |
When to go and what to pack
The drier period from roughly April through October is often considered the most comfortable time for a Derawan holiday. Calmer seas can make boat transfers and snorkeling more pleasant, while visibility is frequently better. July and August may be busy because of school holidays, so travelers seeking a quieter experience should consider the shoulder months.
Rain can occur at any time, and marine conditions may change without much warning. November through March can bring more unsettled weather, rougher crossings, and occasional changes to island-hopping schedules. Local boat captains make the final safety decision, so flexible itineraries are essential.
Pack lightweight clothing, reef-safe sun protection, a dry bag, waterproof phone protection, a reusable water bottle, medication, and enough cash for several days. A compact power bank is useful because electricity may be limited or interrupted at some accommodations. Bring an identification document and a copy of important bookings, but store valuables securely and avoid carrying unnecessary electronics.
Marine activities and responsible travel
Snorkeling is the easiest way to experience the Derawan reefs, with many sites accessible to visitors who have little or no diving experience. Experienced divers can explore walls, channels, coral slopes, and sites around Maratua and Kakaban. Conditions vary by tide and current, so follow the guide’s briefing and use a life vest when requested.
Manta rays, turtles, and jellyfish are wild animals, not attractions that can be summoned on demand. Keep a respectful distance, never touch or chase marine life, and avoid standing on coral. Do not remove shells, sand, or fragments of reef. Choosing operators that provide safety briefings and maintain equipment helps support better tourism standards across the archipelago.
Waste management is a serious concern on remote islands. Carry reusable containers, refuse single-use plastic when practical, and take personal rubbish back to a suitable disposal point. Use biodegradable toiletries, conserve fresh water, and avoid using flash photography around resting wildlife. Visitors who enjoy exploring Indonesia’s inland scenery as well can find useful ideas in this guide to Coban Glotak, another destination where natural surroundings deserve careful treatment.
Practical costs, accommodation, and safety
Prices depend heavily on the season, island, room type, and whether boats are shared. A simple homestay on Derawan can be relatively affordable, while a private resort on Maratua may cost considerably more. Island-hopping packages often include boat transport, snorkeling gear, guides, and meals, but entrance fees, equipment rental, and transfers may be charged separately.
Ask for a clear package description before paying a deposit. Confirm the number of boat passengers, fuel surcharges, meal arrangements, snorkeling equipment, guide services, and what happens if bad weather cancels a crossing. On arrival, check whether your accommodation provides drinking water, charging facilities, Wi-Fi, mosquito protection, and an emergency contact.
Use a certified or experienced boat operator whenever possible, and inspect whether life jackets are available for every passenger. Avoid rushing between islands on the same day as an international or domestic flight. A night in Tanjung Redeb or near the airport can protect the itinerary from missed connections after a delayed boat.
A simple plan for a first visit
A four- to five-day schedule allows travelers to enjoy Derawan without treating every transfer as a race. The first day can cover the flight, mainland journey, and boat crossing. The following days can combine local snorkeling with a full-day excursion to Kakaban, Sangalaki, and selected reefs around Maratua.
Useful priorities for organizing the trip include:
- Book flights, accommodation, and major boat transfers before arrival.
- Keep one flexible day for weather delays or a postponed island excursion.
- Carry enough Indonesian rupiah for meals, transfers, entrance fees, and emergencies.
- Choose reef-safe behavior and follow every guide’s instructions around wildlife.
- Leave a buffer before onward flights from Berau or other mainland airports.
Travelers who prefer a slower pace can spend the entire stay on Derawan and arrange short boat trips based on the weather. Those seeking a more secluded experience should reserve Maratua accommodation early and confirm how the resort handles transfers from the mainland.
The Derawan Islands reward travelers who accept a slower rhythm. Long road transfers, sea crossings, limited connectivity, and changing schedules are part of the experience, balanced by coral reefs, quiet beaches, and encounters with marine life in a remarkable setting. Before booking, review the site’s privacy policy when submitting personal details through travel services, then arrange your transport and island stay with reliable local providers. Start building your East Kalimantan itinerary around Derawan and allow enough time to experience the archipelago responsibly.