Enjoy the charm of Derawan Island, a marine tourism destination with beautiful underwater scenery, white sandy beaches, and unique experiences such as swimming with stingless jellyfish.
Derawan Island, located in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, is one of the best natural tourist destinations in Indonesia. This island offers stunning natural beauty, from its captivating underwater charm, soft white sandy beaches, to its extraordinary biodiversity.
Not only that, Derawan Island is also one of the main destinations for tourists who want to enjoy the beauty of the tropical sea and various exciting activities.
Even though its location is quite remote in the middle of the sea, Derawan Island is never empty of visitors. Its pristine natural beauty is the main attraction that is hard to miss.
From snorkeling to diving in the clear waters, the unique experience on Derawan Island will make your vacation unforgettable.
The Attraction of Derawan Island
1. The Amazing Underwater Charm
Derawan Island is known as one of the best diving locations in Indonesia. The richness of the coral reefs on this island makes it a paradise for divers. There are three main types of coral reefs in this area, namely fringing reefs, barrier reefs, and atolls.
Based on surveys, there are more than 1,051 species living under the sea of Derawan Island, including manta rays, turtles, whale sharks, and various other types of reef fish.
For snorkeling enthusiasts, the waters around Derawan Island offer easily accessible underwater beauty. The clear water allows you to enjoy the panorama of coral reefs and small fish swimming freely.
2. The Beauty of the Coast
Apart from its underwater scenery, Derawan Island also offers the charm of stunning beaches. Soft white sand, swaying coconut trees and turquoise sea water create a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
In some areas, there are mangrove forests which not only beautify the scenery but also function to protect coastal ecosystems.
3. Seagrass Ecosystem
Seagrass beds, which are often referred to as “sea savannahs”, are also one of the attractions of the marine ecosystem on Derawan Island.
Seagrass beds are not only important for the marine environment, but also offer unique natural beauty. This area is a habitat for various marine species, including turtles and small fish.
4. The Unique Kakaban Lake
One of the unique attractions that must be visited is Kakaban Lake. This lake is inhabited by thousands of stingless jellyfish.
Unlike most jellyfish, this species evolved without natural predators, so they lost their ability to sting. You can swim with jellyfish in this lake without any worries.
5. Maratua and Sangalaki Islands
In addition to Derawan Island, two other islands that are also part of the Derawan Archipelago are Maratua Island and Sangalaki Island.
Maratua Island is famous for its beautiful beaches, clear lagoons, and interesting caves to explore. Meanwhile, Sangalaki Island is known as a green turtle nesting ground and offers a spectacular diving experience.
Route to Derawan Island

The journey to Derawan Island may take some time, but all your efforts will be paid off once you get there. Here are two main routes to the island:
Through Berau Regency
- Take a plane to Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan Airport in Balikpapan.
- From Balikpapan, continue your flight to Kalimarau Airport in Berau Regency.
- From Berau, the land journey to Tanjung Batu takes about 2-3 hours.
- From Tanjung Batu, take a speedboat to Derawan Island, which takes around 30-45 minutes.
Through Tarakan City
- Fly to Juwata International Airport in Tarakan.
- From Tarakan, the journey continues to Tengkayu Port.
- From the harbor, take a speedboat directly to Derawan Island.
Derawan Island is open to visitors every day for 24 hours. You are free to choose the best time to enjoy the beauty of this island, although morning to afternoon is the best time for outdoor activities.
Fun Activities on Derawan Island
Derawan Island offers various activities that will make your vacation even more memorable. Here are some of them:
1. Diving and Snorkeling
Derawan Island is one of the best locations for diving and snorkeling. You can explore beautiful coral reefs, swim with turtles, or even see the large but friendly manta rays. For beginners, snorkeling around the beach is a safe and fun option.
2. Swimming in Kakaban Lake
Experience the sensation of swimming in Kakaban Lake with thousands of stingless jellyfish. You can only find this unique experience in a few places in the world, one of which is in the Derawan Islands.
3. Exploring Maratua Island
Maratua Island is a tropical paradise offering white sand beaches, blue lagoons and exotic caves. One of the interesting caves to visit is the Halo Tabung Cave, which has a large hole in the roof that lets in sunlight, creating a spectacular view.
4. Watching Turtles Lay Eggs
Derawan Island is a place where green turtles and hawksbill turtles lay their eggs. If you are lucky, you can witness the process of turtles coming up to the beach and laying their eggs at night. This experience usually occurs between April and June.
5. Camping on Sangalaki Island
Sangalaki Island is a perfect place for camping and enjoying the natural beauty. Additionally, you can visit the turtle conservation center and watch baby turtles being released into the sea.
Costs and Facilities Available on Derawan Island
There is no entrance fee to Derawan Island, but you need to factor in transportation costs, including speedboat rentals, which range from IDR 80,000 to IDR 100,000 per person.
Derawan Island offers a variety of accommodation options, from simple homestays to luxurious villas on the sea. Some villas have private balconies facing the sea, providing an extraordinary stay experience.
Facilities such as restaurants, snorkeling equipment rentals, and local transportation are available to facilitate tourists. In some areas, you can also find small shops selling souvenirs and other necessities.
Derawan Island is a tourist destination that offers everything: incredible underwater beauty, stunning beaches, and unique experiences such as swimming with jellyfish.
Not only that, its biodiversity and natural authenticity make Derawan Island one of Indonesia’s hidden paradises.
If you are looking for a vacation that combines adventure, relaxation, and unmatched natural beauty, Maratua Island is the answer. So, when will you explore the wonders of Derawan Island?