Derawan Island is a small tropical island in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, and one of the best-known destinations in the Derawan Archipelago. The archipelago consists of around 31 islands, with Derawan, Maratua, Kakaban, and Sangalaki among the most well-known. The area is particularly recognized for its clear coastal waters, coral reefs, and marine life, including green turtles and hawksbill turtles. (Indonesia Travel)
Derawan Island is part of the coastal island group of Berau in East Kalimantan, facing the waters of the Sulawesi Sea. Its importance as a tourism destination is closely connected to its marine environment and the communities that have long lived along the coast. The surrounding Derawan area is also home to coastal communities, including the Bajau people, whose traditional relationship with the sea remains part of local life.
The wider Derawan Islands have been recognized for their significant natural and marine biodiversity. The island group was submitted to UNESCO's Tentative List in 2005 because of its ecological importance, including its coral reefs, coastal ecosystems, and diverse marine species. This status is different from being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as the Derawan Islands have not been inscribed on the World Heritage List. (UNESCO World Heritage Centre)
Derawan Island is a convenient base for exploring several marine destinations around the archipelago. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling and diving around the island, while sea turtles are commonly associated with the surrounding waters. Gusung Sanggalau, a sandbar near Derawan, is another attraction known for its shallow waters and white sandy landscape. The island itself also offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere, with accommodation and local facilities for travelers. (Derawan.id)
Several nearby islands provide different experiences. Sangalaki Island is known for its sea turtle nesting habitat and manta ray encounters, while Kakaban Island is home to Kakaban Lake, a marine lake inhabited by stingless jellyfish. Maratua Island offers beaches, lagoons, coral reefs, and diving areas. Together, these islands make the Derawan Archipelago suitable for island-hopping, snorkeling, diving, and marine wildlife experiences. (TeePublic)
Food on Derawan Island is closely connected to its coastal setting, with seafood being an important part of the local dining experience. Fresh fish and other seafood are commonly prepared in simple Indonesian styles, making them suitable after a day spent snorkeling, diving, or exploring the islands.
Visitors can also experience local food influenced by the coastal communities of Berau and East Kalimantan. One of the more interesting cultural experiences is observing traditional fishing activities practiced by local Bajau communities. In Derawan, the traditional mukat sobat, or group fishing with nets, is still practiced by local fishermen and has also become part of the area's cultural tourism experience. (Berau Kabupaten)
Derawan Island is generally reached through Berau, with Tanjung Redeb serving as the main mainland gateway. Travelers can fly to Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) in Berau and continue overland to the coastal departure point before taking a boat to Derawan Island. Another option is to travel via Balikpapan or Tarakan and continue by domestic transportation toward Berau, depending on the available flight connections and itinerary. (Indonesia Travel)
The final part of the journey is by boat, making the trip to Derawan part of the overall island experience. Travel time can vary depending on the chosen route, sea conditions, and boat departure point. For a multi-day itinerary, Derawan is often combined with nearby islands such as Maratua, Kakaban, and Sangalaki.
