Indonesia Traveling Guide

Welcome to the tropical archipelago " the stuff of dreams, a little island with soft sand, coconut trees at the edge of the shore where sailors tie their ships, a small forest in the middle of the island with various plants and animals.

Derawan island is clearly listed on the world diving map. This stunning under water world is located on the North Eastern tip of Berau District, East Borneo.

It is not only the unbelievable biodiversity that makes this place an enchanting destination, the under water topography also make this island a dream for divers.

Derawans six islands are Kakaban, Semama, Sangalaki, Derawan, Maratua, and Panjang Island all with unusually different and unique biodiversity of Derawan Island. Consist of fish (138 species), crustaceans (15 species), mollusca (137 species) and encinodermata (2 species).

The coral reef, extensive virgin mangrove forest, turtles and mantas and the unique Kakaban Lake, make Derawan an important sea ecosystem to study for marine biologists.

Getting There
Itsfairly easy to reach Derawan Island from Jakarta, Surabaya, Jogjakarta or Denpasar. You can fly to Balikpapan, East Borneo by Garuda, Lion or Bouraq Airlines the flight takes three hours.

From Balikpapan you have to fly an hour to Tanjung Redeb, the capital of Berau Regency by KAL Star, Deraya or DAS. If you want to go by sea, you can take boat from Samarinda or Tarakan to Tanjung Redeb and continue by rented motorboat.

Where to Stay
Since 1993 Derawan Island has been managed by PT. Bhuni Manimbora Interbuana with cottage facilities, diving tools, speedboats and restaurant.

Hotels manage by local people such an Danakan, Derawan Lestari III, Derawan Lestari I, IIHAMS Inn and Yogie Mas Provide a cheaper alternative priced between Rp 45,00-Rp100,000/night.

Moving Around
There are 28 diving site identified, to explore all the areas you'll need at least 10 days with only one dive at each area. Explore the land on foot. Use a boat to move from one place to another.