The Perfect Tropical Paradise
Imagine a place where warm, isolated islands are surrounded by pristine seas, soft white sand beaches, and waving palm trees. A place where the underwater world is filled with majestic creatures like giant turtles, dolphins, manta rays, dugongs, barracudas, and even whales. Welcome to the Derawan archipelago in East Kalimantan!
A Hidden Gem
Tucked away just off the coast of East Kalimantan lies the Derawan archipelago. This hidden gem consists of 31 islands, but the most well-known ones are Derawan, Maratua, Sangalaki, and Kakaban. These islands offer a perfect tropical paradise for beach lovers and marine enthusiasts alike.
Untouched Nature
The Derawan archipelago is a haven for nature lovers. With more than 1.27 million hectares of marine conservancy region, this area is teeming with untouched natural beauty. The soft white sand beaches beckon visitors to relax and soak up the sun while enjoying the gentle breeze from the waving palm trees.
An Underwater Wonderland
One of the highlights of visiting Derawan is exploring its incredible underwater world. This region boasts an amazing variety of marine life that will leave any diver or snorkeler in awe. The crystal-clear waters change color from green to deep blue as you descend into their depths.
Derawan is home to Indonesia’s largest nesting site for giant green turtles and hawksbill turtles. Visitors have the unique opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures laying their eggs in the sand or swimming alongside them as they make their way back to sea.
But it’s not just turtles that call this place home. With 460 different species of corals, Derawan ranks as the second-largest coral reef system in Indonesia, just behind the famous Raja Ampat Islands in West Papua. Divers will be mesmerized by the vibrant colors and intricate formations of these underwater gardens.
The marine life in Derawan is equally impressive. A study conducted by The Nature Conservancy and a team of international experts found more than 870 species of fish in this area. From tiny pygmy seahorses to majestic manta rays, there is something for every marine enthusiast to marvel at.
How to Get There
Getting to Derawan is easier than you might think. SilkAir offers direct flights from Singapore to Balikpapan in East Kalimantan. If you’re coming from other parts of Indonesia, you can take a flight from Jakarta, Surabaya, or Denpasar to Balikpapan or Tarakan with Garuda Indonesia. From there, you can catch a connecting flight to Tanjung Redeb in Berau.
Once you’ve arrived in Tanjung Redeb, boats are available to transport you to the islands of Derawan archipelago. The journey itself is an adventure as you cruise through the crystal-clear waters, catching glimpses of the islands’ beauty along the way.
Conclusion
The Derawan archipelago truly is a tropical paradise waiting to be explored. With its warm and isolated islands, pristine beaches, and incredible underwater world, it offers an unforgettable experience for travelers of all ages.
Whether you’re a beach lover looking for relaxation or a marine enthusiast seeking adventure, Derawan has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey into this hidden gem of Indonesia.
