Derawan Islands
Swim with turtles, chase jungle lagoons, unwind on wild isles
Highlights
Snorkel directly from shore with sea turtles cruising the reefs around Derawan and Maratua.
Float among thousands of harmless jellyfish in Kakaban’s otherworldly rainforest‑ringed lagoon.
Meet gentle whale sharks in calm morning waters near Talisayan on a day trip.
Explore Labuan Cermin’s crystal‑clear two‑layer lake framed by dense green jungle.
Stop at tiny white‑sand islands mid‑sea for photos, shell hunting, and shallow swims with the kids.
Wake up in stilted bungalows over turquoise water with views straight into the reef.
Where to Stay
2 picks
Derawan Dive Resort (Water Villa)
Over‑water bungalows on stilts with direct sea access and sunrise views, a short walk from Derawan village warungs and the main jetty.
Maratua Paradise Resort
Collection of beach and over‑water bungalows facing a turquoise lagoon, with its own jetty, restaurant, and house reef full of turtles.
Where to Eat
5 picks
Pondok Makan Senja Derawan
Casual open‑air spot along the water serving ikan bakar, ayam goreng, simple soups, and vegetables. Ask specifically for ikan bakar with sambal, fried chicken cooked in oil used only for halal meat, and plain rice; confirm all meat is halal and that no alcohol is used in cooking.
Maratua Paradise Resort Restaurant
Buffet or set‑menu meals featuring grilled fish, chicken dishes, vegetable stir‑fries, and rice. Inform them at check‑in that you require halal food; the area is Muslim and meat is typically halal, but confirm and request no alcohol in marinades.
Green Nirvana Maratua Resort Restaurant
If you’re staying or visiting Green Nirvana, their restaurant serves Indonesian seafood and chicken dishes (grilled fish, ayam kecap, vegetables). Clearly state you need halal meat and no alcohol; ask for simple grilled or steamed seafood, rice, and vegetables.
Maratua Paradise Morning Buffet
Resort breakfast with fried rice/noodles, eggs, bread, fruit, and coffee/tea. Stick to vegetarian, egg, and fish options and confirm any sausages or meats are halal before taking them.
Maratua Paradise Resort BBQ Night (Check Schedule)
On BBQ nights, enjoy grilled fish, squid, prawns, chicken, and vegetables under the stars. Confirm all meat is halal and ask staff to avoid beer or alcohol in marinades; choose plain grilled items with rice and salads.
What to Do
2 picks
Boat Transfer Derawan to Maratua Island
Private or shared speedboat across turquoise open water (about 1–1.5 hours) to Maratua, often passing small sandbars and reef shallows along the way.
Maratua Paradise Resort House Reef
After check‑in, use the resort’s steps or jetty to snorkel the clear lagoon: abundant turtles, reef fish, and coral gardens in shallow water.
Good to Know
8 picks
Plan Two Island Bases: Derawan and Maratua
Use Derawan as your first base for quick access to village life and Kakaban/Sangalaki, then shift to Maratua for over‑water bungalows and calmer lagoon snorkeling. This minimizes daily boat time while keeping variety.
How to Reach Derawan from CAI
From Cairo you’ll likely fly to Jakarta or Balikpapan, then to Berau (Kalimarau Airport). From Berau, arrange a car (about 2–3 hours) to Tanjung Batu and a 25–40‑minute boat to Derawan; your accommodation can usually coordinate the whole chain.
Halal Food in the Derawan Area
East Kalimantan, including Derawan and Maratua, is predominantly Muslim and most local eateries use halal meat by default. Still, always say you eat only halal food, avoid pork completely, and check that no alcohol or non‑halal stock is used in cooking.
Cash, Costs, and Tipping
Bring enough rupiah for the week, including for boat trips (often paid in cash), snacks, and tips (around 5–10% or a small round‑up is appreciated for guides and boat crews). Card acceptance is limited outside of larger resorts.
Gear to Bring or Rent
Bring your own masks and snorkels for best comfort (especially for kids), plus long‑sleeve rash guards, reef shoes, and dry bags. Fins and life jackets can usually be rented from resorts if you prefer to pack light.
Sea Sickness and Sun Protection
For 1–2‑hour boat rides, consider children’s and adult motion sickness tablets taken 30–60 minutes before departure. Combine that with hats, UV shirts, and sunglasses since shade can be limited on smaller boats.
Respecting Local Culture
Derawan and Maratua communities are Muslim and conservative; wear modest clothing in villages, greet people with a smile and a simple ‘Assalamu’alaikum’ or ‘Selamat pagi’, and ask before photographing people.
Saving a Weather Buffer
Ocean conditions and rain can affect boat trips; let your Kakaban/Sangalaki and whale shark days be flexible within the week and avoid scheduling key excursions on your very first or very last full day.
Map
Best For
Start planning your trip with this itinerary in Takeoff.
Don't have the app? Download it free on the App Store.