Derawan Island

Derawan island is clearly listed on the world diving map. This stunning under water world is located on t

he North Eastern tip of Berau District, East Borneo. Derawan also sits nicely on the list of world class diving destinations at number three after Yap and Pulau Island at Micronesia. Indeed hundreds of manta rays, green turtles, sharks, barracuda and other rare sea creatures can be found here. The islands human inhabitanta, the brave seafaring community of Bejau Moro from South Philipina are also renowned for their hospitality. No wonder, some say Derawan Island is like piece of heaven on earth.

Astonishment marks the faces of visitors entering Derawan Island by boat. The calm sea is a clear shade of turquoise and the sky is a pastel blue. From the distance, five groups of white sand islands with dark green trees can be seen. About 600 m from the beach, the sea gets shallow (only one to f

ive meters deep) and the water is clear as glass. When you get there ask the skipper to turn off the engine and let the boat sway to soft wind.

Welcome to the tropical archipelago " the stuff of dreams, a little island with soft sand, coconut trees at the edge of the shore where sail

ors tie their ships, a small forest in the middle of the island with various plants and animals. Not only the unbelievable the biodiversity 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 unusually different which first attracted researcher

s from LIPI on 1995 who discovered the unique biodiversity of Derawan Island. They found it to 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

Its

fairly easy to reach Derawan Island from Jakarta, Surabaya, Jogjakarta or Denpasar. You can fly to Balikpapan, East Borneo by Garuda, Lion 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">[=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">[=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.

[=Dining Guide">[=Dining Guide=]

Various restaurants and cafes throughout Derawan islands.

[=Souvenir Tips">[=Souvenir Tips=]

Sea-related products, such as items made of seashells, corals, etc.

[=Other Things to See or Do">[=Other Things to See or Do=]

• Diving

  You can see sharks, dugongs, natural pearls, canary crabs, trevally, wrasses, barracudas, eagle rays, green turtles and fish between the coral reefs.

• Swimming, snorkeling, fishing.

• Walking around on the beach.
• Watching the turtles

Travel Tips=]

• You can rent diving tools in Derawan Island.
• Join a tour if you'll be diving for the first time.