Berau

A coastal town in northeastern Kalimantan serving as gateway to pristine islands and exceptional diving sites with world-class coral reefs. It's an ideal base for marine adventures and island-hopping expeditions.

Things to do

• Diving at Derawan Islands — Explore some of Indonesia's most pristine coral reefs and encounter manta rays, sea turtles, and colorful tropical fish at this world-class diving destination.
• Kakaban Island Lake Snorkeling — Snorkel in an isolated saltwater lake surrounded by limestone cliffs, home to millions of stingless jellyfish and unique marine ecosystems.
• Maratua Atoll Island Hopping — Visit multiple small islands within this atoll to experience pristine beaches, lagoons, and opportunities for fishing and cultural encounters with local communities.
• Sambalik Island Beach Exploration — Trek through this island's dense forest to discover hidden white-sand beaches and viewpoints overlooking the Celebes Sea.
• Night Diving at Tanjung Redeb — Experience bioluminescent creatures and nocturnal marine life behavior in the waters near Berau's main town under expert guidance.
• Berau Town Market Tour — Walk through the local harbor market and wet markets to observe daily fishing catch, trade practices, and interact with local vendors.
• Mangrovee Forest Kayaking — Paddle through mangrove ecosystems near the coast to spot wildlife, photograph distinctive trees, and learn about coastal ecology.

Food to try

• Ikan Bakar Kalimantan — Grilled fresh-caught fish seasoned with turmeric, galangal, and served with sambal matah, reflecting Berau's daily seafood abundance.
• Nasi Kuning Udang — Yellow rice cooked with coconut milk and aromatic spices, topped with local river shrimp and served at most warung in town.
• Tinutuan Ikan Asin — A hearty rice porridge made with salted dried fish, a traditional breakfast dish that provides sustained energy for fishermen.
• Cumi-Cumi Sambal Matah — Grilled squid tossed with raw sambal made from shallots, garlic, chili, and lime juice, a specialty at waterfront restaurants.
• Perkedel Ubi Jalar

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Islamic Customs — Berau is a conservative Muslim town; dress modestly, avoid public displays of alcohol, and be respectful during prayer times when many businesses close.
• Learn Basic Indonesian Greetings — English is limited in Berau; learning simple Indonesian phrases like 'Selamat pagi' (good morning) and 'Terima kasih' (thank you) greatly enhances interactions with locals.
• Engage with Local Boat Captains — Building rapport with fishermen and dive boat operators through patience and respect leads to better experiences, insider knowledge, and fair pricing for water-based activities.
• Participate in Community Offerings — If invited to local homes or celebrations, accepting small offerings of food and coffee is a sign of respect and friendship in Berau's tight-knit communities.