Derawan Islands

Kepulauan Derawan

A stunning archipelago known for pristine white-sand beaches, excellent snorkeling with sea turtles, and unique jellyfish lakes. These islands offer some of Borneo's most pristine marine ecosystems and unforgettable underwater experiences.

Things to do

• Snorkel with Green Sea Turtles — Swim alongside endangered green sea turtles in their natural habitat around the main islands, particularly near Derawan Island itself.
• Explore Kakaban Island's Jellyfish Lake — Wade through a landlocked lagoon filled with millions of harmless golden jellyfish found nowhere else in the world, a truly unique snorkeling experience.
• Dive at Sangalaki Island — Visit this pristine island famous for manta ray encounters and excellent coral reef diving with exceptional visibility and marine biodiversity.
• Beach Relaxation and Swimming — Enjoy powdery white-sand beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing on Derawan's main islands.
• Island Hopping Tour — Take a guided boat tour visiting multiple islands in one day to experience diverse marine environments and coral gardens.
• Night Snorkeling — Experience the nocturnal marine life emerging after dark, including bioluminescent organisms and different reef inhabitants active at night.
• Photography at Sunrise — Capture stunning golden-hour light over the pristine beaches and coral reefs, with calm morning waters ideal for underwater photography.

Food to try

• Grilled Fish with Sambal — Fresh-caught local fish grilled over charcoal and served with spicy sambal sauce, a staple of East Kalimantan coastal cuisine.
• Udang Galah (Giant River Prawns) — Large freshwater prawns from local waters prepared grilled or in coconut-based curries, showcasing the archipelago's abundant seafood.
• Nasi Kuning with Seafood — Fragrant turmeric-infused yellow rice served alongside fresh squid, fish, or shrimp prepared local-style with aromatic spices.
• Soto Banjar — A traditional South Kalimantan soup with beef or fish, turmeric, galangal, and shallots that reflects the region's unique spice palette.
• Fresh Coconut Water and Tropical Fruit — Ice-cold coconut water straight from the tree and locally harvested fruits like mango and papaya offer natural refreshment after water activities.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Marine Conservation Efforts — The islands are protected for their ecological importance, so follow guidelines about not touching corals, maintaining distance from wildlife, and using reef-safe sunscreen.
• Learn Basic Indonesian Phrases — While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning simple Indonesian greetings and 'terima kasih' (thank you) shows respect for the local Bajau maritime community.
• Dress Modestly in Local Settlements — Though beach attire is acceptable at resorts, cover shoulders and legs when visiting local villages or interacting with islanders as a sign of respect.
• Support Local Guides and Operators — Hire local boat captains and guides who have deep knowledge of the islands and depend on tourism for their livelihood, ensuring your visit benefits the community.