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Dreaming of swimming with stingless jellyfish? Discover Derawan Island in East Kalimantan — a world-class marine paradise with sea turtles, manta rays, and crystal-clear waters. Plan your trip here!
Have you ever imagined floating in calm water surrounded by thousands of jellyfish — and not getting stung? That dream is very much real at Derawan Island, a tropical paradise tucked away in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan. With white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and one of the rarest natural phenomena on the planet, Derawan Island is quickly becoming one of Indonesia’s most exciting travel destinations.
What Makes Derawan Island So Special?
Derawan Island is the gateway to a stunning archipelago that includes four main islands: Derawan, Kakaban, Sangalaki, and Maratua. Each island offers something unique, but the biggest draw of all? The chance to swim with stingless jellyfish in Kakaban Lake — one of only a handful of places in the world where this experience is possible.
Beyond the jellyfish, Derawan Island is home to green sea turtles that roam freely along the shoreline. Spotting one while snorkeling is practically guaranteed here, making it a dream destination for wildlife lovers and underwater adventurers alike.
How to Get to Derawan Island
Getting to Derawan Island requires a bit of planning, but the journey is absolutely worth it. There are two main routes travelers use:
Via Berau (Recommended): Fly into Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) in Berau. From there, take a 2.5-hour road transfer to Tanjung Batu Port, followed by a 30 to 45-minute speedboat ride to Derawan Island. Flights are available from Jakarta and Balikpapan with airlines including Garuda Indonesia and Wings Air.
Via Tarakan: Fly into Juwata International Airport in Tarakan, then head to Tengkayu Port for a speedboat that takes roughly 3 hours to reach Derawan Island.
Of the two, the Berau route tends to be smoother and more reliable for most travelers.
Top Things to Do at Derawan Island
Derawan Island: Swim with Stingless Jellyfish at Kakaban Lake
The star attraction of the archipelago is Kakaban Lake, a brackish landlocked lake at the center of Kakaban Island. Thousands of years ago, a geological shift sealed a lagoon off from the open sea. With no natural predators, the jellyfish inside evolved to lose their sting entirely. Today, you can float freely among four species of jellyfish — including the iconic golden jellyfish and moon jellyfish — with nothing to fear. It is a surreal, once-in-a-lifetime experience. No fins are allowed in the lake to protect the ecosystem, and chemical sunscreen must be avoided to keep the jellyfish safe.
Snorkeling and Diving with Manta Rays at Sangalaki Island
Sangalaki Island is a manta ray hotspot and a protected turtle conservation area. Dive sites like Manta Avenue and Manta Run offer spectacular encounters with these graceful giants. This island also runs an active sea turtle hatchery, where visitors may witness the release of baby turtles into the ocean.
Maratua Island: Caves, Lagoons, and Luxury
Maratua Island is the most developed island in the archipelago, offering upscale resorts, a small local airport, and stunning natural attractions. Don’t miss Halo Tube Cave, a fascinating cave passage that opens into a turquoise lagoon — a hidden gem that few travelers outside Indonesia know about.
Best Time to Visit Derawan Island
The best time to visit Derawan Island is during the dry season, from April to October. During these months, the seas are calmer, visibility underwater is at its best, and weather conditions are ideal for island hopping, snorkeling, and diving. Whale shark sightings near Maratua are most reliable between June and August.
Open Trip Packages and Costs
Many local travel agents offer open trip packages to Derawan Island, making it easy to join a group and share costs. A typical 3-day 2-night (3D2N) package starts from around IDR 1,700,000 per person from the port, while a full package from Berau — including accommodation, meals, boat rental, and snorkeling gear — runs approximately IDR 3,700,000 per person. For those who prefer a 4-day 3-night experience, prices are slightly higher. Always confirm what is included before booking.
Day trip snorkeling packages covering three islands typically cost between USD 25 to USD 40 per person, making it an accessible option even on a tighter budget.
A Note for Wildlife Enthusiasts and Nature Lovers
Derawan Island sits in one of Indonesia’s most biodiverse marine regions. If Kalimantan’s natural wonders have captured your heart, you might also want to explore its iconic rainforest wildlife. A visit to Tanjung Puting National Park offers an unforgettable chance to see orangutans in their natural habitat — another extraordinary side of Borneo that is well worth adding to your itinerary. You can read more about it here.
Plan Your Trip to Derawan Island
Derawan Island is one of those rare destinations that truly lives up to the hype — and then some. Whether you are floating among stingless jellyfish, snorkeling alongside sea turtles, or watching baby mantas glide through turquoise water, every moment here feels like something out of a nature documentary.
If a trip to East Kalimantan is on your radar, and you want to make the most of your time in Indonesia, learning Bahasa Indonesia will make your experience so much richer. From chatting with local guides to navigating the islands more confidently, speaking the language opens doors that no guidebook can.
At Basantara, we offer Indonesian language courses designed specifically for foreign nationals — whether you are a traveler, expat, or simply someone who loves Indonesia. Visit us at basantara.net or reach out via WhatsApp at +62 852 1396 8601 to find out how we can help you connect more deeply with this incredible country.
