Derawan Islands, East Kalimantan: Stunning Tropical Marine Beauty and Luxurious Resort Facilities

The Derawan Islands are a tropical paradise offering extraordinary natural beauty, a variety of exciting marine activities, and accommodations with excellent resort facilities.

The Derawan Islands, located in East Kalimantan, are one of Indonesia’s finest tropical tourist destinations. The islands are renowned for their extraordinary underwater beauty, serene white sandy beaches, and rich marine ecosystems. Derawan is not only a paradise for divers and nature lovers but also offers exceptional accommodation experiences with comfortable and exclusive resort facilities. This article delves deeper into the charm of the Derawan Islands and the resort facilities available there.

1. The Natural Beauty of the Derawan Islands

The Derawan Islands are a cluster of islands located in the Sulawesi Sea, about a two-hour boat ride from Berau City, East Kalimantan. The archipelago consists of several main islands, including Derawan Island, Maratua Island, Sangalaki Island, and Kakaban Island. Each island boasts its own unique and captivating natural beauty.

Beaches and Coral Reefs:
Derawan is famous for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. The untouched coral reefs make Derawan one of the best diving destinations. Derawan and Maratua Islands have dive spots teeming with marine life, including tropical fish, turtles, and even sharks.

Incredible Marine Life:
Derawan is home to many protected marine species, including green turtles and leatherback turtles, which can be found around Sangalaki and Derawan Islands. One of the main attractions is the sight of turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs, offering a truly special experience for visitors who come at the right time.

Kakaban Lake:
One of the most unique attractions in Derawan is Kakaban Lake, famous for its harmless jellyfish. The lake is home to thousands of jellyfish in its shallow waters, and visitors can swim among these translucent creatures without fear of being stung.

Exciting Activities:
In addition to diving and snorkeling, visitors can enjoy other activities such as exploring with traditional boats, fishing, or simply relaxing on the tranquil beaches while watching breathtaking sunsets.

2. Resort Facilities at the Derawan Islands

To ensure visitor comfort, the Derawan Islands are equipped with a range of quality resort facilities. Several resorts in Derawan offer not only comfortable accommodation but also easy access to various marine activities. Here are some resort facilities that visitors can enjoy:

a. Derawan Island Resorts

Derawan Island, one of the main islands, offers many accommodation options, including beachfront resorts with spectacular sea views. Some of the facilities available at Derawan Island resorts include:

Comfortable Accommodation:
The resorts offer various types of accommodation, from beachfront cottages to more luxurious and spacious villas. All rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and private balconies overlooking the sea.

Restaurants and Cafés:
Many resorts feature restaurants serving a variety of local and international dishes. Visitors can enjoy fresh grilled fish or delicious seafood while admiring the stunning ocean views. Some resorts also have cafés offering refreshing drinks and light snacks.

Swimming Pools:
Several resorts in Derawan also feature outdoor swimming pools with breathtaking sea views. These pools are ideal for relaxing after a day full of activities.

Spa and Massage Services:
Certain resorts offer spa and massage services to help visitors unwind after a day of adventure. The spa facilities provide various rejuvenating treatments, including traditional massages and skin care therapies.

Wi-Fi and Shuttle Services:
Many resorts provide free Wi-Fi in public areas, ensuring guests stay connected. Some resorts also offer shuttle services from Berau Airport to the Derawan harbor, making it easier for visitors to reach the island.

b. Maratua Island Resorts

Maratua Island, also part of the Derawan Islands, offers a more exclusive stay with luxurious resort facilities. Amenities available at Maratua Island resorts include:

Overwater Villas:
Some resorts in Maratua feature overwater villas, offering an extraordinary lodging experience. From these villas, guests can directly enjoy views of the crystal-clear sea and coral reefs below.

Snorkeling and Diving Equipment Rentals:
Resorts in Maratua typically have snorkeling and diving equipment rental centers. Visitors can easily rent gear for underwater exploration, including masks, snorkels, fins, and professional diving equipment.

Organized Marine Activities:
Maratua resorts often organize diving and snorkeling tours, as well as trips to interesting spots around the island, such as shark and turtle spots. Guests can choose tour packages that match their interests and skill levels.

Overwater Restaurants:
Some resorts in Maratua feature overwater restaurants, offering a unique dining experience. Guests can enjoy their meals surrounded by stunning sea views.

c. General Facilities in the Derawan Islands

In addition to resort facilities, the Derawan Islands also feature general amenities for visitors' convenience:

Harbor and Sea Transportation:
Derawan has a harbor connected to Berau City, making it easy for visitors to reach the islands by boat. There are also boat services available to travel between the Derawan Islands.

Health Clinics:
Despite being relatively remote, the islands have health clinics to provide basic medical care for travelers in need. Resorts can also assist with medical evacuation if necessary.

Souvenir Shops:
On several islands, especially Derawan, there are souvenir shops selling traditional crafts from East Kalimantan, such as woven fabrics, wooden sculptures, and jewelry made from natural materials.

3. Access to the Derawan Islands

The Derawan Islands can be accessed via Kalimarau Airport in Berau. From the airport, travelers can take land transportation to Tanjung Batu harbor, which takes about 1.5 hours, followed by a boat ride of approximately 2 hours to Derawan Island. Some resorts also offer shuttle services from the airport or harbor to their accommodations.

4. Exciting Activities in the Derawan Islands

In addition to snorkeling, diving, and island hopping, Derawan offers other enjoyable activities such as:

Watching Turtles Nest:
On some beaches in Derawan, especially Sangalaki Island, travelers can witness turtles laying eggs at night, creating a truly awe-inspiring natural experience.

Boating and Fishing:
Visitors can rent boats to explore the islands or try fishing in the fish-rich waters around Derawan.

Picnicking and Relaxing on the Beach:
Derawan has beaches that are perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the peaceful ocean views.

Conclusion

The Derawan Islands are a tropical paradise offering extraordinary natural beauty, a variety of exciting marine activities, and accommodations with excellent resort facilities. With a perfect blend of resort comfort and the breathtaking underwater world, Derawan is the ideal choice for travelers seeking a peaceful, adventurous, and crowd-free holiday.

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