For those with a penchant for the extraordinary, reaching the Derawan Archipelago begins with a carefully crafted journey. From the initial flight to the seamless sea transfer, allow us to guide you through the essential steps to reach this luxurious destination.
Getting to Derawan: Your Journey Begins
To set out on a journey to the opulent Derawan Islands, your first step involves securing a flight to Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) in Berau, East Kalimantan. This serves as your primary starting point to the riches of the archipelago.
Flights to Kalimarau
The convenience of direct flights cannot be overstated. Batik Air offers the only direct service from Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) to Berau, departing in the early hours to ensure a timely arrival. For those who prefer flexibility or are traveling from other parts of Indonesia, alternative connections via Makassar, Samarinda, Balikpapan, or Surabaya are available through airlines such as Lion Air and Garuda Indonesia.
Critical Timing
It is imperative that your flight lands by 1:00 PM in Berau to facilitate same-day transfer to Derawan. Otherwise, an overnight stay in Berau will be necessary. To mitigate any potential delays, we recommend arriving a day prior to your scheduled departure.
Transfers: Land and Sea
Upon arrival at Kalimarau Airport, your journey continues by road to Tanjung Batu Port, a trip that spans approximately three hours. From here, a speedboat whisking you to Derawan Island awaits, a journey taking between 40 and 60 minutes. The combined cost for this transfer is Rp900,000 (approximately $58 USD), easily shared among up to three passengers. Be aware of the modest Tanjung Batu Harbour entry fee of 10,000 IDR (around $0.65 USD).
Alternative Route: Tarakan
For those exploring other options, a transit via Tarakan (TRK) offers a scenic boat ride to Derawan, albeit over a longer duration of four to five hours. This journey can cost between Rp3,500,000 and Rp7,000,000 depending on your choice of vessel.
Luxury Accommodations: Liveaboards and Dive Boats
Upon arriving in Derawan, allow yourself to be enveloped in comfort aboard one of our luxurious vessels. Choose from our Dive Resort Boat, accommodating up to 14 guests, or the more spacious Liveaboard, offering 5 to 7 cabins for 10 to 14 discerning travellers. Each vessel is designed to deliver an experience as memorable as the destination itself.
- Dive Resort Boat: 12–20 meters, day-use cabins, up to 14 guests.
- Liveaboard: 25–35 meters, featuring 5–7 cabins, accommodating 10–14 guests.
For those seeking the pinnacle of privacy and luxury, a whole-yacht private charter is available, priced per night and inclusive of a dedicated crew, chef, and dive guides. A minimum stay of four nights is required to indulge in this bespoke experience.
Crafting Your Itinerary
A variety of itineraries await, ranging from a four-day indulgence of the Derawan–Maratua–Kakaban loop to a comprehensive seven-day diving liveaboard. Each offers a curated selection of meals and activities designed to maximise your pleasure and exploration.
The Best Season to Visit
The Derawan Archipelago is best visited between March and October, with prime visibility for mantas and whale sharks from April to September. The enigmatic stingless jellyfish lake offers year-round allure, ensuring a remarkable experience no matter the season.
| Season | Highlights |
|---|---|
| March to October | Manta Rays, Whale Sharks |
| Year-round | Stingless Jellyfish Lake |
2027 Note
As we look ahead to 2027, the allure of Derawan remains steadfast. As travel continues to evolve, so too does the commitment of Derawan Liveaboard to provide an experience that transcends the ordinary.
Gastronomic Delights: Dining Aboard Derawan Liveaboard
Indulge your senses with a culinary journey aboard the Derawan Liveaboard, where every meal is a celebration of flavours crafted by an experienced chef. The on-board dining experience combines local ingredients with international techniques, offering a diverse menu that caters to all tastes and dietary preferences.
Each day, guests can enjoy a range of dining options, from a leisurely breakfast served on the deck to a sumptuous dinner under the stars. The chef takes pride in sourcing fresh seafood from local markets, paired with seasonal vegetables and fragrant herbs.
- Breakfast: Fresh fruit, pastries, eggs cooked to order, and traditional Indonesian dishes.
- Lunch: A buffet featuring salads, grilled fish, and local delicacies.
- Dinner: A three-course meal with options such as seared tuna, beef rendang, and a dessert selection.
Exploration and Excursions: Tailored Adventures
The Derawan Liveaboard offers bespoke excursions tailored to your interests, ensuring each day is filled with adventure and discovery. If you an avid diver or a nature enthusiast, the crew will create a personalised itinerary that highlights the unique features of the Derawan Islands.
Popular activities include guided dives at Sangalaki manta point, snorkelling with turtles around Derawan, and exploring the enchanting Kakaban jellyfish lake. For those seeking cultural enrichment, visits to local villages offer insight into the traditional lifestyles of the island communities.
| Activity | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Diving | Sangalaki manta point, Maratua atoll |
| Snorkelling | Derawan turtles, coral gardens |
| Cultural Tours | Local villages, artisan crafts |
Environmental Commitment: Sustainable Chartering
As stewards of this delicate marine environment, Derawan Liveaboard is committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices. The vessel operates with a focus on minimising its ecological footprint, ensuring the continued preservation of these pristine waters for future generations.
Efforts include reducing plastic use, supporting local conservation initiatives, and educating guests on the importance of marine protection. The vessel adheres to strict waste management protocols and collaborates with local communities to support eco-friendly practices.
Guests are encouraged to participate in these efforts through energy-saving practices and responsible diving behaviours, contributing to the preservation of this stunning natural habitat.
Marine Biodiversity and Conservation Efforts
The Derawan Archipelago is a haven for marine life, boasting an impressive array of species that attract divers and snorkelers from around the world. The region is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including the manta rays at Sangalaki, the turtles of Derawan, and the unique stingless jellyfish of Kakaban. These pristine waters serve as a crucial habitat for countless marine creatures, making conservation efforts an essential aspect of any visit.
Our private crewed liveaboard charters are committed to sustainable tourism practices that protect this delicate ecosystem. We collaborate with local conservation groups to support ongoing efforts in preserving the archipelago’s natural beauty. Guests are encouraged to participate in educational sessions on marine conservation, providing insights into the challenges and triumphs of protecting these waters.
- Participate in marine conservation workshops
- Support local conservation initiatives
- Engage in eco-friendly diving and snorkeling practices
Onboard Amenities and Services
The liveaboard experience in Derawan is designed to provide the utmost comfort and luxury while exploring the archipelago’s stunning landscapes. Our vessels are equipped to ensure a seamless journey, with amenities that cater to a variety of preferences. The onboard chef crafts exquisite meals using fresh, local ingredients, offering a taste of the region’s culinary delights.
Accommodations feature spacious cabins with en-suite facilities, air conditioning, and ample storage, ensuring a restful retreat after a day of exploration. Guests can relax in communal areas such as the sun deck or the lounge, where they can share stories of their adventures or simply unwind with a good book.
| Amenity | Description |
|---|---|
| Chef-prepared dining | Gourmet meals with local ingredients |
| Spacious cabins | En-suite facilities and air conditioning |
| Sun deck | Relaxation area with panoramic views |
To commence your journey with us, plan your charter on WhatsApp. Here, every detail is an invitation to explore the exceptional.