The Best Beaches in the Derawan Islands

Introduction

The Derawan Islands, located in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, are a hidden gem often dubbed the "Maldives of Indonesia." This destination offers unparalleled tropical charm with stretches of fine white sand, crystal-clear sea water in shades of turquoise, and world-renowned underwater biodiversity. As part of the world's Coral Triangle, this archipelago consists of 31 islands, but four main islands—Derawan, Sangalaki, Kakaban, and Maratua—are the primary magnets for domestic and international travelers.

Visiting the beaches in the Derawan Islands is not just an ordinary tourist trip, but an escape to a world where nature still holds full control. Here, you can walk along the tranquil coastline while watching green turtles (Chelonia mydas) swim freely near the pier. The calm atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of city pollution, makes the beaches of Derawan a dream destination for beach lovers, photographers, and divers. This article will delve into why the beaches of the Derawan Islands deserve the title of the best beaches in Indonesia and how you can enjoy every corner of their beauty.

History & Background

Administratively, the Derawan Islands fall within the territory of East Kalimantan Province. Historically, this region was part of the Gunung Tabur Sultanate and the Sambaliung Sultanate. The local communities inhabiting these islands are predominantly from the Bajau (Sama-Bajau) tribe, traditionally known as "Sea Gypsies." Their close connection to the sea has shaped a culture and way of life that deeply respects the coastal ecosystem. This is why the beaches of Derawan remain pristine despite the continuous development of tourism.

The importance of the Derawan Islands began to gain international attention in the late 20th century when marine researchers discovered that this region has the second-highest biodiversity in Indonesia after Raja Ampat. In 2005, the Derawan Islands were nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their unique ecosystem, including the ancient jellyfish lake on Kakaban Island. Conservation efforts are continuously undertaken by the local government and environmental organizations to protect the habitat of green turtles and manta rays, which are the icons of this region. The long history of human-nature interaction in Derawan creates a harmony that every visitor can feel upon setting foot on its pristine white sand beaches.

Main Attractions

Each island in the Derawan Islands has different beach characteristics, creating a wonderful variety of experiences for visitors. Here is a breakdown of the main attractions of the best beaches in this region:

1. Maratua Island Beach: Luxury on the Cliff Edge

Maratua Island is often considered the most beautiful due to its "U" or crescent shape. The beaches here have incredibly clear water, allowing you to see coral reefs from above the surface. One of the best spots is around the overwater resorts like Maratua Paradise Resort, where you can jump directly from your room's terrace into the calm blue water. This beach is also home to large sea turtles that often surface at sunset.

2. Sangalaki Island Beach: Kingdom of Turtles and Manta Rays

If you are looking for a wilder and more natural beach, Sangalaki is the answer. This beach is a primary nesting site for green turtles and hawksbill turtles. During the day, its vast white sand is a perfect place for a leisurely stroll. However, the main attraction lies just off its coast, where ocean currents carry plankton that attract schools of Manta Rays (Manta birostris). Diving or snorkeling just a few meters from the shoreline will bring you face-to-face with these gentle giants.

3. Kakaban Island Beach: The Wonder of a Prehistoric Lake

Although more famous for its jellyfish lake, Kakaban Island has dramatic coastlines with dense mangrove forests and coral cliffs. The beach is quite narrow but offers an exclusive and hidden feel. The area around Kakaban's pier is an exceptional snorkeling spot with a coral wall (drop-off) that plunges hundreds of meters, offering spectacular underwater views right beside the beach.

4. Derawan Island Beach: Local Life and a Long Pier

Derawan Island is the center of activity in the archipelago. Its gently sloping beaches are perfect for playing in the water with family. The unique feature of the beach here is the long wooden pier that juts out into the sea. During high tide, you can see large sea turtles swimming beneath the pier. At night, the beach transforms into a romantic setting with the lights from local homestays reflecting on the water's surface.

5. Gosong Sanggalau: The Disappearing Sand Island

This is a unique phenomenon of a pristine white sandbar that only appears when the sea level recedes. Located not far from Derawan Island, Gosong Sanggalau offers the experience of being in the middle of the sea with only white sand underfoot and no trees at all. This place is a favorite spot for photo sessions due to the 360-degree views, all of which are shades of blue sea.

Travel Tips & Logistics

Reaching the Derawan Islands requires careful planning due to their rather remote location. The most common main route is to fly to Kalimarau Airport in Tanjung Redeb (Berau). From there, you need to travel by land for about 2 to 2.5 hours to Tanjung Batu Port. From Tanjung Batu, the journey continues by speedboat for 30-45 minutes to reach Derawan Island. Another alternative is to fly directly to Maratua Airport using a pioneer aircraft, but its schedule is very limited.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit the beaches in Derawan is during the dry season, between April and October. During this period, the sea is generally calm, and underwater visibility is very clear, reaching 20-30 meters. Avoid December to February as the west wind season can cause high waves, making inter-island crossings difficult.

Logistics & Essentials:

• Cash: Make sure to bring enough cash, as ATMs are only available in Tanjung Redeb. Although some large resorts accept cards, local homestays and warungs only accept cash.
• Sun Protection: Use biodegradable sunscreen (reef-safe), a hat, and sunglasses.
• Communication: The best mobile signal is usually provided by Telkomsel, but in some areas like Sangalaki or the remote parts of Maratua, the signal can be very weak.
• Boat Rental: If you are traveling in a group, renting a private boat for island hopping is much more efficient than joining regular tours.

Culinary & Local Experiences

The experience in the Derawan Islands would not be complete without tasting its fresh seafood. Being in the middle of the sea, fish, squid, and shrimp are daily staples. One culinary experience that must be tried is enjoying grilled fish with local mango chili sauce by the beach at sunset.

Local Specialties:

• Tehe-tehe: A unique dish from the Bajau tribe made from sea urchin shells filled with sticky rice and coconut milk, then steamed. It has a savory taste and a distinctive sea aroma.
• Kima-kima: Dried giant clams cooked with spicy seasoning or stir-fried.
• Elai: An exotic fruit native to Kalimantan, similar to durian but with orange flesh and a more buttery taste. It is often found in the local markets of Tanjung Redeb before you cross to the islands.

Besides culinary delights, interacting with the Bajau community adds a new dimension to your journey. You can witness how local children expertly swim and dive without aids from a young age. Staying in local homestays also provides an opportunity to see the process of making handicrafts from coconut shells or pandan weaving, which can be taken home as souvenirs.

Conclusion

The Derawan Islands are the true definition of a tropical paradise in Eastern Indonesia. With a combination of stunning white sand beaches, geological wonders like Kakaban's jellyfish lake, and the hospitality of the local Bajau people, this place offers a complete travel package for every adventurous soul. Although access requires extra effort, the beauty that awaits at every corner of its beaches will fully repay all travel fatigue. Maintaining cleanliness and ecosystem preservation during your visit is key to ensuring that the charm of "The Best Beaches in the Derawan Islands" can still be enjoyed by future generations. Pack your bags, and get ready to fall in love with the blue wonders of Derawan.