Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 Days / 4 Nights |
| Location | Derawan Archipelago, East Kalimantan, Borneo |
| Price | $975 per person (twin share, standard) |
| Group Size | Small group (max 8 persons) |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Start/End | Kalimarau Airport (BEJ), Berau, East Kalimantan |
Itinerary
Day 1: Berau – Derawan Island (D)
Arrive at Kalimarau Airport in Berau, East Kalimantan. After meeting your guide, enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive through the lush landscapes of East Kalimantan to Tanjung Batu harbor. Along the way, pass traditional Dayak villages and tropical forests. Board a speedboat for the 30-minute crossing to Derawan Island, a picture-perfect tropical paradise with powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Check into your beachfront accommodation — a charming overwater cottage or beachfront bungalow. As the sun sets, take a stroll along the beach where green sea turtles come ashore to nest (seasonal). Welcome dinner featuring fresh seafood caught that day. Overnight on Derawan Island.
Day 2: Kakaban Island – Stingless Jellyfish Lake (B, L, D)
After breakfast, board the boat for a 45-minute journey to Kakaban Island, home to one of the world’s rarest natural phenomena — a landlocked marine lake filled with millions of stingless jellyfish. These golden jellyfish (Mastigias papua) have evolved over thousands of years in isolation without predators, losing their ability to sting. Enter the emerald-green lake and experience the surreal sensation of swimming among thousands of pulsing, harmless jellyfish as they follow the sun’s path across the lake. This is one of only two such lakes in the world (the other being in Palau). After this unforgettable experience, snorkel the mangroves along Kakaban’s coastline. Afternoon snorkeling at Kakaban Reef, a vertical wall dive site with barracudas, sharks, and pristine hard corals visible even from the surface. Return to Derawan for sunset and dinner. Overnight on Derawan Island.
Day 3: Sangalaki – Manta Rays & Turtle Sanctuary (B, L, D)
Today’s destination is Sangalaki Island, a protected marine sanctuary famous for its resident manta ray population. Snorkel at Manta Point where these gentle giants with wingspans up to 6 meters glide past in the plankton-rich currents. Visibility typically exceeds 20 meters, allowing for spectacular encounters with these majestic rays. Visit the Sangalaki Turtle Conservation center where green and hawksbill turtles nest. Depending on the season, you may witness hatchlings making their first journey to the sea. Afternoon snorkeling at Sangalaki Reef, where vibrant coral gardens teem with reef fish, moray eels, and the occasional leopard shark. Return to Derawan as the sun paints the sky orange and pink. Seafood dinner on the beach. Overnight on Derawan Island.
Day 4: Maratua Atoll – Big Fish Country (B, L, D)
Journey to magnificent Maratua Atoll, a ring of islands surrounding a massive lagoon. The atoll’s outer walls plunge into deep oceanic waters, creating world-class marine biodiversity. Morning snorkeling at Big Fish Country, where schools of barracuda, tuna, and giant trevally patrol the deeper waters. The Maratua channel is famous for its strong currents that attract pelagic species. Visit Turtle Traffic Point, where green turtles and hawksbills are almost guaranteed. Lunch on a pristine sandbank in the middle of the atoll. Afternoon snorkeling at Small Fish Country for colorful reef fish and macro life. Explore Gusung Pasir Sangalau, a stunning sandbar that emerges at low tide — perfect for photos, swimming, or simply soaking in the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere. Return to Derawan for your final night on the island.
Day 5: Sunrise Beach – Departure (B)
Wake early for one last Derawan sunrise. After breakfast, enjoy free time for a final swim or walk along the pristine white sand. For those interested, a morning snorkel at Jetty Reef just offshore offers calm conditions and abundant marine life — perfect for a last encounter with sea turtles. Mid-morning, check out and take the speedboat back to Tanjung Batu harbor. The 3-hour drive back to Berau includes a stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Arrive at Kalimarau Airport by mid-afternoon for your departure flight, carrying memories of stingless jellyfish, dancing manta rays, and pristine tropical paradise.
Price
| Occupancy | Price per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| Twin/Double Share | $975 |
| Single Supplement | $1,295 |
| Diving Upgrade (7 dives included) | +$250 |
Inclusions
- 4 nights beachfront accommodation on Derawan Island
- All transfers including airport pickup/drop-off (Berau area)
- Speedboat transfers to all islands
- Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins)
- English-speaking local guide
- 10 meals (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)
- Mineral water daily
- All island conservation and park entrance fees
- Boat transportation for all island excursions
- Life jackets and safety equipment
Exclusions
- Flights to/from Berau (Kalimarau Airport BEJ)
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal expenses, tips, souvenirs
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Diving equipment and certification (available as upgrade)
- Meals during airport transfers
- International tourist conservation fee surcharge (approx. $15/person)
Highlights
- Swim with millions of harmless stingless jellyfish in Kakaban’s marine lake — one of only two such lakes on Earth
- Snorkel alongside majestic manta rays with 6-meter wingspans at Sangalaki’s Manta Point
- Witness green and hawksbill turtle nesting and conservation at Sangalaki sanctuary
- Explore the pristine Maratua Atoll with its dramatic oceanic drop-offs and pelagic action
- Stay on the paradise island of Derawan with white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters
- Discover world-class snorkeling and diving in one of Indonesia’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems
- Walk sandbars that emerge from the turquoise sea at low tide
Data sourced from: Bertamasya.com, IndonesiaJuara Asia, DerawanIsland.com, Pamitran Tours
