Derawan Islands

Welcome to the Derawan Islands, a magnificent archipelago floating effortlessly in the azure waters of the Celebes Sea, located just off the eastern coast of Borneo in the province of East Kalimantan. As a marine researcher and…

Our exploration begins on Derawan Island itself, the namesake and vibrant hub of the archipelago. As you step onto the wooden jetties that extend over the shallow, crystalline waters, you immediately sense the close knit…

We travel next to the majestic Maratua Atoll. Viewing this geological formation from the air reveals a massive, crescent shaped coral reef enclosing a spectacular turquoise lagoon. …

Still on Maratua Island, we venture inland through the dense tropical foliage to discover a breathtaking geological anomaly known as Goa Halo Tabung, frequently referred to by travelers as the Blue Cave. After paying a modest…

Prepare yourself for a truly otherworldly biological experience as we arrive at Kakaban Island. This island's centerpiece is a massive brackish lake situated squarely in its center, accessible via a brisk fifteen minute walk up a…

Remaining on the remarkable island of Kakaban, we shift our attention to another stunning hydrological feature known as Kehe Daing, often translated locally as the Fish Hole. Accessed for a small fee of thirty thousand Rupiah,…

Our final specific destination within the archipelago is the critically important conservation hub of Sangalaki Island. As your boat approaches the island, keep your eyes on the water's surface, as Sangalaki is world renowned for…

As our comprehensive journey through the Derawan Islands concludes, we are left to reflect on the immense ecological wealth and fragile beauty of this remote archipelago. From the microscopic wonders hiding beneath the wooden…