The Gems of Kalimantan: Derawan Islands

It has never been in my 2012 plan to visit this beautiful gem of Kalimantan. The thought just came up when my colleague sent pictures of his trip to Derawan Islands (Derawan, Kakaban, Sangalaki, Maratua, Samama). Drooling when I saw all of the pictures, my mind started to think that I would like to go there and I will.

Tadaaaaa.. the chance came up when my boss assigned me and Priscy (my “partner in crime” at the office) to join a conference at Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. Good thing, Pricsy was also a nature lover and had the same thought as I did when we heard about the assignment. Nope, it was not about the conference at all. It was about Derawan.

Little that we knew that we were about to see one of the most beautiful views in our travelling history.

A sneak preview of Derawan Island

The Planning

Transportation

There were two options to go to Derawan from Jakarta:

1. Jakarta – Balikpapan – Berau – Tanjung Batu Port – Derawan

This is the more favored option:

- Safer

- Over land: two hours (road condition was good)

- Speed boat from Tanjung Batu Port to Derawan: 30 minutes

2. Jakarta – Balikpapan – Tarakan – Balikpapan – Jakarta

- Flight to Tarakan is cheaper

- Less safer (heard that many people were robbed)

- Boat ride: 3 hours

Flight to choose (BPN – Berau or Tarakan): Sriwijaya Air, Kalstar, Batavia Air

Accommodation

We were comparing between many tour providers and hostel that were available at Derawan. Our research made us to choose Reza & Dira Homestay (http://www.derawanhomestay.com/), owned by Pak Jon (+6281347955950). Pak Jon was able to arrange for our transportation from Berau airport – Tanjung Batu Port, speed boat to Derawan and all island hopping to surrounding islands (Kakaban, Sangalaki, Nabucco, Maratua)

Total cost:

Bungalow above water, AC, breakfast (no hot water): IDR 250,000/ night= USD 25/ night

Car rental (returned, airport – port): IDR 700,000= USD 70

Boat rental: IDR 1,800,000/ 2 days/ 4 people= USD 180/ 2 days/ 4 people