There are many beaches in Indonesia known for their cinematic beauty, crystal waters, calm island vibes, long coconut-lined coasts, and colorful underwater worlds. But among them, Derawan Beach in East Kalimantan stands in a category of its own. This is not just a beach—it is an experience. It is a paradise shaped by turquoise lagoons, thriving marine biodiversity, powder-soft sand, warm sunshine, and the chance to swim with gigantic sea turtles that glide gracefully beneath the waves.

Located in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, Derawan is part of a beautiful island cluster known as the Derawan Archipelago, which consists of more than 30 islands—some small and untouched, some famous for diving, some barely explored even today. For travelers who dream of seeing marine life flourishing in its purest and most natural state, Derawan delivers an unforgettable answer.

This article explores Derawan Beach not just as a tourist attraction, but as a living masterpiece—its scenery, wildlife, history, dive spots, culture, resorts, food, travel logistics, and the emotional experience of being there. Whether you are a first-time traveler, a diver, a nature lover, a honeymooner, or someone searching for hidden paradise destinations, Derawan has something that speaks to the heart.

1. First Impressions of Derawan: Blue, Calm, Timeless

Your first steps onto Derawan Beach feel like stepping into another world. The lagoon stretches in mesmerizing gradients of blue—light turquoise near shore, melting into deeper sapphire the farther you look. Wooden cottages stand on stilts above the water, their reflections shimmering beneath them. Fishermen in slender wooden boats pass slowly, as if time moves in a gentler tempo here.

Derawan is peaceful—not loud, not busy, not crowded like some other world-famous beaches. It is the kind of place where mornings begin with bird calls, soft waves lapping at the shore, and sunlight reflecting off the water like glitter.

At night, the sky fills with stars—bright, countless, shining as clearly as if the universe were within reach.

Some travelers say Derawan feels “untouched.” Others call it “a dream the world forgot to rush.” But nearly everyone agrees: Derawan gives you space to breathe. To slow down. To live.

2. The Island’s Natural Identity: A Haven for Turtles

If Bali is known for surfing and the Gili Islands for nightlife, Derawan is famous for turtles. Giant, calm, beautiful turtles—the kind that divers and marine photographers dream of.

Why are turtles so common here?

Several reasons:

The waters are clean and rich with seagrass and jellyfish—perfect natural food.
The beaches offer safe, undisturbed breeding grounds.
Conservation groups and the local community work together to protect nesting areas.
The islands of the Derawan Archipelago are among the last places on Earth where green turtles lay eggs in large numbers naturally.

Imagine seeing a turtle swimming beside you—slow, elegant, and completely unbothered. It is not unusual here. In fact, snorkelers sometimes encounter five, ten, or more turtles in a single outing.

A magical experience: Watching turtles lay eggs at night

On certain nights, guides can take visitors to the nesting beach where mother turtles crawl slowly onto the sand, dig with their flippers, and lay dozens—sometimes over a hundred—eggs in a single session. The experience is quiet, humbling, and emotional. No lights, no noise, no touching—just nature doing what nature has done for thousands of years.

And a few weeks later?

Tiny hatchlings break free from the sand and begin their first journey toward the moonlit water. Watching them move toward the ocean is one of the most heartwarming wildlife moments you can experience in Indonesia.

3. Derawan Underwater: A Kingdom of Color and Life

To truly understand Derawan, you need to go beneath the surface. The water is clear—sometimes up to 20–30 meters of visibility—and filled with vibrant coral reefs, soft corals, fish schools, and macro species.

Divers often call Derawan a hidden gem that rivals world-class sites like Raja Ampat or the Maldives, but far less crowded. Here are the types of underwater wonders you might see:

Marine Animals in Derawan

Green sea turtles
Hawksbill turtles
Manta rays at nearby islands
Thousands of jellyfish
Schools of jackfish
Napoleon wrasse
Parrotfish
Ribbon eels
Frogfish
Reef sharks
Sea horses
Giant clams
Coral crabs
And dozens more

The variety is astonishing, but what stands out most is how healthy the ecosystem is. You can sense that marine life here is not merely surviving—it is thriving.

4. Nearby Islands: The Complete Derawan Experience

Although Derawan Island itself is beautiful, many travelers explore other islands in the same archipelago. Each one has a distinct identity and adds another layer to the trip.

a. Maratua Island

Maratua is larger and greener, with dramatic limestone cliffs, stunning lagoons, luxury villas built over water, and incredible dive spots. It is the perfect place for honeymooners or travelers who want tropical luxury in the middle of nowhere.

b. Kakaban Island — The Jellyfish Lake

One of the most unique attractions in Indonesia is found here: a lake filled with thousands of stingless jellyfish. Visitors can swim freely among them without fear. The lake was formed thousands of years ago when the island rose above sea level, trapping seawater inside. Over time, the jellyfish lost their stinging ability because they no longer needed it for survival. Swimming here feels surreal—almost like floating in a soft marine dream.

c. Sangalaki Island

Sangalaki is a manta haven—one of the few places in Indonesia where divers can reliably meet giant manta rays gliding in the blue. It is also a major turtle conservation island, where hatchlings are released regularly.

d. Samama and Other Small Islands

Surrounded by shallow coral gardens, small untouched beaches, and plankton-filled waters that sometimes glow at night, these islands offer serenity and natural magic.

5. The Mood and Atmosphere: Why Derawan Feels Different

Travelers who come here often describe a common feeling—Derawan feels peaceful in a way that modern destinations rarely do.

No noisy nightclubs.

No traffic jams.

No crowds competing for sunset photos.

Instead:

Warm salty air
Gentle waves
Local fishermen mending nets under the sun
Children laughing around the pier
Birds flying low over still water
Turtles surfacing briefly before disappearing again

Whether you are alone, with friends, or with a partner, the quiet of Derawan offers something healing. It reminds you how beautiful life can be when nature is still the main character.

6. Sunset in Derawan: The Golden Hour Magic

Though Derawan looks gorgeous all day, the most unforgettable moment begins when the sun starts dropping toward the horizon.

The lagoon turns golden.

Clouds glow with orange, pink, lavender, and purple streaks.

Boats become silhouettes.

The air cools, and the world feels cleaner, softer, calmer.

Some travelers watch sunset from the pier.

Others sit on their balcony overlooking the sea.

Some walk barefoot along the shore, letting their feet sink into smooth sand.

But everyone pauses. Because sunset in Derawan is not just a visual experience—it is peaceful, slow, meaningful, and intimate. The type of moment you remember for years.

7. Local Life and Culture: Warm Smiles and Island Hospitality

Derawan has a small population—fishermen, boat operators, homestay owners, and families who have lived here for generations. The island has a comforting simplicity:

Children riding bicycles along narrow sandy paths
Fishermen heading out at dawn
Islanders sitting on porches in the evening discussing daily stories
Women selling fried bananas, fresh coconuts, home-style meals
Soft teasing laughter and relaxed pace of life

Tourists are welcomed with smiles—not as transactions, but as visitors to their home. If you take time to talk, they may share stories about turtle nesting, the history of local fishing life, or how the sea has sustained the island for decades.

Many locals also work in conservation efforts, understanding that the island’s future is connected to the health of the ocean.

8. Food in Derawan: Simple, Fresh, and Delicious

Island food here is a joy for seafood lovers. The dishes are not elaborate, but they are honest, fresh from the sea, and full of flavor.

Some local favorites include:

Grilled fish with lime and chili sambal
Squid stir-fried with sweet soy sauce
Shrimp cooked in coconut curry
Fresh crab in garlic butter
Maratua seaweed salad

Coconut water here tastes heavenly—chilled by nature and infused with ocean breeze.

Many eateries are simple, open-air wooden platforms facing the sea. Eating dinner while hearing waves and feeling warm wind is part of the Derawan experience.

9. Resorts and Accommodation: From Affordable to Heavenly

Derawan has many types of places to stay:

Budget Homestays

Simple rooms
Island family atmosphere
Great for backpackers

Mid-range Ocean Lodges

Rooms above the water
Sunset balconies
Air-conditioned rooms
Great location near dive centers

Luxury Water Villas in Maratua

Floating villas with private sea access
Infinity views of the open ocean
Romantic and quiet
Perfect for honeymooners

Some of these villas feel like Maldives-style resorts—but without the Maldives price tag.

10. How to Get to Derawan

Getting to Derawan takes a bit of travel, but the adventure is part of the charm.

Step 1 — Fly to Balikpapan or Tarakan

Most visitors fly into:

Balikpapan (Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport)
or
Tarakan Airport

Step 2 — Fly or travel to Berau

From Balikpapan, travelers usually catch a domestic flight to Kalimarau Airport in Berau.

Step 3 — Drive to Tanjung Batu Harbor

This takes around 2–3 hours.

Step 4 — Speedboat to Derawan

Around 30–40 minutes.

Many resorts can arrange full transfers, making the journey smooth from airport to island.

11. Best Activities in Derawan

Derawan is not a “do everything quickly” destination. It is a place to enjoy slowly. But there are many experiences worth trying:

1. Snorkeling with turtles

You can start from the beach and see turtles just meters from the shore.

2. Diving

Derawan is considered one of the best diving regions in Southeast Asia.

3. Sunset boat tours

Romantic and peaceful.

4. Island hopping

Visit Sangalaki, Kakaban, Maratua, and other small islands.

5. Jellyfish Lake swim

A rare experience found only in a few places in the world.

6. Turtle nesting observation

Educational, emotional, unforgettable.

7. Photography

Crystal water, bright fish, dramatic sunsets, and underwater life create endless photo opportunities.

8. Relaxing and doing nothing

The island rewards those who slow down.

12. Best Time to Visit Derawan

Derawan can be visited year-round, but the best months generally are:

March to October — calm seas, blue skies, ideal diving conditions
November to February — slightly wetter, but still swimmable and beautiful

Turtles nest and hatch throughout the year, though peak nesting season is usually around June–September.

13. Conservation: Keeping Derawan Alive for the Future

Tourism is growing, and with growth comes responsibility. Many community groups and NGOs actively work to:

Protect turtle nesting grounds
Educate visitors about marine ecology
Reduce plastic waste
Monitor reef health
Support sustainable fishing
Encourage eco-tour operators

Visitors can also help by:

Not touching turtles
Not taking shells or coral
Using reef-safe sunscreen
Supporting local businesses
Choosing ethical tour providers

Derawan is a living treasure—and everyone plays a role in protecting it.

14. Why Travelers Fall in Love with Derawan

People who come here often describe emotional reactions they did not expect:

“I didn’t know the world still had water this clear.”

“The turtles looked into my eyes—I will never forget it.”

“I felt peaceful in a way I haven’t in years.”

Derawan reminds us that nature still has miracles.

Not manufactured.

Not commercialized.

Just real.

15. Who is Derawan Perfect For?

Nature lovers

The marine world here is mesmerizing.

Divers and snorkelers

World-class underwater scenery without crowds.

Honeymooners

Romantic over-water villas and sunsets.

Families

Children love the beach and turtle experience.

Solo travelers

Peaceful, safe, and inspiring.

Travel photographers

Every corner looks like a postcard.

People escaping modern noise

Derawan is the antidote to stress.

16. Final Reflections: The Turtle Paradise Lives On

Derawan Beach, East Kalimantan, is not just another tropical destination. It is a reminder of what the world looked like before noise and crowds and hurry. It is a masterpiece created by sun, water, sand, wildlife, and time.

Here:

The water glows with impossible shades of blue.
The sand feels soft and warm beneath your feet.
Turtles swim gracefully beside you.
Fish move like living art.
The sky turns gold before nightfall.
Stars shine brighter than in most cities on Earth.
People smile genuinely, not because they have to, but because island life is kind to the heart.

If you ever dreamed of a place where nature is the main storyteller—Derawan is that place. A magical island where time slows down, where wildlife thrives, and where every traveler finds a piece of peace to take home in memory.

Derawan is beautiful not only because of its landscapes, but because it reminds us why protecting nature matters.

This is not just a place to visit.

This is a place to feel.

A place to remember.

A paradise shared with turtles—and with anyone who still believes in the wonder of the ocean.

Just tell me what you’d like next.

Derawan Beach, East Kalimantan — The Turtle Paradise