Derawan With Family

Derawan Family Adventure

Derawan Islands, located in East Kalimantan’s Berau Regency, offer a splendid escape for families seeking luxury and adventure. This remote archipelago is a haven of natural wonders, where you can snorkel amidst stingless jellyfish, swim with manta rays, and observe turtles in their natural habitat.

Reaching Derawan

Your journey begins with a flight to Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) in Berau, East Kalimantan. From there, a 2–3-hour land transfer to Tanjung Batu Port awaits, followed by a 30–45-minute speedboat ride to the Derawan Islands. For those starting from Balikpapan, a connecting flight to BEJ is available.

Conservation Considerations

While visiting Derawan, be mindful of the local conservation fee, which is approximately IDR 0 / USD 0 per foreign visitor, with minor levies applicable in certain areas. This nominal fee supports local conservation efforts, ensuring the protection of Derawan’s pristine environments.

Optimal Times for Visiting

The best season to explore Derawan is during the dry months from March to October. For manta rays and whale sharks, plan your visit between April and September for peak visibility. The enchanting stingless jellyfish of Kakaban Lake can be enjoyed year-round.

Highlights of Derawan

Vessels for Your Journey

Choose between two types of vessels for your family adventure:

Dive Resort Boat

• Length: 12–20 m
• Cabins: Day-use
• Guests: Up to 14
• Usage: Day trips

Liveaboard

• Length: 25–35 m
• Cabins: 5–7
• Guests: 10–14
• Usage: Multi-night charters

Planned Itineraries

Opt for a 4-night/4-day Derawan–Maratua–Kakaban itinerary or indulge in a 7-night/7-day dive liveaboard experience. A minimum stay of 4 nights is recommended to fully immerse in the island’s offerings. Whole-yacht private charters are priced per night, inclusive of crew, chef, and dive guides.

2027 Note: Charter Planning

Family-Friendly Activities Onboard

While the primary focus of a charter in Derawan is the exceptional diving and snorkelling opportunities, there’s plenty to keep non-diving family members entertained. Our vessels are equipped with amenities to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable experience for everyone.

• Leisure Facilities: Many of our boats feature sun decks and lounges where families can unwind. The panoramic views of the archipelago provide a stunning backdrop for relaxation.
• Water Sports: Kayaks and paddleboards are often available for those who wish to explore the surrounding waters at their own pace.
• Culinary Workshops: Under the guidance of our onboard chef, guests can participate in cooking sessions to learn about local cuisine and even try their hand at preparing traditional dishes.

For younger children, our crew can organise treasure hunts or educational sessions about marine life, making the trip both fun and informative.

Culinary Delights: Dining Aboard Your Charter

Dining aboard a Derawan charter is an experience in itself, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and a menu that reflects the rich culinary heritage of the region. Our onboard chef tailors meals to suit your preferences, ensuring a unique gastronomic journey.

• Local Specialties: Delight in the flavours of East Kalimantan with dishes like ikan bakar (grilled fish) and gado-gado, a traditional Indonesian salad with peanut sauce.
• Seafood Extravaganza: Given the proximity to some of the world’s richest fishing grounds, seafood is a highlight. Freshly caught fish, prawns, and crab are regular features on the menu.

Special dietary requirements are always considered, and menus can be adapted to accommodate any allergies or preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys their dining experience.

Sustainable Travel Practices

Ensuring the preservation of Derawan’s pristine marine environment is a priority for Komodo Luxury. We are committed to sustainable travel practices that minimise our impact on the ecosystem.

• Eco-Friendly Operations: Our vessels are equipped with waste management systems to ensure no pollutants enter the sea. We also use biodegradable cleaning products and encourage the use of reusable water bottles.
• Supporting Local Communities: By sourcing food and supplies locally, we support the communities within the Derawan archipelago. This not only reduces our carbon footprint but also provides economic benefits to the region.

Guests are encouraged to engage in responsible diving practices, such as maintaining buoyancy control and not touching marine life, to help protect the delicate underwater ecosystem. Our knowledgeable guides provide briefings on these practices prior to each dive.

Unique Wildlife Encounters in Derawan

The Derawan Archipelago offers an exceptional opportunity to witness a rich diversity of marine life. With its clear waters and lively coral reefs, the area is renowned for its unique wildlife encounters, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and marine biologists alike.

Among the highlights is the chance to swim with the striking manta rays at Sangalaki Manta Point. Known for their graceful movements, these gentle giants are often spotted feeding on plankton near the surface, providing an unforgettable experience. Additionally, the stingless jellyfish of Kakaban Lake offer a unique opportunity for snorkellers to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat without the fear of stings.

For those interested in larger marine species, the waters around Kakaban jellyfish lake offer the chance to encounter the mighty whale sharks, particularly during the months of April to September. These gentle giants can often be seen feeding near the surface, providing a striking sight for divers and snorkellers. Furthermore, the Derawan Islands are home to a significant population of green and hawksbill turtles, offering opportunities to observe nesting and hatching events on the beaches.

• Manta Rays at Sangalaki
• Stingless Jellyfish at Kakaban Lake
• Whale Sharks in Kakaban jellyfish lake
• Turtle Nesting on Derawan Beaches

Cultural Immersion and Local Communities

Beyond its natural splendours, a visit to Derawan also offers a chance to immerse oneself in the lively culture of the local communities. The region is home to various ethnic groups, each with their own rich traditions and customs, providing visitors with a unique cultural experience.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the traditional villages on the islands, where they can learn about the way of life of the Bajau people, often referred to as ‘sea gypsies’. Engaging with the locals, one can gain insight into their fishing techniques, traditional boat building, and other aspects of their daily lives.

Moreover, participating in community-based tourism initiatives provides a way to support sustainable development in the region. Many charters offer opportunities to visit local markets and workshops where visitors can purchase handcrafted souvenirs, ensuring that their spending contributes directly to the local economy.

• Visit Bajau Villages
• Learn Traditional Fishing Techniques
• Support Community-Based Tourism
• Purchase Handcrafted Souvenirs

As we approach 2027, planning your Derawan adventure has never been more seamless. Ensure your family enjoys the finest experiences by considering a private yacht charter. For detailed planning, plan your charter on WhatsApp.

Conclusion

Derawan Islands offer an exclusive and enriching destination for families. If you captivated by the tranquil jellyfish of Kakaban or the striking manta rays of Sangalaki, a tailored charter ensures a memorable experience. Begin your journey by exploring our snorkeling sites and charter options for an unforgettable family adventure.

Filed under: Charter Guides