Derawan is one of the most unique travel destinations in Indonesia, offering a one-of-a-kind vacation experience. Located in East Kalimantan, this tropical paradise requires a combination of air, land, and sea travel to get there. Because of this, careful planning is key to ensure a smooth and comfortable trip. To help you plan your vacation, IndonesiaJuara Trip has put together all the important details in this guide. Make sure to read this through before heading to Derawan.
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Things You Need to Know Before Going on the Derawan Tour
Before starting your journey to Derawan, it’s important to understand a few things about the trip. This information will help you prepare better and avoid any unexpected issues during your vacation.
What Types of Tours Are Available to Derawan?
For Derawan, IndonesiaJuara Trip collaborates with trusted local partners, but don’t worry, our team will still be monitoring your trip and will be there to assist whenever needed. There are two types of tours available to Derawan: Open Trip and Private Trip.
Open Trip Derawan is a 4-day, 3-night tour designed for those who prefer a more budget-friendly option. All your needs, from transportation and accommodation to meals and documentation, will be taken care of, so you can just show up and enjoy the trip with other participants.
While Private Trip Derawan is a more flexible and exclusive option for those who want a more personalized experience. The trip duration can be 3 days and 2 nights or 4 days and 3 nights. You can choose your travel dates and type of resort, making it ideal for couples, families, or small groups looking for a more intimate and exclusive trip.
How to Get to Derawan?
To reach Derawan, you need to fly to Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) in Berau, East Kalimantan. Batik Air is the only airline that offers direct flights from Jakarta to Berau, but there are also other flights with layovers in cities like Makassar, Samarinda, Balikpapan, or Surabaya, operated by airlines like Lion Air, Citilink, Super Air Jet, Garuda Indonesia, and Sriwijaya Air. Once you arrive at Kalimarau Airport, you’ll travel by land for about 3 hours to Tanjung Batu Port. From there, you’ll take a speedboat to Derawan Island, which takes about 40 minutes. All of this transportation is included in your tour package with IndonesiaJuara Trip, so you don’t have to worry about arranging it separately.
When Should You Arrive in Derawan?
To ensure a smooth trip, it’s recommended to arrive in Berau a day before your scheduled departure (H-1). This is especially important if you’re taking a flight with a layover or have concerns about potential delays. Arriving early will give you time to rest before starting the land and sea journey to Derawan.
IndonesiaJuara Trip does not provide accommodations for the night before departure, but you can book a hotel near the airport to rest. If you must travel on the same day, it’s best to arrive at Kalimarau Airport by 08:20 WITA to ensure everything runs on schedule.
Meeting Point & Pickup for Derawan Tour
The meeting point for all participants, whether on the open or private trip, will be at Kalimarau Airport or a nearby hotel. Our team will pick you up from the designated spot, so make sure to be there on time to ensure the smooth running of the trip.
After the Derawan Trip
Once your tour is finished, you’ll be transferred back to Kalimarau Airport. It’s recommended to choose a flight that departs no earlier than 15:40 WITA, as the trip usually finishes by 14:00 WITA. If no suitable flight is available, it’s best to stay an additional night and depart the next day.
What’s Included and Not Included in the Derawan Tour Package?
What’s included depends on whether you choose the Open Trip or Private Trip. Here’s a breakdown:
Included:
- Round-trip speedboat from Tarakan to Derawan
- Airport to port transport (round-trip)
- Water cottage accommodation with air conditioning and private bathroom
- Meals during the trip
- Mineral water
- Local guides and tour leaders
- Snorkeling equipment (no fins)
- Documentation
- Entrance fees to all destinations
- Travel insurance (from Jasa Raharja)
Not Included:
- Flights to and from Berau or Tarakan
- Rental fins for snorkeling
- Personal expenses
- Voluntary tips for the guides
- Extra fees for visiting the whale shark destination
Facility Details During Derawan Tour
Knowing these details will help you plan your additional needs and set your expectations for the trip.
Meals During the Trip
During your Derawan trip, meals will be provided according to a set schedule. For both the Open Trip and Private Trip (4 days and 3 nights), you will receive a total of 9 meals. For the Private Trip (3 days and 2 nights), 6 meals will be provided throughout the journey.
The menu typically features simple yet delicious local dishes, with portions large enough to support your daily activities. Mineral water will also be available during the trip. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, it is highly recommended that you inform the IndonesiaJuara Trip team before departure so that proper arrangements can be made.
Accommodations in Derawan
During your Derawan trip, accommodation will be provided to ensure you can rest comfortably after a day of activities. For the Open Trip, you’ll stay in a standard floating cottage with an authentic sea view. If you’re traveling solo, note that if no twin-share guests are available by H-1, a single occupancy fee of IDR 600,000 will apply (one room for one guest).
For the Private Trip, you’ll stay in a water cottage with AC and a private toilet. Several accommodation packages are available, and you can discuss your preferences with our team to ensure your stay is tailored to your needs.
Transportation During Your Derawan Trip
During the trip, you’ll use a combination of land and sea transport. The team will pick you up from the airport and take you to the port. For island hopping, you’ll use a speedboat suited to the group size, with a medium boat for 1–5 people and a larger boat for 6–15 people. All transportation will be arranged for you so you can enjoy the trip without the hassle.
Professional Documentation Services
To make your trip even more memorable, we offer professional documentation services. For the Open Trip, the documentation team will capture your experience using drones, GoPro, and mirrorless cameras, with professional video editing.
For the Private Trip, you can choose the type of documentation you want. The standard package includes GoPro footage, and for a more premium experience, you can upgrade to a package that includes drone footage, GoPro, mirrorless, and video editing.
What to Bring for the Trip
To ensure a smooth trip to Derawan, be sure to pack the essentials. Most activities are done outdoors and in the sea, so it’s important to bring items that will keep you comfortable.
Here’s a list of things you should bring:
- Sunblock (SPF 30–50)
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Snacks and personal supplements
- A dry bag or backpack to keep things dry
- Extra clothes and swimwear
- External hard drive (for backing up your photos)
- Comfortable shoes or sandals for trekking
- Power bank
- Personal toiletries (optional)
- Personal medicine
- Wet wipes for convenience
- Telkomsel SIM card for the best signal in Derawan
Safety and Comfort During the Trip
IndonesiaJuara Trip is committed to ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the trip. The team will guide you from start to finish and provide any necessary instructions to ensure the trip runs smoothly.
Is Derawan Safe for Solo Travelers?
Yes, Derawan is safe for solo travelers. The Open Trip is perfect for solo travelers as you’ll join a fun group with a well-planned itinerary. Professional guides will be with you throughout the journey, ensuring that you’re never alone.
Is the Derawan Trip Family-Friendly?
Yes, the trip to Derawan is great for families, especially those with kids who enjoy outdoor activities. Activities like visiting turtle conservation centers, light snorkeling in calm waters, and island hopping can be educational and fun for the little ones.
How’s the Signal and Internet in Derawan?
Mobile signal in Derawan is generally stable, especially if you’re using Telkomsel, which has the best coverage in the area. However, once you’re on the islands or engaging in water activities, the signal may weaken or disappear entirely. This is a great opportunity to disconnect and fully immerse in nature.
What’s the Intensity of the Activities During the Trip?
The activities during the trip are generally light to moderate and can be enjoyed by people in normal physical condition. Activities like snorkeling and island hopping don’t require special skills but will still need energy and physical readiness.
What If the Weather Isn’t Ideal (Rain)?
Weather conditions can change unexpectedly, especially during the rainy season. If it rains heavily or the sea currents are unsafe, the team will adjust the schedule to ensure your safety and comfort. The team will offer alternative activities so that you can still enjoy the trip.
Can I Customize the Itinerary?
Yes, you can request itinerary adjustments, but this is only available for Private Trip participants. IndonesiaJuara Trip offers more flexibility for Private Trip to help you customize the duration, destinations, and even the resort.
Destinations Visited During the Derawan Trip
Derawan is famous for its beautiful islands and rich marine life. Whether you’re on the Open Trip or Private Trip, you’ll visit several incredible destinations.
- Open Trip Destinations: Derawan Island, Maratua Island, Kakaban Island, Sangalaki Island, Sanggalau Sandbank, Manimbora Island, and Talisayan Whale Shark.
- Private Trip Destinations: Derawan Island, Maratua Island, Kakaban Island, Sangalaki Island, Sanggalau Sandbank, Halo Tabung Cave, Kehe Daing Lagoon, Turtle Point, Dolphin Point, and Manta Point.
Souvenirs from Derawan
No trip to Derawan is complete without bringing back some local souvenirs. You can find fresh seafood, traditional woven fabrics from Kalimantan, and other handmade crafts such as keychains, woven bags, and marine-themed souvenirs around Berau. These make perfect gifts or personal keepsakes to remind you of your incredible experience in Derawan.
Etiquette to Follow During the Trip
While in Derawan, it’s important to respect the local culture and protect the environment. Avoid littering, don’t touch or damage coral reefs, and always follow the guidance of your tour guide and the local community. This ensures that future generations can enjoy Derawan’s beauty.
Plan Your Dream Vacation to Derawan with IndonesiaJuara Trip!
This guide is here to help you visualize the amazing experiences that await in Derawan, from crystal-clear waters to stunning islands and unique wildlife encounters. Derawan Tour package by IndonesiaJuara Trip, all logistics, from transportation to accommodations, are taken care of—leaving you free to enjoy your vacation without the hassle. Prepare your spirit for the trip and let us handle the rest. Book your dream vacation to Derawan now, and return with unforgettable stories!
