Have you ever wanted a vacation where you can meet unique marine animals up close? Imagine snorkeling or diving, and suddenly a turtle swims calmly right next to you. Exciting, right? Well, if you’re looking for a destination like this, Derawan could be the perfect choice. The Derawan Islands, especially Sangalaki Island, are famous as the natural habitat for green turtles and hawksbill turtles. In this article, you’ll get complete information about Derawan turtles, from their species, habitat, nesting season, educational activities, how to get to the island, to safety tips so your experience remains eco-friendly. Let’s explore each aspect so your trip is truly unforgettable!
Table of Contents
Getting to Know the Derawan Turtle Species
Before you dive into snorkeling or watch turtles nesting, it’s important to know who the ocean inhabitants you’ll meet are. By learning about the types of turtles present, you can not only observe them more closely but also understand their behavior and natural habitat. This makes your turtle watching in Derawan more meaningful, not just watching from afar. Here are the two types of turtles you can encounter directly on Sangalaki Island, Derawan:
Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
The green turtle is one of the most common species you can see on Sangalaki Island. Its shell is greenish-brown, and it has a large body, reaching up to 1.2 meters long and weighing around 150 kg. Green turtles are herbivores, mainly feeding on sea grass and other marine plants.
They usually prefer swimming in shallow waters near the coast, especially while foraging. They are also known to be calm, making them easy to spot while snorkeling with turtles. In addition, green turtles migrate long distances to nest on the same beach every year, which makes Sangalaki Island a favorite nesting spot.
Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
The hawksbill turtle has a brighter shell with distinctive, slightly pointed scales. It is smaller than the green turtle, reaching about 90 cm in length and weighing around 70 kg. Unlike green turtles, hawksbill turtles are selective eaters, usually feeding on sea sponges, small crustaceans, and jellyfish. This means they are often found in coral reef areas rich in these food sources.
Hawksbill turtles are also active during the day and are quite agile swimmers. They do nest on beaches, but their nesting locations are more specific, and they lay fewer eggs compared to green turtles. By understanding these behaviors, you can observe them more easily without disturbing their natural activities.
Derawan Turtle Nesting Season
If your goal is to see turtles nesting, it’s crucial to know the differences in nesting seasons for each species. Each turtle species has its own cycle and habits for selecting nesting times, which can make your experience more rewarding.
On Sangalaki Island, a well-known hotspot for observing green turtles and hawksbill turtles, nesting activities differ between the two species:
- Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) can nest throughout the year, but peak activity usually occurs from May to August. This is the best time if you want to see green turtles coming ashore to lay eggs.
- Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) data is more limited on Sangalaki. Globally, they usually nest between October and March, but on this island, timing may vary, so sightings are not guaranteed at any specific time.
However, nesting can occur outside peak periods, although less frequently. So, if you visit during May–August, the chances of seeing green turtles nesting are highest, but you might still be lucky enough to witness hawksbill turtles. Always follow conservation guidelines and avoid disturbing turtles while they nest to ensure their habitat stays safe and the activities remain ethical.
Turtle-Related Activities in Derawan
On Sangalaki Island, observing turtles isn’t just about watching them in the water. There are plenty of educational and fun activities that bring you closer to nature:
- Snorkeling with Turtles
While snorkeling, you can see turtles swimming among beautiful coral reefs, all from a safe distance so they remain stress-free. This way, you can enjoy the marine scenery while keeping the turtles safe. - Watching Turtles Nest
With the guidance of local guides, you can observe green and hawksbill turtles nesting on the beach. This activity helps you appreciate their natural processes and understand the importance of turtle conservation. - Turtle Hatchling Release
You can participate in releasing baby turtles into the sea while learning about the turtle life cycle firsthand. This usually takes place in the late afternoon when the waves are calmer, making the experience safe and enjoyable.
Joining these activities makes your experience not only fun but also educational, adding to your knowledge about Derawan turtles. Plus, turtle hatchling releases often become memorable Instagram moments to share with friends.
Read more: Snorkeling Spots in Derawan: Enjoy the Beauty of the Sea & Exotic Islands
How to Get to Sangalaki Island to See Derawan Turtles
To reach Sangalaki Island, you first need to fly to Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) in Berau, East Kalimantan. Currently, the only direct flight from Jakarta to Berau is served by Batik Air, but other options include flights with stopovers in cities like Makassar, Samarinda, Balikpapan, or Surabaya via airlines such as Lion Air, Citilink, Super Air Jet, Garuda Indonesia, and Sriwijaya Air.
After arriving at Kalimarau Airport, continue by land to Tanjung Batu Harbor, which takes about 3 hours. From the harbor, take a speedboat to Derawan Island, which takes approximately 40 minutes, then continue to Sangalaki Island. Along this route, you can enjoy both land and sea views of East Kalimantan’s natural beauty, so your experience isn’t just about turtles but the journey itself.
Best Time to See Derawan Turtles
To maximize your Derawan turtle watching experience, it’s important to consider your visit time beyond just the nesting season. Even though green turtles can nest year-round, their activity frequency is higher during peak months, but they are active swimming and feeding every day. This means you can still see turtles in the sea almost any time of the year.
Additionally, mornings and late afternoons are usually the best times for snorkeling or diving. During these hours, sunlight is softer, waves are calmer, and turtles are more frequently near the surface, making observation safer and clearer while maintaining a respectful distance.
Visiting during low tourist season also allows for a quieter, more personal experience. So whenever you go, there are plenty of exciting moments to see green and hawksbill turtles, as long as you follow conservation guidelines.
Safety Tips for Observing Turtles in Derawan
Before you start snorkeling or watching turtles nest, it’s crucial to know how to observe them safely and sustainably. By following a few simple tips, your experience can be enjoyable while supporting Derawan turtle conservation. Here are some key tips:
- Keep a Safe Distance
Do not touch turtles, as human contact can stress them or affect their health. By keeping your distance, you can observe them naturally while respecting their habitat. - Take Photos Responsibly
Capture moments from a safe distance without using flash or making loud noises that might startle the turtles. - Follow Local Guide Instructions
Always listen to local guides or conservation staff. They know how to observe turtles without disturbing them, making your experience more educational. - Keep the Ocean and Beach Clean
Never litter in the water or on beaches. Plastics and other pollutants can harm turtles and coral reefs, so by staying clean, you help protect the environment. - Avoid Harmful Chemicals
If snorkeling or diving, make sure your sunscreen or lotion is reef-safe. Certain chemicals can damage coral reefs and affect the turtle ecosystem. - Join a Trip with an Experienced Tour Operator
One of the safest ways to enjoy turtle watching is through a package from a reputable tour operator. This ensures you get the best route and expert guides while learning to observe turtles without harming their habitat.
By following these tips, your experience watching turtles can be fun, safe, and responsible, while helping to preserve derawan turtles for future generations.
Read more: Complete Guide to a Exploring Derawan with IndonesiaJuara Trip
Let’s See Turtles in Derawan with IndonesiaJuara Trip!
Seeing derawan turtles on Sangalaki Island is an unforgettable experience. From learning about their species and behavior to joining educational activities like snorkeling or hatchling releases, everything brings you closer to nature and teaches the importance of conservation.
If you’re ready to enjoy all these exciting moments comfortably and organized, it’s time to join a Derawan Tour with IndonesiaJuara Trip. You’ll be guided by experienced guides and enjoy both land and sea trips to Sangalaki Island and other islands in the Derawan Islands region hassle-free. Besides turtle conservation, the trip also gives you the chance to enjoy the combination of stunning sea views, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, making every moment complete.
Joining a tour with IndonesiaJuara Trip also ensures your experience is structured and safe, as all routes, schedules, and activities are designed for you to get the best moments in Derawan without disturbing the turtles’ habitat. So, if you want an exciting experience while supporting environmental preservation, now is the perfect time to explore Derawan and meet derawan turtles up close.
