How to Get to Derawan Island: Complete Travel Route and Essential Tips

Are you planning a trip to Derawan and looking for the easiest way to get to Derawan Island? Unlike Bali or Labuan Bajo, Derawan Island cannot be reached by a direct flight, so it is completely normal to look for clear and reliable information before you travel. This guide will explain how to get to Derawan Island step by step, including the most recommended route, transportation options, and estimated travel times. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the journey and can plan your trip with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• The most recommended way to get to Derawan Island is via Berau, as it offers the most practical route with a land transfer to Tanjung Batu Port followed by a speedboat crossing.
• Getting to Derawan Island involves several stages, including flying to Berau, taking a 3-hour drive to Tanjung Batu Port, and then a 40 minute speedboat ride to Derawan Island.
• Once you arrive on Derawan Island, you can immediately enjoy activities such as snorkelling, diving, and island hopping to Maratua Island, Kakaban Island, and Sangalaki Island.
• If you want a hassle-free holiday without arranging transportation and planning your own itinerary, you can choose between a 4 Days 3 Nights Open Trip Derawan or a 3 Days 2 Nights or 4 Days 3 Nights Private Trip Derawan.
• For a smoother journey, choose a flight that arrives in Berau early in the day, bring enough cash and essential gear for water activities, and book your accommodation or tour package well in advance, especially during peak holiday seasons.

Where is Derawan Island?

Derawan Island is one of the islands in the Derawan Archipelago, located in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Situated off the eastern coast of Borneo, the island serves as the main gateway to other famous destinations in the archipelago, including Maratua Island, Kakaban Island, and Sangalaki Island. Although Derawan Island is a popular tourist destination, it does not have its own airport. This means you cannot reach the island with a single flight. Instead, you will need to continue your journey by both land and sea before arriving on Derawan Island.

How to Get to Derawan Island

If you are looking for the most practical route, travelling through Berau is the best way to get to Derawan Island. Compared to other routes, Berau is the main gateway because it offers direct land access to Tanjung Batu Port, the primary departure point for boats heading to the Derawan Islands. This is the route most travellers and tour operators use because the overall travel time is shorter and transportation is easier to arrange.

Here is a complete guide on how to get to Derawan Island, from the beginning of your journey until you arrive on the island:

1. Fly to Kalimarau Airport, Berau

The first step in getting to Derawan Island is flying to Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan. Since there is no airport on Derawan Island, every visitor must begin their journey from Berau.

You can fly from several major cities in Indonesia, including:

• Jakarta to Berau: Direct flights are available with a flight time of around 2 hours and 30 minutes. Transit flights are also available depending on the airline.
• Surabaya to Berau: Direct flights take approximately 2 hours, with several connecting flight options as well.
• Makassar to Berau: Direct flights are available with a flight time of around 1 hour and 35 minutes.
• Bali (Denpasar) to Berau: Most flights require one or two stopovers, with transit cities varying depending on the airline and flight schedule.

Tip: Choose a flight that arrives in Berau in the morning or early afternoon. This gives you enough time to continue to Tanjung Batu Port and cross to Derawan Island without needing to stay overnight in Berau.

2. Travel by Road to Tanjung Batu Port

After landing at Kalimarau Airport, continue your journey to Tanjung Batu Port, the main departure point for boats to Derawan Island. The distance is approximately 133 kilometres, and the drive usually takes around 3 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions. Along the way, you will travel through Berau’s main roads, passing winding routes and several coastal villages.

To reach Tanjung Batu Port, you can hire a private car, take a shared transfer, or use transportation provided by a tour operator. If this is your first visit to Derawan, joining a Derawan tour can be the easiest option because airport transfers to the port are usually included in the package. This allows you to continue your journey smoothly without having to arrange transportation after arriving in Berau.

3. Take a Speedboat to Derawan Island

Once you arrive at Tanjung Batu Port, the final step is taking a speedboat to Derawan Island. The crossing usually takes around 40 minutes, although travel time may vary slightly depending on weather conditions and sea waves. During the journey, you will enjoy beautiful views of crystal clear water and the surrounding islands, making the boat ride part of the travel experience itself.

Before travelling, make sure you check the latest speedboat schedule or confirm it with your transportation provider or tour operator. If you join a Derawan tour package, the boat schedule is usually arranged for you, so you only need to follow the itinerary provided by the tour team.

4. Arrive on Derawan Island

After approximately 40 minutes by speedboat, you will arrive at Derawan Island Pier, the main entrance to the island. From the pier, most hotels, homestays, resorts, and restaurants are within walking distance, while a few accommodations located farther away can be reached using local transportation.

Once you arrive, you can check in to your accommodation and start enjoying everything Derawan has to offer. Popular activities include snorkelling, diving, visiting Kakaban Lake, exploring Sangalaki Island, and taking an island hopping trip to Maratua Island. If you are travelling with a Derawan tour, the itinerary usually begins after check-in or according to the schedule arranged by your tour operator.

Read more: 4 Days 3 Nights Itinerary in Derawan: Here Are the Destinations, Tips & Recommendations!

The Best Way to Visit Derawan Island

One of the easiest ways to enjoy a hassle-free holiday is by booking a Derawan tour package with a tour operator such as IndonesiaJuara Trip. We work with trusted local operators to arrange every part of your journey, including transportation in Berau, speedboat transfers to Derawan Island, accommodation, and a well-planned travel itinerary. This allows you to focus on enjoying your holiday instead of organising every detail yourself.

You can choose between an open trip or a private trip, depending on your travel style and preferences:

Open Trip Derawan

An open trip Derawan is perfect if you want a more affordable holiday without planning the itinerary yourself. You will travel with other participants in a shared group while the tour team takes care of all transportation and travel arrangements. This package is available as a 4 Days 3 Nights itinerary and includes visits to many of the most popular destinations in the Derawan Archipelago.

Private Trip Derawan

If you prefer a more flexible travel experience, a private trip Derawan is an excellent choice. You can travel with your partner, family, friends, or colleagues without joining other groups, giving you greater flexibility throughout the trip. Private packages are available in both 3 Days 2 Nights and 4 Days 3 Nights options, allowing you to choose the itinerary that best suits your travel plans.

Tips for a More Comfortable Trip to Derawan Island

Now that you know how to get to Derawan Island, here are a few practical tips to help make your journey smoother:

• Choose an Early Arrival Flight
  Try to book a flight that arrives in Berau during the morning or early afternoon. This gives you enough time to travel overland to the port and catch the speedboat to Derawan Island without rushing.
• Bring Enough Cash
  Although some hotels and local businesses accept cashless payments, not every place offers this option. Bringing enough cash will make it easier to pay for meals, transportation, and small purchases during your stay on Derawan Island.
• Pack Practical Luggage
  Since your journey involves changing between different types of transportation, including cars and speedboats, it is best to travel with a backpack or a medium-sized suitcase that is easy to carry.
• Check the Weather Forecast
  Boat crossings to Derawan Island depend on sea and weather conditions. Before you travel, check the weather forecast so you can prepare for possible schedule changes, especially if you are visiting during the rainy season.
• Book Your Accommodation or Tour in Advance
  If you plan to visit during weekends, school holidays, or national holidays, it is highly recommended to book your accommodation or tour package well in advance. You will have more accommodation options available and can organise your travel schedule more comfortably.
• Bring Essentials for Water Activities
  Derawan Island is famous for snorkelling, diving, and island hopping. Be sure to pack essentials such as reef-safe sunscreen, a change of clothes, a hat, sunglasses, a dry bag, and comfortable sandals so you can fully enjoy your time in and around the water.

Read more: Complete Guide to a Exploring Derawan with IndonesiaJuara Trip

Explore Derawan Island the Easy Way with IndonesiaJuara Trip

Now you know how to get to Derawan Island, from flying to Berau, continuing the journey by road to Tanjung Batu Port, and finally taking a speedboat to Derawan Island. While the route is fairly straightforward, the journey still requires coordinating multiple modes of transportation and matching your schedule carefully to ensure everything runs smoothly. That is why many travellers choose a tour package, where every part of the trip is arranged before departure.

With IndonesiaJuara Trip, you can enjoy a hassle free holiday in Derawan without worrying about transportation, accommodation, itinerary planning, or activities during your stay. Supported by an experienced team and trusted local partners, we are ready to help you explore Derawan Island, Maratua Island, Kakaban Island, and Sangalaki Island comfortably and with confidence. Contact our team today to learn more and book the Derawan tour package that best matches your travel style.