Derawan Island

The Derawan Islands (Indonesian: Kepulauan Derawan) are in Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, Indonesia covering Derawan, Sangalaki, Kakaban, Maratua, Panjang, and Samama Island as well as several submerged reefs and small islets, are located in the Sulawesi Sea, on the coastal shelf of East Kalimantan (2°17'N - 118°13'E).

Located in the global biodiversity hotspot, the Derawan Islands are featured by high diversity of reef fishes (872 species), corals (507 species), and invertebrates, including a considerable number of protected species (5 giants clam species, 2 sea turtles, coconut crab, etc). Some of the islands harbor the heavily exploited turtle eggs and yet the largest green turtle nesting site in Indonesia.

There are two islands inhabited, namely Derawan (1 village of 1,259 people) and Maratua (4 villages of 2,704 people). Fishing is an important income generating activity for the community. Since early 1990s, people have started to catch live groupers, napoleon wrasses, and lobsters, due to high demand and price. As a world class dive tourism destination, there are 3 international dive resorts on Derawan Islands , while more additional resorts or facilities are in the planning process.

In Berau Regency, on the eastern side of the island of Kalimantan, is a unique cluster of islands, comprising Pulau Derawan, Pulau Kakaban, Pulau Maratua and Pulau Sangalaki. This island chain lies to the east of Tanjung Redeb, the chief city of Berau Regency, and can be reached by traveling around two hours down the Berau River.

Derawan Island first became known to the outside world in the early 1990s. It has a resort that accommodates divers who are eager for adventure. Great numbers of green turtles live around Derawan, both in the shallow coastal waters and in greater depths of up to 30 meters. In the evening, you can see over 30 turtles digging nests and laying eggs on the islands' beaches.