Widely considered  a diver’s paradise,  these remote islands in East Kalimantan lure non-divers as well. The Jakarta Post Travel list five things to do in Derawan.

1. Islands and Islets hopping

Those who want to nurture their fantasy of being stranded on an island, where every turn of the eyes finds beautiful white sand beach and the horizon, may realize their dream in Derawan, with the bonus of not really being stranded.

This cluster of islands comprises 31 islands and islets and is much less touristy than areas such as Bali..

Some of Derawan’s famous islands, aside from the main Derawan Island, are Pulau Kakaban, Pulau Maratua, and Pulau Nabucco where the rare species of coconut crab can be found.

Motor boat rental prices depend on boat size, starting from Rp 300,000 (US $ 27.01) per person.

Use your bargaining skills to get the best deal. Most boatmen here prefer lump sum figures such as Rp 5 million for three days for six people.

2. Explore the village

The main Derawan Island has its own charm worth exploring.

In the heart of the island is a small fisherman village. On its boulevard are lines of stilt houses, mostly open for a variety of business establishments, ranging from homestays, eateries, souvenir shops and warungs.

Recommended are the souvenir shops selling crafts made by the local Dayak people, shops selling elai fruits and dried fish.

Go further inside the island to check its jewels such as the grave of Saba'ani's, one of Derawan's leaders in early 1900s who was beheaded by the Dutch, and a tomb of one of the local royals decorated with a statue of a horse carved out of reef.

The island’s historical well, which is said to be the first to provide freshwater, is unfortunately now in bad shape due to lack of care.

3. Watch green turtles nest

Derawan is famed as the biggest nesting ground for green turtles.Do not miss out the opportunity to see live how these turtles come out of the sea at night and finally lay their eggs.
It happens only at night and when the turtle appears from sea, one must lay low to prevent from disturbing them and scaring them away.
One diver I met during my trip shared this experience as worth every waiting minute. According to him, the best time to approach is when the turtles begin to lay their eggs, and are seemingly immune to disturbances.
It was too bad that during my visit, the local fisherman told us it was not the time for the turtles to come off shore and nest.

4. Snorkeling and scoutdiving

Uncertified divers can enjoy Derawan's biodiversity by joining scoutdiving or fun diving, accompanied and chaperoned by master divers. All-in packages are around Rp 500,000 per person.

Opt for snorkeling instead if diving feels too challenging. After all, coming all the way here without capturing an underwater picture seems like a bit of a waste. The famous diving spots include the ones near Maratua, Nabucco and Sangalaki.

Rent a complete set of snorkling gear for Rp 50,000 per day.

5. Dolce far niente

Literally the sweetness to do nothing, an Italian phrase made popular by blockbuster book Eat, Pray, Love.

Sometimes, due to the fickle weather and strong winds, hopping on a boat, diving, or doing any kind of water sports is not recommended due to safety reasons. And this can happen even as the sun shines brightly.

In such a situation, the best thing to do is just to absorb the quietness and serenity the sound of the sea brings and simply do nothing.

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