The Derawan Tour offers a private crewed yacht charter in the Derawan Archipelago, East Kalimantan. Operated by Komodo Luxury, this exclusive experience includes a crew, chef, and dive guides, with itineraries featuring Kakaban’s stingless jellyfish lake, Maratua’s turtles, and Sangalaki’s manta point. Priced per night, with rates starting around IDR 8,000,000–12,000,000 (USD 500–750), a minimum 4-night stay is required, best enjoyed from March to October.
About the Derawan Tour
The Derawan Tour is a private charter experience operated by Komodo Luxury, taking you through the pristine waters of East Kalimantan. This journey begins at the starting point of Berau, where you fly into Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) before transferring by road and sea to reach the Derawan Islands.
How It Works
Start your adventure by flying into Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) in Berau, East Kalimantan. From there, a two to three-hour drive takes you to Tanjung Batu Port, followed by a 30 to 45-minute speedboat transfer to the islands.
- Charter Embarkation: Typically begins from Tanjung Batu Port.
- Vessel Type: Whole-yacht private charter with no shared cabins.
- Minimum Duration: 4-night, 7-night options available.
What’s Included
- Crew: A full crew including captain, deckhands, and dive guides.
- Chef: Onboard chef for tailored meals.
- Guides: Local marine guides for island experiences.
- Meals: All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks).
- Equipment: Snorkeling and diving equipment.
- Conservation Fee: ~IDR 0 / ~USD 0 per foreign visitor (small local levy where applicable).
Signature Sites & Vessel Options
| Site | Description | Vessel Type |
|---|---|---|
| Kakaban Jellyfish Lake | Swimming with stingless jellyfish year-round. | Liveaboard (25–35m, 5–7 cabins) |
| Maratua Atoll | Home to numerous green and hawksbill turtles. | Open Trip boat (12–20m, day-use cabins) |
| Sangalaki Manta Point | Best manta visibility April–September. | Liveaboard |
| Derawan Turtles | Nesting site with hatchling releases. | Open Trip boat |
| Nabucco Island | Secluded islet with emerald lagoons. | Both vessel types |
Who It’s For
This tour is ideal for those seeking a bespoke travel experience, diving enthusiasts, and nature lovers. The private charter ensures a personalized journey, perfect for families, couples, or small groups.
Itinerary Highlights
- 4-night Tour: Derawan, Maratua, Kakaban.
- 7-night Dive Liveaboard: Extended exploration and diving opportunities.
Explore More
For those interested in luxury travel and unique marine experiences, the Derawan Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore Indonesia’s rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Discover more about our fleet and packages by visiting our fleet page or explore our comprehensive tour packages.
Consider pairing your Derawan adventure with a visit to the equally stunning Derawan for a complete luxury archipelago experience.
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Derawan?
The ideal time to visit is from March to October, with manta ray visibility peaking from April to September.
How do I reach Derawan?
Fly to Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) in Berau, then travel by land to Tanjung Batu Port and take a speedboat to the islands.
Is diving equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling and dive equipment are included in the charter.
How much does a charter cost?
Prices start at approximately IDR 8,000,000–12,000,000 per night, with a minimum of 4 nights required.
Local Wildlife and Marine Biodiversity
The Derawan Islands are a biodiversity hotspot, offering a unique opportunity to observe some of the world’s most fascinating marine life. The region is renowned for its rich and diverse ecosystems, which include lively coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds. These habitats support a plethora of species, including the elusive dugong, green and hawksbill turtles, and a variety of reef fish.
One of the main attractions in the area is the opportunity to swim with the striking manta rays at Sangalaki Manta Point. These graceful creatures can often be seen gliding through the water, providing a mesmerising experience for divers and snorkellers alike. Additionally, the islands are home to several species of nudibranchs and other macro life, making them a haven for underwater photographers.
- Green and Hawksbill Turtles: Regularly spotted nesting on the beaches of Derawan.
- Manta Rays: Best visibility from April to September at Sangalaki.
- Stingless Jellyfish: Unique encounters available year-round at Kakaban Lake.
- Kakaban jellyfish lake Whale Sharks: Optimal viewing from April to September.
Cultural Interactions and Local Communities
The Derawan archipelago is not only rich in natural beauty but also in cultural heritage. The islands are inhabited by a number of indigenous communities who maintain a traditional lifestyle, largely reliant on fishing and small-scale agriculture. Engaging with these communities provides a fascinating insight into their customs and way of life, which have been passed down through generations.
Visitors have the opportunity to learn about local traditions, including traditional fishing techniques and weaving. Some charters offer guided visits to local villages, where guests can interact with the residents and gain a deeper understanding of their cultural practices. These interactions are a meaningful way to support sustainable tourism and contribute to the local economy.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Village Visit | Meet local communities and learn about traditional lifestyles. |
| Fishing Techniques | Observe or participate in traditional fishing methods. |
| Craft Workshops | Join workshops on local crafts such as weaving and basket making. |
Responsible Travel and Sustainability
Travelling through the Derawan Islands with a private crewed yacht charter allows for a more personalised and eco-conscious experience. Operators are committed to sustainable practices that minimise environmental impact and promote conservation efforts. This includes responsible waste management and using eco-friendly products on board.
Guests are encouraged to engage in environmentally friendly activities such as beach clean-ups and reef-safe diving practices. By choosing a yacht charter that prioritises sustainability, travellers contribute to the preservation of these pristine ecosystems for future generations. Moreover, a portion of the local fees collected is often reinvested into local conservation projects, further supporting the islands’ ecological integrity.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Use of biodegradable products and minimisation of single-use plastics.
- Conservation Efforts: Participation in beach clean-ups and coral restoration projects.
- Community Support: Contributions to local conservation and community initiatives.
Dining and Culinary Experiences Onboard
Aboard the Derawan Tour’s private crewed yacht charter, guests can indulge in an array of culinary delights expertly crafted by our onboard chefs. Emphasising fresh, locally sourced ingredients, each meal is a a sign of the rich cultural of Indonesian cuisine, intertwined with international flavours to suit diverse palates.
Guests are encouraged to discuss dietary preferences or restrictions with the crew to ensure a personalised dining experience. From the freshest seafood to traditional Indonesian delicacies, mealtimes become memorable events, set against the stunning backdrop of the Derawan Islands.
- Breakfast: A varied selection of tropical fruits, freshly baked pastries, and made-to-order eggs.
- Lunch: Light and refreshing options such as local gado-gado and nasi goreng.
- Dinner: A multi-course affair featuring grilled fish, satays, and regional desserts.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices
The Derawan Tour prioritises environmental sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices to preserve the natural beauty of the islands. The crew is committed to reducing plastic use, ensuring waste is disposed of responsibly, and promoting reef-safe alternatives for guests’ use onboard.
Efforts extend beyond the vessel to include partnerships with local communities to support conservation initiatives. By partaking in our tours, guests contribute to ongoing efforts in marine conservation, including turtle protection programmes and coral reef restoration projects.
| Practice | Details |
|---|---|
| Plastic Reduction | Provision of reusable water bottles and biodegradable toiletries. |
| Waste Management | Strict protocols for waste separation and disposal. |
| Community Partnership | Involvement in local conservation and educational programmes. |
Exclusive Activities and Customisation Options
The private nature of the Derawan Tour allows for a highly customised experience, designed to cater to the unique interests of each group. Guests can choose from a variety of exclusive activities, ranging from guided diving excursions to cultural visits with local tribes.
For those seeking a bespoke experience, itineraries can be tailored to include specialised activities such as private beach picnics, night dives, or photography workshops. The onboard crew is adept at creating an itinerary that smoothly combines adventure, relaxation, and cultural enrichment.
- Guided diving excursions to explore lively coral gardens and marine life.
- Cultural visits to engage with local communities and learn traditional crafts.
- Customised itineraries to include unique experiences like private picnics on secluded beaches.
Sustainable Practices and Environmental Commitment
At Derawan Tour, we are deeply committed to preserving the unique ecosystems of the Derawan archipelago. Our operations adhere to strict sustainability protocols to minimise our environmental impact. We believe in fostering a responsible tourism model that not only enriches the visitor experience but also protects the natural beauty of these islands for future generations.
Our efforts include:
- Waste Management: All waste is carefully managed and removed from the islands, with a strong emphasis on recycling and reducing plastic usage onboard.
- Eco-friendly Practices: We use biodegradable products and encourage guests to bring environmentally safe toiletries.
- Marine Conservation: We support local marine conservation initiatives and educate our guests on the importance of protecting marine life, including the magnificent manta rays and whale sharks.
- Community Engagement: Our tours incorporate visits to local communities, promoting cultural exchange and supporting local economies through fair trade practices.
Personalised Experiences and Tailored Itineraries
Understanding that each guest is unique, Derawan Tour offers a bespoke approach to yacht chartering, ensuring that every journey is tailored to meet individual preferences and interests. If you a diving enthusiast, a wildlife photographer, or simply seeking relaxation, our team is dedicated to crafting an itinerary that suits your desires.
Guests can customise their experience with options such as:
- Activity Preferences: Choose from a variety of activities, including guided dives, snorkelling, private beach picnics, and cultural tours.
- Culinary Requests: Our onboard chef can prepare personalised menus, accommodating dietary needs and featuring local flavours.
- Special Occasions: Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or other milestones with tailored experiences, from candlelit dinners on the deck to private island excursions.
By offering such personalised services, we aim to create unforgettable memories that resonate with the individual spirit of each traveller.