Derawan Islands
Kalimantan Region
The Derawan Islands, located in East Kalimantan province of Indonesia, comprise 31 islands including the well-known Derawan, Kakaban, Maratua, and Sangalaki. Situated in the Sulawesi Sea, these islands are part of the Coral Triangle, one of the richest marine biodiversity hotspots globally. They host an extraordinary variety of marine life, including 872 species of reef fishes, 507 coral species, and notable protected species such as giant clams, sea turtles, and coconut crabs. The islands feature unique natural wonders like lakes harboring stingless jellyfish, especially the famous lake on Kakaban Island, home to millions of jellyfish of various sizes. Maratua Island, the largest in the group, contains numerous sea caves formed by reef erosion and seawater infiltration, many still unexplored. The islands support local communities primarily through fishing, with live groupers, Napoleon wrasse, and lobsters being important catches. Tourism is growing with several diving resorts already established and more planned. Access is facilitated via Maratua Airport and the main gateway through Samarinda International Airport. These islands offer a blend of natural beauty, ecological significance, and cultural livelihood, making them a captivating destination for nature lovers and divers alike.
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Astuce: The best time to visit the Derawan Islands is during the dry season for optimal diving and snorkeling conditions. It is recommended to book accommodations and diving tours in advance due to limited resort capacity. Travelers should consider purchasing combined tickets or packages offered by local operators for better value. Visitors are advised to respect local conservation rules, especially regarding turtle nesting sites and protected marine species. Access to some islands and jellyfish lakes may require guided tours, so arranging these ahead of time is beneficial.
Faits intéressants
- •The Derawan Islands are part of the Coral Triangle, which contains some of the richest marine biodiversity on Earth.
- •Kakaban Island hosts a unique lake containing millions of stingless jellyfish, some twice the size of an adult's palm.
- •Maratua Island has at least 13 known sea caves formed by reef erosion, with over a hundred caves predicted to exist.
- •The islands are home to the largest green turtle nesting site in Indonesia.
- •Fishing of live groupers, Napoleon wrasse, and lobsters has been a significant income source since the 1990s.
Histoire
The Derawan Islands have long been inhabited, with two main inhabited islands: Derawan and Maratua.
Fishing has been a traditional livelihood, evolving since the early 1990s with the harvesting of high-demand species like groupers and Napoleon wrasse.
The development of tourism infrastructure began notably with the opening of Maratua Airport in 2015 to enhance accessibility and support regional defense due to proximity to Malaysia and the Philippines.
Over time, the islands have gained recognition for their ecological importance within the Coral Triangle and efforts to balance conservation with community development.
Guide du lieu
Kakaban Island Stingless Jellyfish Lake
A rare marine lake inhabited by millions of stingless jellyfish, offering a unique snorkeling experience where visitors can swim among harmless jellyfish of various sizes.
Maratua Island Sea Caves
A network of at least 13 known sea caves formed by seawater infiltrating coral reefs, with many more predicted. These caves connect directly to the sea and are a fascinating natural feature for exploration.
Derawan Island Village
The main inhabited island with a village of approximately 1,259 residents, where fishing remains an important livelihood and traditional culture thrives.