When I asked what the most interesting sights in East Kalimantan, I replied: DERAWAN ISLAND. When you buff marine tourism, visit the Marine Protected Area (MPA) Derawan Islands, Berau regency, East Kalimantan, should be the agenda. Although only developed into a tourist attraction, the potential and beauty of the waters is not inferior to other regions.
This region is the sea and mangrove areas regulated for the purposes of sustainable fisheries activities, marine tourism, research, and socio-economic development of society, as well as utilization of other marine resources sustainably. There are currently no direct flights to get to this area. Flights from Jakarta to Balikpapan only, replace it with a small plane to Tanjung Redeb, the capital of Berau District. From Tanjung Redeb use speedboats to the Derawan Island.
It took an hour down the river to reach the estuary. Do not be surprised if you see so many step on the chart. This chart is owned by the local population and the number could be thousands. On the island there are a few cottages. Sea water in this area clean and clear with white sand that stretches.
Derawan Islands located in the Celebes Sea, on the coast of Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, overlooking the mouth of the estuary of the River known as the Delta Kelai and Berau. This archipelago consists of six large islands, Derawan Island, Sangalaki Island, Kakaban Island, Maratua Island, Panjang Island, Pulau Samama, and several small islands and coral clusters. There are 21 islands in this archipelago. Cluster Islands Derawan only a fraction of the hundreds of islands on the east coast Kalimantan islands totaling 248. Of that number, 138 islands do not have names, of which two islands of Sipadan and Ligitan lost, belongs to Malaysia. The waters on the island is famous as one of the diving spot or the best diving places in the world.
Marine tourism and conservation area which developed into a tourist submarine is famous for its coral reefs are very beautiful. By using a snorkel you can enjoy the beauty of coral reefs under the sea because the water was very clear. Do not need all the way out to sea, about 100 meters from the beach, fish and colorful coral reefs can be enjoyed by renting snorkel Rp 50,000 per day. As for scuba equipment rental (self containing bhreating underwater apparatus) of approximately USD 400,000.
The series of islands that lie Derawan more than 100mil along the coastline of East Kalimantan, is one of the region’s most biologically rich in Indonesia. In this archipelago of water from the River Berau mixed with water of the Celebes Sea created a unique seascape with the characteristics of a broad river delta toward the coral reefs are scattered, fringing reefs and atolls. Derawan Islands there are more than 460 types of coral. This makes Derawan Islands as an area that has the highest diversity of hard corals in the world’s number two after the Raja Ampat Islands in eastern Indonesia.
The study also notes that there is more than 870 species of fish, ranging from Pygmy seahorses are very small to giant manta rays. Very often found in a large group of manta rays, amounting to up to 50 fish may be seen feeding in the waters Derawan. Variety of flora and fauna are also found in this area include: 347 species of reef fish, 222 species of mollusks (including 5 types of clams), 27 species of crustaceans, 183 species of coral; 7 species of seagrass, and various rare biota such as green turtles (Chelonia mydas) , hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), dugong (Dugong dugori), fish belebele / Napoleon (Cheilinus undulatus], shell clams (Tridacna sp.), and crab walnuts (Birgus latrd). Some types of biota that there is significant economic value such as shrimp lobsters, grouper, red fish, kurisi fish, sharks, sea cucumbers, and oysters.
Several clusters of coral, such as Moras, latitude, Malalangun, Gasongan, Baliulin and Masimbung was also present in Derawan Islands. The waters around the reef has underwater ecosystem that is amazing. The beauty of coral reefs, diversity of different types of coral, fish and biota of reefs and white sandy beaches into its own charm of this place. A number of endangered animals in Indonesia now East of snail species found in some of these coral islands. This area is also famous for its habitat for green turtles (Chelonia mydas) are rare and the largest in Indonesia.
Derawan Islands as one of the richest and most unique in the world could be your next destination. Make sure you schedule it on the next holiday.
