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Logistics · Destination Guide

Derawan Islands

Mantas, turtles, and a stingless jellyfish lake in a remote Coral Triangle corner of Borneo

Updated Dec 13, 2025 • 12 sources

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Logistics

Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.

Quick Facts

  • Primary airport: Kalimarau Airport (BEJ)
  • Typical transfer: 110 km drive + speedboat transfer
  • Entry requirement: Indonesia entry rules depend on nationality.
  • Getting around: On the islands: movement is mostly by boat.

Getting There

Most visitors route through Berau Regency in East Kalimantan.

  1. Fly to Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) near Tanjung Redeb (Berau). Many itineraries connect via Balikpapan (BPN) or other Indonesian hubs.
  2. Drive to Tanjung Batu jetty, the common speedboat departure point.
  3. Speedboat into the islands: Derawan is typically the shortest crossing, with longer rides to Maratua, Sangalaki, and Kakaban depending on where you stay.

Some packages also route via Tarakan (TRK) as an alternate gateway, but BEJ is the most direct for Berau-based transfers.

Airports

1

Kalimarau Airport

BEJ • WAQT

110 km • 110 km drive + speedboat transfer

The closest commercial airport for reaching the Derawan Islands via Berau (Tanjung Redeb).

Transport: Pre-booked car and driver, Resort package transfers, Taxi to Tanjung Redeb + onward car

2

Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport

BPN • WALL

560 km • Domestic connection to BEJ + onward transfers

A major hub for East Kalimantan used for connections to Berau (BEJ).

Transport: Connect to BEJ flights, Overnight in Balikpapan if flight times do not line up

Getting Around

  • On the islands: movement is mostly by boat. Resorts and dive centers arrange daily dive boats and island-hopping speedboats.
  • Derawan Island: small enough to walk, with simple local transport options.
  • Maratua: larger and more spread out; some accommodations arrange scooters or shuttles, but do not assume rideshare.
  • Mainland (Berau): transfers between BEJ, Tanjung Redeb, and Tanjung Batu are typically by private car/van arranged by your operator.

Entry Requirements

Indonesia entry rules depend on nationality. Many travelers use a Visa on Arrival (VoA) or electronic VoA (e-VoA) for tourism, typically valid for 30 days and extendable once for another 30 days. The official Indonesian immigration eVisa portal provides eligibility, requirements, and fees, and notes that arrival card submission is required.

Because immigration policy can change, confirm requirements shortly before travel, including passport validity rules, onward travel expectations, and any health or customs declarations for your route.

Gear Logistics Checklist

  • Pack for salt spray: use dry bags for electronics on speedboats.
  • Bring spares: remote logistics make it hard to replace mask straps, fin straps, and camera chargers.
  • Current kit: an SMB is strongly recommended, and a reef hook can be useful on some sites.
  • Thermal comfort: most divers are comfortable in a 3mm suit or rashguard; bring a thin layer for long boat days.

Practicalities

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Cash is widely used in Berau and on the islands. Resorts may accept cards, but do not rely on it for transfers, small shops, or local entrance fees. Carry small bills for boats, snacks, and tips.

ATMs are most reliable in Tanjung Redeb (Berau) and around main transport hubs. Do not assume there will be a working ATM on your island. Withdraw in town before heading to Tanjung Batu jetty and keep a cash buffer for weather delays.

Electricity

230V • 50Hz • C, F

Indonesia generally uses European-style plugs. Bring a universal adapter and a surge-protected power strip if you travel with cameras.

Communications

Cell coverage is best in Berau mainland areas and can be limited or inconsistent on smaller islands. Telkomsel is often the most reliable network in remote parts of Indonesia. Buy a local SIM or eSIM before leaving a major city and download offline maps for transfer days.

Language

Bahasa Indonesia is the national language. Resort staff and dive professionals often speak practical English, but learning basics (terima kasih, permisi, tolong) helps in villages and ports.

Insurance

Carry dive accident insurance (DAN or equivalent) and general travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. The region is remote and recompression may require transport to larger cities. Confirm that your policy covers speedboat transfers and any higher-risk activities you plan.

Packing list

Packing priorities for Derawan:

  • 3mm suit or rashguard, plus a light wind layer for boat rides
  • SMB and spool, and consider a reef hook for current sites
  • Dry bags, extra camera batteries, and spare small parts (o-rings, straps)
  • Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, and long sleeves for sun protection
  • Insect repellent for dusk and village evenings