Derawan Islands, Archipelago in East Kalimantan, Indonesia
The Derawan Islands form a group of 31 islands scattered across the Sulawesi Sea, each surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and ringed with white sand. The archipelago supports diverse marine environments from shallow lagoons to deeper ocean zones.
Fishing communities settled these islands centuries ago and refined their methods to work sustainably with the sea's resources. These settlements grew from deep knowledge of ocean patterns and marine life accumulated over many generations.
Communities across the islands have built their lives around fishing and the sea, maintaining boat-building traditions and daily rituals tied to tides and seasons. Visitors can observe these practices firsthand as locals welcome them into their fishing routines and settlements.
You can reach the islands by air or boat from the mainland, with lodging options ranging from simple guesthouses to comfortable resorts. Plan your visit during the dry season when weather is more stable and water conditions are calmer.
Kakaban Island is home to a freshwater lake containing millions of harmless jellyfish that visitors can swim among safely. This rare ecosystem developed when the jellyfish population became isolated from the open ocean and evolved differently over time.
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