2026 Berau Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

Derawan Island. There are certain places where the moment you arrive, you just want time to slow down ✨ And 📍 Derawan Island is definitely one of them. Traveling to Derawan feels like a little escape from the hustle and bustle of the world 😌 The seawater is crystal clear, the sky feels endless, and the tranquil island vibes make everything move at a much slower pace. Sometimes, the best things about Derawan are the simplest ones 🌊 Taking a relaxing stroll along the shore, sitting back to the sound of crashing waves, watching the sun slowly dip below the horizon, and soaking in the cool ocean breeze at night. The sea surrounding Derawan is absolutely breathtaking ✨ The shades of blue shift at every corner, and even just looking out from the pier feels like staring at a live wallpaper. But what really makes you want to stay is the warm atmosphere of the island. No rushing, no massive crowds—everything just feels way more laid-back compared to most other destinations. Nights in Derawan have this indescribable vibe, too 🌌 The string lights glowing around the guesthouses, the endless sound of the ocean, and the night sky over the island make everything feel incredibly peaceful. This trip made me realize that sometimes, the ultimate getaway isn't about a jam-packed itinerary or hitting up as many spots as possible, but rather finding that one place where your mind can truly rest ✨ Sometimes, what's most memorable is a place that makes us want to extend our stay far beyond our original plan.

Get ready to have your mind blown at Labuan Cermin Lake in Biduk-Biduk, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia! This epic spot, also known as Danau Dua Rasa (“Two-Flavors Lake”), is honestly next-level when it comes to natural beauty. Imagine this: water so insanely clear, it looks like you’re floating on glass! 🤯 What makes Labuan Cermin totally unique is the wild dual-layer setup. The top layer is super-fresh water (feels sooo refreshing when you dip in!), while the bottom is salty sea water. It’s like swimming in two worlds at once—and the mirror-like surface makes every photo look straight-up magical. 📸🌈 Labuan Cermin Lake is open year-round, and the best way to visit is via boat from the tiny Biduk-Biduk village (just ask any local for “Danau Dua Rasa” and they’ll know!). Don’t forget your goggles—the snorkeling here is unreal! Because of that water clarity, you can spot fish and plants chilling in both layers. Insane, right? If you’re planning an adventure out here, aim to arrive before 3PM for the brightest, craziest reflection shots (golden hour hits different!). There’s a simple floating pier where you can chill, swim, and snap pics. Address: Labuan Cermin Lake, Biduk-Biduk, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia Getting there: From Berau city, you can hop on a 7-8 hour drive to Biduk-Biduk, then hire a local boat to the lake (they’re easy to find near the main dock). Opening hours: Usually 07:00–17:00 daily (always check locally as they can shift a bit). Tip: Bring snacks, water, and your own towels since the area’s super natural—no fancy cafes or shops here. Most importantly, don’t forget your phone for epic Insta stories! #TravelGoals Wanna see a lake that’s truly got *vibes*? Labuan Cermin is the one. Add it to your Trip.com wish list ASAP! #indonisea #Labuancermin #travel2026 #celebrating #naturalwonders

If you stay on Derawan Island, you can not only take day trips to other islands but also explore Derawan Island all day on foot, as the island is not very large. 🏝️ Want to know where to go? 📸 1. Take a Photo at the Derawan Sign At the welcome gate, there's an iconic beach area with the word "Derawan" written on it, with the logos of stingrays, turtles, and dolphins. 🍩 2. Banana Boat / Donut Boat Ride Near the "Derawan" sign, many men are on standby from morning to evening, bringing their banana boats or donut boats, which can accommodate up to five people and cost only 200,000 Rupiah per ride. 🌅 3. Enjoy the Sunset You can enjoy the sunset at Patricia Beach, the northern part of Derawan Island. It's very quiet here, and the water is shallow, so everyone can dive into the crystal clear sea. 🐟 4. Eat Seafood In the marine tourism village of Derawan Island, there are many food stalls/restaurants selling delicious and fresh seafood such as fish, shrimp, and squid. 🏝️ 5. Staycation at a Floating Hotel A staycation at a Floating Hotel is a must, with prices starting from IDR 680,000/night, and you can stay in a hotel as cool as this. Follow @ikahuang for more Travel Content! #exploreindonesia #indonesia #beautifulindonesia #berau #derawan

On your Derawan Island vacation, don't just stay on one island! Take a speedboat for about 30 minutes to an hour and you can island hop to these amazing spots: 🏝️ 1. Maratua Island · Snorkeling/diving in crystal-clear waters at Maratua Dive Resort · Cliff jumping and diving in the crystal-clear waters of Halo Tabung Cave 🪼 2. Kakaban Island · Swim with stingless jellyfish in Kakaban Lake · Canoeing and snorkeling in the turquoise waters of Kehe Daing Lagoon 🏖️ 3. Sanggalau Sand Dunes · A stretch of white sand that appears in the middle of the sea at low tide 🐠 4. Sanggalaki Island · See the hatching grounds of baby turtles and, if you're lucky, spot giant manta rays at Manta Point ✨ If the weather is good, you can visit four destinations in one day. Island hopping is a must when you visit Derawan! Follow @ikahuang for more travel content! #exploreindonesia #indonesia #beautifulindonesia #berau #derawan

Talisayan, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan. My trip to 📍 Talisayan goes down as one of the most memorable experiences of my entire East Kalimantan adventure ✨ This destination isn't just about the beautiful ocean; it's about unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The absolute highlight was finally getting to see a 🐋 whale shark up close in its natural habitat. Watching such a massive creature swimming slowly right next to our boat was purely awe-inspiring. The vibe was incredibly peaceful, yet completely surreal to witness firsthand. The trip continued to 📍 Pempak Hot Springs ♨️ After a long day of exploring, dipping my feet into the natural hot springs surrounded by untouched nature was the ultimate way to recharge. But the spot that blew my mind the most on this trip was 📍 Tulung Ni Lenggo 🌿 This pristine oasis, with its crystal-clear water and tranquil atmosphere, makes you never want to leave. The nature here feels so incredibly pure and serene. This getaway made me realize just how many hidden paradises Berau and its surrounding areas hold that remain under the radar. From the sea to the wilderness, right down to the unique adventures, everything about this place is special in its own way. Sometimes, the best holiday photos aren't just about the destinations you check off a list, but the new experiences you finally get to live out yourself ✨

Address: Berau, East Kalimantan Highlights: Diving and water rides Rating: 5 Staying on the sea is like being in the Maldives, with friendly locals as long as you dress modestly.

📅 Itinerary Day1 18/7/2025 jumaat ✈️pen-kl 6-7am rm49 ✈️kl-tawau 10am-1255 rm176 🛖check in Check Inn Hotel Tawau rm169.64/3= rm56.54 by agoda 🍱 Resepi Kampung Taste Singgang 🍱 Pasar Malam Chester ( CHESTER NIGHT MARKET) ☕️Dojo Nanyang kopi house- kopi dia sedap Day2 19/7/2025 🛳️11am-1545pm tawau-tarakan ( hari sabtu/selasa dan khamis sahaja) rm465 return, luggage 10kg( extra 1kg rm1.60)- perjalanan 4jam 45min book di redbus. Hari Ahad tiada feri beroperasi. Tiket kena beli return ya sbb imegresan mahu bukti kita akan balik. 🚧satu lagi option untuk ke derawan boleh naik flight dari jakarta ataupun balik papan ke bandar udara kalimarau airport or then ke tanjung batu dlm 2jam atau ke Juwata Airport tarakan dan naik speed boat ke derawan. Costing kesini agak mahal dengan cara ini, bebanding dari tawau. 🎱imegresan sini tanya mcm2 ya get ready dgn jawapan hehe 🛖check in Dynasty Hotel with breakfast rm99.82/2= rm49.91 by trip 🍱 Warung ikan bakar sulawesi selatan"RAMLI"- ketam dia murah sgt 3ekoq 30k( rm8) Day3 20/7/2025 DERAWAN 🚘 Jemput Hotel menuju pelabuhan Tengkayu 1 Tarakan 🛳️Perjalanan ke pulau Derawan 3jam 20min 🛖 Check in, menikmati keindahan sekitar penginapan dan istirahat 🗿Jalan Jalan sekitar Pulau Derawan ( Ikon Pinus beach) 🍛dinner Day4 21/7/2025 MARATUA – KAKABAN – GOA HALO TABUNG 🥞 Sarapan di Penginapan 🌳Kehe Daeng- tempat nie sgt la virgin, coral dan ikan nemo boleh tengok sambil berjalan atas air, xperlu snorkeling pun. Kawasan paya bakau tapi tanahnya pasir dan air cystal clear agak pelik. 🌴danau Ubur Ubur dan Snorkling- obor2 air tawar yg wujud salah satu didunia 🍚lunch di Pulau kakaban 🪨Goa Halo Tabung ( Goa Aji Mangku )- 18meter kedalaman- tersangat la cantik biasan air biru dia. 🚤Pulau Maratua- air biru sgt la cantek, resort disini dimiliki oleh org malaysia 🚤Sangalaki -melihat anak penyu- rezeki kami dapat tgk penyu menetas dari pasir terkambus. 🚤back to Derawan 🌅Sunset di penginapan 🍱dinner Day5 22/7/2025 DERAWAN –MANIMBORA – LABUAN CERMIN 🏝️Pulau Manimbora- pulau kecil ja sini 🏖️Labuan Cermin- terjumpa buaya takuttt 3jam nak sampai sini dari derawan- kedalaman 3meter 🚤check in di Talisayan 🌅 Sunset di Penginapan 🥘dinner Day6 23/7/2025 DERAWAN DAN SEKITARNYA 🐳Snorkling bersama whale shark- ada 7 ekor waktu kami p. Nelayan akan bagi mkn ikan kecil then whale shark akan berebut untuk mkn. Katanya ada 100lebih ekor whale shark disini. 🍱lunch 🐢Snorkling spot penyu – Mankalasa Coral – Gusung Derawan 🐠Sand bank 🛖pusing kampung derawan 🥘dinner Day7 24/7/2025 DERAWAN – TARAKAN 🥪Breakfast 🚤Menuju Tarakan dan antar ke Hotel 🛖check in Grand Taufiq Hotel rm75.03/2= rm37.51 by trip 🍱 Warung ikan bakar sulawesi selatan"RAMLI" 💣 tarakan mall- sedih sgt mall dia hehe ☕️ BOTHLAIM SPACE TRK Day8 25/7/2025 jumaat 🛳️tarakan➡️tawau 1120am-1530 , luggage 10kg( extra 1kg 6k) - feri hanya hari jumaat/isnin dan rabu sahaja. 🚧tawau signboard 🐟shopping ikan bilis 🛖check in Shervinton Exec

Derawan Island is a tropical paradise where you can enjoy the crystal sea meets blue sky, beautiful sunrise/sunset and soft white sand beach. Located in the heart of East Kalimantan, Indonesia, this archipelago is home to an incredible array of marine life, including giant turtles, dolphins, manta rays, dugongs, and barracudas. Not just stunning scenery, this island also offers snorkeling and diving opportunities you won’t want to miss. #indonesiatrip

Hands down, my favorite spot for snorkeling in Indonesia. The most unforgettable part? Swimming with stingless jellyfish — yep, totally real and totally magical (though the area is now closed for conservation — and we love that 💙). Also got to snorkel with sea turtles, which felt like a real-life ocean fairytale! Beyond the water? 📸 Picture-perfect beaches 🧘♀️ Chill yoga sessions by the shore ☀️ Sunbathing with jaw-dropping views all around How to get there: ✈️ Fly from Jakarta to Tarakan 🚤 Then take a 5-hour boat ride to Derawan It’s a bit of a journey, but so worth it — trust me! Best time to go snorkeling? April–June or October–November for that clear, calm water vibe. Derawan is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on every ocean lover’s bucket list! 🌴✨ #postandearn #derawan #snorkling ##indonesiahiddengem #jellyfish #jellyfishlake #traveltips #islandhoping #stinglessjellyfish #indonesia #beach

nice hotel at Berau

Went on a work mission to Berau District in East Kalimantan Village, had to do overnight stop in a very small fishing village in the area of Talisayan, nothing to do (well I thought so at first), until what you saw on the cover. We went to experience and enjoy the sea, chasing totally beautiful sunrise, and in the 10mins that we stopped to take pictures, the magnificent whaleshark came towards our boat. Everybody was astonished, but to me, I felt that Whaley wants to play, so I asked the boatman if I could swim quickly with the whalesharks, and he nodded, next seconds, I was there, having the most amazing and enjoying the miracle in my life! #whaleshark #miracle #sea #whalesharks #eastkalimantan