Berau – East Kalimantan's Gateway to the Derawan Islands
Berau Regency lies in the northern part of East Kalimantan province, along the Celebes Sea. The region is world-famous for the Derawan archipelago, where crystal-clear waters host coral reefs, manta rays and green sea turtles. On the mainland, the Berau River estuary, dense rainforests and traditional Bulungan, Dayak and Malay communities give the region its cultural fabric. Berau balances coastal marine tourism with the ecotourism of interior Borneo.
Where is Berau?
Berau occupies the northern tip of East Kalimantan province, roughly 500 km north of Balikpapan. The regency capital is Tanjung Redeb, sitting at the mouth of the Berau River. Kalimarau Airport connects the regency with daily flights from Balikpapan and Jakarta. The Derawan Islands are reached by boat from Tanjung Batu in about 2 hours.
What to See?
1. Derawan Island
Derawan is the iconic diving and snorkelling paradise of the region. White-sand beaches, over-water bungalows and crystal-clear water define the experience – green sea turtles are frequently seen directly from the pier.
2. Kakaban Island and its Jellyfish Lake
Kakaban Island hides a lake inhabited by four unique species of non-stinging jellyfish. Only a handful of such lakes exist worldwide; visitors can swim freely among the jellyfish.
3. Sangalaki Island – Manta Rays
Sangalaki is one of Southeast Asia's most important manta ray dive sites. For much of the year dozens of mantas can be seen on a single dive in the plankton-rich waters surrounding the island.
4. Maratua Atoll
Maratua is the most remote island in the group, with a growing number of luxury resorts and dive lodges. Its cave system and mangrove lagoon offer rare experiences.
5. Labuan Cermin Lake
Located in the Biduk-Biduk district, Labuan Cermin is a rare two-layer lake – freshwater on top, saltwater below, with a mirror-clear surface. It's an excellent spot for day trips and swimming.
Culture and Food
Berau's cultural roots trace back to the Bulungan Sultanate, with traditional Dayak carving and a mix of Bulungan and Banjar Malay communities. Local cuisine is dominated by seafood – sambal gami spicy fish, nasi kuning berasan and fresh crab dishes are regional favourites. Markets also showcase palm oil, forest produce and handicrafts.
Real Estate Market and Investment
Berau's property market splits into two segments: mainland urban property in Tanjung Redeb and island tourism investment in the Derawan group. Tanjung Redeb family homes and apartments see stable local demand from mining and oil industry employees. Tourism properties on Derawan and Maratua – bungalows, small guesthouses, dive lodges – are increasingly attractive to foreign investors, although island development is constrained by strict environmental regulations. Rental yields in the tourism segment range from 6–10%.
Practical Tips
The best time to visit the Derawan Islands is June to October, when seas are calmest and underwater visibility peaks. Book fast-boat crossings from Tanjung Batu in advance during high season. Power on the islands is generator-based, and reliable internet is limited to the larger resorts. Currency exchange and ATMs are concentrated in Tanjung Redeb, so bring cash when heading to the islands.
