Berau's Ecotourism Paradise: A Journey Through Nature and Culture

TheIndonesia.co - In the remote northeastern tip of Borneo Island lies Berau Regency, a hidden jewel of East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Imagine a place where emerald-green tropical forests meet crystal-clear seas, where white-sand beaches stretch untouched for miles, and where marine life thrives in vibrant coral reefs. Berau isn’t just a destination—it’s a model of sustainable travel where nature, culture, and community work in harmony.

According to Antara News Agency, this region, long dependent on mining for its economy, is now embracing a new path: ecotourism. With over 225 diverse attractions—ranging from pristine natural wonders to vibrant cultural sites—Berau is proving that tourism can flourish without compromising the environment.

Berau is not just a place to visit—it’s a place to learn from. It demonstrates how tourism, when done right, can uplift communities, preserve biodiversity, and provide unforgettable experiences for travellers.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes Berau so special, the stunning destinations you can explore like Kakaban, Maratua, and Sangalaki, and how to get there.

Nature's Masterpiece: The Beauty of Berau

Berau is rich in natural beauty. Over 150 of its tourist destinations are rooted in nature—lush rainforests, mysterious caves, and blue lagoons. The landscape is as diverse as it is dramatic, with towering karst formations in Merabu Village that are now being proposed as a national geopark.

Here, nature feels untouched, offering a rare experience for travellers seeking authenticity. Among the standout destinations is Labuan Cermin, a surreal lake known for its "two-flavour" waters—saltwater and freshwater—existing in perfect harmony, layered but unmixed.

Then there's Sigending Mangrove Forest in Teluk Sulaiman, where local conservation groups carefully manage visitor flows to protect biodiversity. Here, travellers navigate mangrove tunnels in wooden boats, often turning off the engine to preserve the tranquility and avoid disturbing rare birds and other wildlife.

But Berau’s crown jewels lie offshore—in the Derawan Archipelago.

The Derawan Islands: Indonesia’s Underwater Treasure

Just off Berau’s coast lies a cluster of islands that rival any in Southeast Asia: the Derawan Islands. This marine paradise includes Kakaban, Maratua, and Sangalaki, each offering a unique, unforgettable experience.

Kakaban Island

Kakaban is perhaps the most famous, thanks to its surreal jellyfish lake. Here, you can swim alongside thousands of stingless jellyfish—a phenomenon found in only a few places in the world. The lake is surrounded by lush forest, accessible by a short trek from the beach. It’s a must-see for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Maratua Island

Maratua offers something for both adventurers and those seeking peace. With its long stretch of white beaches, luxurious eco-resorts, and exceptional diving spots, Maratua is a rising star in sustainable marine tourism. Divers can explore underwater caves, colorful coral reefs, and encounters with turtles and reef sharks.

Sangalaki Island

Sangalaki is a sanctuary for manta rays, drawing divers and snorkellers hoping to witness these gentle giants gliding through the sea. It’s also a turtle conservation area—watching baby turtles being released into the sea at sunset is an unforgettable experience. The island is uninhabited, adding to its untouched appeal.

Together, these islands highlight Berau’s potential as a world-class ecotourism hub. But beyond their beauty lies a deeper story—one of community and conservation.

Sustainable Tourism: A Local Movement

In Berau, sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s a community mission. With mining taking a backseat, the local government, through the Department of Culture and Tourism, is investing heavily in ecotourism as the future engine of the region’s economy.

Samsiah Nawir, Head of Destination Development at the Berau Tourism Office, emphasizes that tourism here is about empowerment. "The multiplier effect of tourism is enormous," she says. "Fishermen are now homestay owners, shopkeepers, and tour operators. Their livelihoods are transforming, all while preserving their environment."

Local groups like Pokdarwis (Tourism Awareness Groups) are playing a pivotal role. In Biduk-Biduk Village, the group actively promotes destinations like Labuan Cermin via social media and online platforms, helping attract visitors from across Indonesia and abroad. They also educate tourists on eco-friendly behavior—such as not stepping on coral or littering in natural sites.

At Sigending Mangrove Forest, the Forlika conservation group limits visitor numbers, coordinates transport to minimize engine noise, and prioritizes animal welfare. Their approach is a model of how community-driven management can protect fragile ecosystems while offering a memorable visitor experience.

Government Collaboration for Eco Progress

Berau's eco-vision is supported by a multi-agency strategy. Agencies like Public Works, Environment, Fisheries, and Trade are working hand-in-hand to improve infrastructure, housing, waste management, and community business support around tourist zones.

Collaborations also extend beyond government. Organizations like Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) assist in shaping policies and site management strategies focused on long-term ecological protection. The aim is clear: growth without degradation.

This coordinated effort ensures that the region's development aligns with the principles of responsible tourism—protecting what makes Berau special in the first place.

How to Get to Berau and the Derawan Islands

Getting to Berau and the Derawan Islands requires a bit of planning, but the journey is well worth it.

Step 1: Fly to Berau

First, fly to Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) in Tanjung Redeb, the capital of Berau Regency. You can reach Kalimarau from major cities in Indonesia:

• From Jakarta: Flights typically transit through Balikpapan or Samarinda.
• From Balikpapan (BPN): Direct flights to Berau are available daily.

Step 2: Travel to the Coast

Once in Tanjung Redeb, you’ll travel overland to the coastal village of Tanjung Batu or Tanjung Redeb Port, depending on which island you’re visiting. The drive takes approximately 2–3 hours.

Step 3: Speedboat to the Islands

From the port, speedboats can take you to:

• Derawan Island: ~30–45 minutes
• Maratua Island: ~1.5–2 hours
• Kakaban & Sangalaki: Usually accessed via island-hopping tours from Derawan or Maratua

Many local tour operators offer full packages including transport, accommodations, and guided activities.

Whether you're snorkelling with jellyfish in Kakaban, watching manta rays in Sangalaki, or simply enjoying a sunset over the turquoise waters of Maratua, your journey supports a larger mission: sustaining one of Indonesia’s most extraordinary regions for generations to come.

So if you’re seeking more than just a vacation—if you're looking for a destination that speaks to both the heart and conscience—Berau awaits.