Derawan Islands 5D4N Small-Group Tour: Whale Sharks, Labuan Cermin & Kaniungan
- Duration
- 5D4N
- Departs from
- Berau
About this tour
Experience some of East Kalimantan's most spectacular islands and marine landscapes on this 5-day, 4-night Derawan Islands small-group tour, combining island hopping, snorkeling, wildlife encounters and a one-night stay on Kaniungan Island.
Starting in Berau, you'll travel to Derawan Island, your main base for exploring the archipelago. Over five days, the itinerary takes you through Derawan, Maratua, Kakaban, Sangalaki, Talisayan, Manimbora, Labuan Cermin Lake and Kaniungan Besar Island.
One of the trip's biggest highlights is an early-morning journey to the whale shark area near Talisayan, where you'll have the opportunity to snorkel in waters visited by these gentle giants. Whale sharks are wild animals, so sightings naturally depend on sea conditions and wildlife activity on the day.
From Talisayan, continue to Manimbora Island, a tiny tropical island often nicknamed SpongeBob Island, before heading to the extraordinarily clear waters of Labuan Cermin Lake.
You'll then spend one night on Kaniungan Besar Island, a peaceful tropical escape where you can slow down, snorkel near the jetty and watch the sun set over the coast.
Another full day is dedicated to the icons of the Derawan Archipelago: Maratua, Kakaban and Sangalaki.
Visit Maratua Paradise and Halo Tabung Cave, explore Kehe Daeng's hidden lagoon, swim in the unique environment of Kakaban Lake and snorkel around the Kakaban area before continuing to Sangalaki Island, known for manta rays and sea turtle conservation.
The tour is designed for travelers who want to experience more than just Derawan Island without having to arrange multiple boats, transfers and accommodations independently.
Your package includes transfers from Berau, speedboat transportation throughout the tour, accommodation on Derawan and Kaniungan, meals, snorkeling equipment, entrance fees, a local guide and trip photography.
Why Choose This Derawan Islands Tour?
Experience Derawan and Kaniungan in One Trip
Explore the classic Derawan Archipelago highlights while also traveling farther south to Labuan Cermin and Kaniungan.
Opportunity to Snorkel with Whale Sharks
Travel to the Talisayan area at sunrise for the chance to encounter whale sharks in their natural environment.
Visit Kakaban, Maratua and Sangalaki
Three of the Derawan Archipelago's signature islands are included in a single itinerary.
Stay on Two Different Islands
Spend three nights in a Derawan water villa and one night in a beach villa on Kaniungan Island.
Travel Photography Included
Capture your journey above and below the water with drone, mirrorless-camera and GoPro documentation where local conditions and regulations allow.
Highlights
Price per person
| Group size | Price / person | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2–2 pax | Rp 12.500.000/person | Private Tour: Derawan, Labuan Cermin, & Kaniungan (5 Days, 4 Nights) – Departure from Berau (2 Pax) |
| 3–3 pax | Rp 9.500.000/person | Private Tour: Derawan, Labuan Cermin, & Kaniungan (5 Days, 4 Nights) – Departure from Berau (3 Pax) |
| 4–4 pax | Rp 9.000.000/person | Private Tour: Derawan, Labuan Cermin, & Kaniungan (5 Days, 4 Nights) – Departure from Berau (4 Pax) |
| 5–5 pax | Rp 8.600.000/person | Private Tour: Derawan, Labuan Cermin, & Kaniungan (5 Days, 4 Nights) – Departure from Berau (5 Pax) |
| 6–6 pax | Rp 7.600.000/person | Private Tour: Derawan, Labuan Cermin, & Kaniungan (5 Days, 4 Nights) – Departure from Berau (6 Pax) |
| 7–7 pax | Rp 6.800.000/person | Private Tour: Derawan, Labuan Cermin, & Kaniungan (5 Days, 4 Nights) – Departure from Berau (7 Pax) |
| 8–8 pax | Rp 8.300.000/person | Private Tour: Derawan, Labuan Cermin, & Kaniungan (5 Days, 4 Nights) – Departure from Berau (8 Pax) |
| 9–9 pax | Rp 8.150.000/person | Private Tour: Derawan, Labuan Cermin, & Kaniungan (5 Days, 4 Nights) – Departure from Berau (9 Pax) |
| 10–10 pax | Rp 7.800.000/person | Private Tour: Derawan, Labuan Cermin, & Kaniungan (5 Days, 4 Nights) – Departure from Berau (10 Pax) |
| 11–11 pax | Rp 7.400.000/person | Private Tour: Derawan, Labuan Cermin, & Kaniungan (5 Days, 4 Nights) – Departure from Berau (11 Pax) |
| 12–12 pax | Rp 7.150.000/person | Private Tour: Derawan, Labuan Cermin, & Kaniungan (5 Days, 4 Nights) – Departure from Berau (12 Pax) |
| 13–13 pax | Rp 6.950.000/person | Private Tour: Derawan, Labuan Cermin, & Kaniungan (5 Days, 4 Nights) – Departure from Berau (13 Pax) |
| 14–14 pax | Rp 6.800.000/person | Private Tour: Derawan, Labuan Cermin, & Kaniungan (5 Days, 4 Nights) – Departure from Berau (14 Pax) |
| 15–15 pax | Rp 6.550.000/person | Private Tour: Derawan, Labuan Cermin, & Kaniungan (5 Days, 4 Nights) – Departure from Berau (15 Pax) |
Itinerary
-
Day 1
Today's highlight: Arrival in Berau, transfer to Derawan and your first island sunset.
10:00–11:00
Pick-up from Kalimarau Airport or your hotel in Berau.
11:00–12:00
Preparation and transfer toward Tanjung Batu Harbour.
12:00–15:00
Overland journey to Tanjung Batu Harbour.
15:30–16:00
Speedboat transfer to Derawan Island.
16:00–19:00
Check in, settle into your accommodation and enjoy sunset on Derawan.
19:00–22:00
Dinner, trip briefing and free time.
-
Day 2
Today's highlight: A sunrise whale shark excursion, SpongeBob Island, crystal-clear Labuan Cermin and sunset on Kaniungan.
04:00–04:30
Breakfast and preparation for the whale shark excursion.
04:30–06:00
Travel toward the Talisayan whale shark area.
06:00–07:30
Whale shark snorkeling experience, subject to wildlife, weather and sea conditions.
07:30–08:30
Continue to Manimbora Island.
08:30–09:30
Explore and photograph Manimbora, also known as SpongeBob Island.
09:30–10:30
Travel to Labuan Cermin Lake.
10:30–11:30
Arrive at Labuan Cermin and enjoy a packed lunch.
11:30–13:00
Swim and snorkel in Labuan Cermin.
13:00–13:30
Prepare for the journey to Kaniungan Besar Island.
13:30–14:30
Boat transfer to Kaniungan.
14:30–18:00
Check in, relax and enjoy sunset.
18:00–20:00
Dinner, briefing and free time.
-
Day 3
Today's highlight: A relaxed morning on Kaniungan before returning to Derawan.
05:00–06:00
Optional sunrise photography.
06:00–07:00
Breakfast.
07:00–09:00
Snorkel near the resort or jetty.
09:00–10:00
Freshen up and prepare for check-out.
10:00–14:00
Check out and travel back to Derawan Island.
14:00–14:30
Arrive in Derawan and have lunch around Gusung Sanggalau.
15:30–18:00
Free time to relax on Derawan.
18:00–20:00
Dinner and overnight stay.
-
Day 4
Today's highlight: Maratua, Halo Tabung Cave, Kakaban's unique lake, manta-searching around Sangalaki and sea turtle conservation.
07:00–08:00
Breakfast and island-hopping preparation.
08:00–09:00
Speedboat to Maratua Paradise.
09:00–10:00
Explore and take photos around Maratua Paradise.
10:00–10:15
Continue to Halo Tabung Cave.
10:15–11:00
Explore Halo Tabung and enjoy activities permitted under current site conditions.
11:00–11:30
Continue to Kehe Daeng.
11:30–12:15
Explore Kehe Daeng's hidden lagoon.
12:15–12:30
Travel to Kakaban Lake.
12:30–13:30
Visit Kakaban Lake and have lunch.
13:30–14:00
Snorkeling around the Kakaban drop-off area.
14:00–14:30
Travel toward Manta Point near Sangalaki Island.
14:30–15:00
Look for manta rays, subject to wildlife and sea conditions.
15:00–15:15
Continue to Sangalaki's sea turtle conservation area.
15:15–16:00
Visit the conservation site.
16:00–16:30
Travel to Gusung Sanggalau.
16:30–17:15
Explore the sandbar and take photos.
17:15–19:00
Return to your accommodation and freshen up.
19:00–21:00
Dinner and transfer/copy of trip documentation.
-
Day 5
Today's highlight: Your final morning in Derawan before returning to Berau.
07:00–08:00
Breakfast.
09:00–10:00
Pack and check out.
10:00–10:30
Speedboat transfer to Tanjung Batu Harbour.
10:30–13:30
Overland transfer to Kalimarau Airport in Berau.
13:30–14:00
End of the tour.
Included
- Round-trip private vehicle transfer between Berau/Kalimarau Airport and Tanjung Batu Harbour
- Speedboat transportation throughout the tour
- 3 nights in an air-conditioned water villa on Derawan Island
- 1 night in an air-conditioned beach villa on Kaniungan Island
- Entrance fees for attractions included in the itinerary
- Jasa Raharja passenger insurance
- 11 meals
- Drinking water
- Life jacket
- Local tour guide
- Premium trip documentation using drone, mirrorless camera and GoPro where conditions and regulations allow
- Snorkeling equipment including mask, snorkel and fins
Not included
- Flights or transportation from your home city to the meeting point
- Personal expenses
- Personal medication
- Optional gratuities
- Additional activities outside the itinerary
- Any services not specifically listed under “What's Included”
Destinations visited
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Derawan Islands whale shark and Labuan Cermin tour?
The tour lasts 5 days and 4 nights, including three nights on Derawan Island and one night on Kaniungan Island.
Where does the Derawan tour start?
The tour begins in Berau, East Kalimantan. Pick-up is available from Kalimarau Airport or a designated hotel in Berau before the group travels to Tanjung Batu Harbour and continues to Derawan by speedboat.
Which islands and destinations are included?
The itinerary includes Derawan Island, Maratua, Kakaban, Sangalaki, Talisayan, Manimbora Island, Labuan Cermin Lake, Gusung Sanggalau and Kaniungan Besar Island.
Are whale shark sightings guaranteed in Talisayan?
No. Whale sharks are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed. Weather, sea conditions and the animals' natural movements all affect whether an encounter is possible on the day.
Will we definitely see manta rays at Sangalaki?
Manta ray encounters are also not guaranteed. Your guide will visit the appropriate area when conditions are suitable, but sightings depend entirely on natural wildlife activity.
Is snorkeling equipment included in the tour?
Yes. Mask, snorkel and fins are included, along with a life jacket for water-based activities.
Can I join if I'm not a strong swimmer?
Yes, many activities can still be enjoyed with a life jacket and assistance from the guide. Please tell the guide before entering the water if you are not confident swimming or have any relevant medical or mobility concerns.
What accommodation is included?
The package includes three nights in an air-conditioned water villa on Derawan Island and one night in an air-conditioned beach villa on Kaniungan Island, subject to availability for your departure date.
Are flights to Berau included?
No. Flights and transportation from your departure city to Kalimarau Airport in Berau are not included. The package begins with pick-up in Berau.