Derawan Spirit | Camera Sony alpha NEX-7

Traveljunkieindonesia.com – I have some very exciting news to share!

I have been invited to attend Discover Derawan islands in early March, in a trip sponsored by wisatakita.com. And I’m SO GOING!

We took a 6 day trip to Derawan Islands last week, and it was AMAZING.

You know when you read about the ‘wonderful Indonesia’ of the Derawan Islands and you think it is just marketing bull? Skiathos proves you wrong.

home to manta rays | Camera Sony alpha NEX-7

Anchored in the Sangalaki Archipelago, a marine reserve off Tanjung Batu, Derawan is a beautiful tear-shaped speck of land with a village around the fringe, spotless whitesand beaches, coconut plantations in the centre and a good supply of fresh water.

Schools of tongkol (tuna fish) surround the island and cause feeding frenzies near the surface where birds dive for spoils. Rare green turtles lay eggs on the beach.

The area has some of the best snorkelling and diving in Indonesia and addicts happily pay the expensive transport out here for several days of bliss. There are no cars and just a couple of motorcycles.

Other islands in the group with accommodation include Nabucco and Sangalaki, which is home to manta rays and green turtles. Nearby are the islands of Karaban, which has an ecologically intriguing lake in its centre, caves with swallows’ nests and a population of huge coconut crabs; and Maratua, which has a population of 2100 in four villages, set around a lagoon. Like I said. Rock you like a travel junkie. WONDERFUL.

derawan village | Camera Sony alpha NEX-7

sang galau island | Camera Sony alpha NEX-7

Ridwan Doank, Ringga Prayudha, and I. We actually went with a group of friends – there were 40 of us, including kids – and we spent a lot of time hanging out, cycling, snorkling with mantas and turtles, meditation, skinny dipping, and having a bottle of beer on the beach.

I just love warm, summer nights. With friends. And food.

We had such a lovely time!

Happy Sustainable Travels!