I understand that information regarding on 'how to get to derawan is very limited'. Well that is the challenge and part and parcel of traveling I guess. However, I hope this post is able to help those who are planning this off the beat road destination. What I love about derawan is the people you met there (of course also the villages). But not forgetting a whole bunch of stuff in between like excellent and new perspective to diving, the view you get here off your losmen and opportunity to be up close with the turtles laying eggs as well as the baby turtles releasing process!
But I must emphasize that although all this experience is amazing we need to be cautious to our environmental contributions too. The island already has tons of trash, so it will be wise that you reduce the rubbish you produce by as much as possible throwing them when you get off the island and do not throw cigarette butts anywhere. Like how jp did, he place them in the cigarette box and had them disposed properly. More than this, I think the turtle watching could be more subtle, which means if you're watching them and you need to snap a photo do not use flash nor do you touch them as turtles are very sensitive creature. Have a dslr or simply wait for the rangers to shine some light. The easiest way to work around how you act towards this event is.. Well just imagine you're them and would you like flashes around you when you're in labor? Hopefully this situation is better dealt with.
lastly, talking to lots of people on the island helps too. Thats how I saved 200,000 from taking a boat straight to tarakan from derawan(though we could have gotten a 200,000 ride from ichi but we needed to leave as money was running out.. And neither are we keen on having a tight schedule) Incredibly paid only 3.70sgd per night for accommodation. Able to see turtles processes by meeting udin, dive with the best crew and relatively cheap(boat chartering is expensive here) and well lots of advantages too. No harm being friendly really, plus they are the only people you have.
here's the instructions and my route to derawan.
Kota kinabalu to tawau via inanan terminal(really just ask around for this, i took a bus near shangrila hotel)
upon reaching tawau walk to the ferry terminal, a distance but manageable. Ferry leaves at 11 am when we bought it but never trust its time. It left at 1230.
takes about 3-4 hours to reach, I stayed in tarakan for a night as our plans weren't solidified yet. Partly because we have procrastinated the process of finding 'how to get to derawan' from tawau. (we had some ideas and tips from the hostel in tawau but here you really need contact)
so we met waheb, most randomly, he's a tour guide and very helpful in giving you options but at times he tries to scare you so you would take on his offer(his offer at that time was 700,000 for a straight, hassle-free 3 hour journey to derawan) but, hey I did it without and so can you. But, its wiser to have him(and someone like that) as he is able to connect you all the way.
Take a speedboat to tanjung selor costs 100,000 after so tons of people will rush to you ad you exit, if you're able to find one that caters to berau for lesser than 90,000 its a good deal just take it. And though you have to wait for the car to be full it wouldn't take long as other locals will be onboard with you as well.
so the journey to berau is a good.. 2-3 hours? Duration shouldn't really matter here as you will definitely take a whole day to get to derawan. And if you're very tight on schedule I suggest you visit derawan another day. Many of these transport mentioned is subjected to availability and how determine you are
alright, next you need to catch another car from berau to tanjung batu costs 70,000 each having such we also visits the navy house just for a short drink. The driver should eventually drive you to a speedboat terminal. Here you do not buy tickets. I paid 70,000 a person to get to derawan. Always negotiate before agreeing. It was always helpful to have a note pad! And if your ultimate destination is kakaban island(sting-less jellyfish, though it really means it stings lesser than usual jelly fishes) go diving with ocean divers you can easily find them when you walk through the village. Chartering In derawan its not too worth unless you meet someone who could give you a 'friend' price.
I hope this helps!:)
happy travel!
