Derawan Islands Sailing Guide

Derawan Islands Sailing Guide. The Derawan Islands lie off the northeast Kalimantan coast in shallow reef‑dominated waters. The group includes Derawan, Maratua, Kakaban, and Sangalaki, with extensive fringing reefs, narrow passes, and variable depths. Navigation requires precise reef reading and reliance on satellite imagery.

There is no marina infrastructure. Anchorages are limited to sand patches inside or outside reef systems depending on island and weather. Services are minimal, and all logistics must be planned in advance.

Derawan Islands Sailing Guide - Approaches

Approaches to the Derawan group are reef‑affected with extensive shallow banks. Depths outside the reef systems range 20–40 m, rising abruptly to 2–6 m near the fringing reefs. The main hazards are unmarked coral heads, narrow passes, and strong tidal flow in reef gaps. Maratua Atoll has a single navigable pass with depths 6–12 m, but tidal streams can exceed 3 knots during springs. Sea state outside the islands is generally moderate, with short chop during strong easterlies. Inside reef systems, conditions are calm but constrained by depth and coral.

Derawan Islands Sailing Guide - Navigation

Electronic charts show significant offsets around Derawan, Maratua, Kakaban, and Sangalaki. Reef edges must be confirmed visually or via satellite imagery. Coral heads rise abruptly from 10–20 m to less than 1 m. Water clarity is generally good, but afternoon glare reduces visibility. Fishing platforms and unlit small craft are common. Night navigation is unsuitable. The Maratua pass requires timing with slack water due to strong tidal flow and turbulence. Depths inside lagoons vary 3–12 m depending on location.

Chart Accuracy and Source Disclaimer – Indonesia

Chart accuracy across Indonesia is inconsistent, with most non‑commercial regions still based on pre‑1970s lead‑line surveys that provide approximate depths, generalised reef edges, and sparse or single‑point soundings. Official ENC coverage improves only in major commercial ports, while offshore islands, reef systems, and remote bays across Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, and Papua rely on outdated or incomplete data. Navionics and C‑Map offer reasonable coastline shape and usable macro‑routing but suffer from interpolated contours, missing shoals, and reef offsets of 20–150 m in many areas. Garmin BlueChart inherits the same limitations. Satellite imagery (Google, Bing, ESRI, SASPlanet) provides the most accurate depiction of reef and shoal edges, typically within 3–10 m, and is essential for anchorage selection and approach planning. Skippers should treat all charted depths outside commercial ports as approximate and rely on a combination of ENC cross‑checking, satellite‑based reef reading, visual navigation, and drone reconnaissance for safe entry into anchorages. All chart information referenced in this guide is derived from publicly available Indonesian hydrographic products, international ENC datasets, and third‑party electronic chart packages. These sources vary in age, survey method, positional accuracy, and datum consistency. No guarantee is made regarding the completeness, reliability, or currency of any charted depth, contour, hazard, or navigational feature. Mariners are responsible for verifying all information against the latest official notices, updated charts, and on‑scene conditions. Electronic charts, satellite imagery, and user‑generated data must not be relied upon as sole sources of navigational information. Safe navigation requires continuous visual assessment, prudent seamanship, and independent confirmation of all charted features.

Derawan Islands Sailing Guide - Anchorage

Derawan Island offers anchoring in 12–18 m on sand patches west of the island with moderate holding. Coral heads are scattered and require careful placement. Maratua Atoll provides anchoring inside the lagoon in 8–15 m on sand, but access requires transiting the main pass at slack water. Kakaban and Sangalaki have limited anchoring due to steep reef edges and coral‑dominated seabeds. All anchorages are exposed to easterly winds, producing short chop but not affecting holding if anchored on sand.

Derawan Islands Sailing Guide - Entry Formalities

Clearance is not conducted in the islands. Formalities must be completed at Berau (Tanjung Redeb) on the mainland. Harbourmaster, Immigration, Customs, and Quarantine offices are located in town. Standard Indonesian documentation applies. No known restrictions on Starlink or other communications equipment. Firearms must be declared if carried. Inspections are procedural and typically completed dockside before proceeding to the islands.

Derawan Islands Sailing Guide - Marina Facilities

There are no marinas in the Derawan Islands. All vessels anchor offshore or inside lagoon systems where depths allow. No pontoons, moorings, or berthing facilities exist. Depths near village jetties are 1–2 m and unsuitable for yachts.

Derawan Islands Sailing Guide - Local Weather

Weather is influenced by the Makassar Strait and Celebes Sea. The northeast monsoon (November–March) brings moderate northeasterlies and higher rainfall. The southeast monsoon (May–September) brings more stable conditions with moderate southeasterlies. Transitional seasons produce thunderstorms and variable winds. Sea state outside the reefs can become steep during strong easterlies.

Derawan Islands Sailing Guide - Provisioning

Supermarkets. There are no major supermarkets in the islands. Limited supplies available in small village shops on Derawan and Maratua. Toko Sinar Derawan has basic dry goods. Toko Maratua Jaya has packaged goods and staples.

Markets. Pasar Derawan is a small local market with vegetables and limited fresh produce.

Fish Markets. Tempat Pelelangan Ikan Derawan for coastal fish, variable supply depending on weather.

Derawan Islands Sailing Guide - Local Cuisine

Local dishes include Ikan Bakar Derawan (grilled coastal fish), Udang Laut (saltwater prawns), and Kepiting Soka (soft‑shell crab). Cuisine reflects coastal fishing traditions with simple spice profiles.

Derawan Islands Sailing Guide - Fuel Supplies

Diesel and petrol available in small quantities from village kiosks on Derawan and Maratua. Fuel is dispensed by jerry can. Quality varies and filtration is recommended. No dockside pumps.

Derawan Islands Sailing Guide - Water Supplies

Potable water is limited. Small quantities available from village wells or purchased in containers. Water quality varies and should be filtered or treated. No tanker delivery services.

Mechanical and Electrical Repairs Resource

If you are headed somewhere remote consider the need to expand your knowledge base or have an information resource on board. Why not get a copy of my book The Marine and Electrical and Electronics Bible 4th Edition. By and for yachties, with everything from batteries and charging, solar and wind, diesel engines and marine electronics and so much more. Your complete systems guide. 650 pages of practical advice. In Australia and New Zealand order a copy through Boat Books. UK and European boats can buy the UK Edition Here. US and Canadian boats can get the US Edition Order Here. Marine systems are my profession so let me help you. By a liveaboard boat owner for other boat owners.

Derawan Islands Sailing Guide - Marine Services

Marine services are minimal. Bengkel Derawan does small‑engine repairs and basic mechanical work. No Volvo, Yanmar, or branded agents exist locally. Major repairs require travel to Tarakan or Berau.

Derawan Islands Sailing Guide - Local Customs

Communities are predominantly Bajau and Malay. Behaviour is conservative and formal. Respect for elders and local authority figures is expected. Modest dress is standard in villages. Avoid photographing government or security facilities. Reef areas are culturally significant and should not be disturbed.

Derawan Islands Sailing Guide - Summary

The Derawan Islands offer limited but workable anchorages with sand patches among extensive reef systems. Navigation requires precise reef reading and timing of passes. Services are minimal, and all logistics must be planned in advance. Derawan Islands Sailing Guide for all you need to know.