As a matter of fact, I went to Derawan Island with indescribable feeling. Heading to Tarakan on December 4th 2014 was really a good choice for four of us. Since none of us had known the area yet, we decided to join a travel tour. Rizky had convinced my friends and I to pick Kakaban Trip. Once we received itinerary and email confirmation, we transferred sum of money to them.
Speaking of which, it`s been my second trip went to island with snorkeling theme included. Afraid? I guess so, because I barely can swim at all. neither can Joe and Anie. Well, I forgot to tell you somethin`. Ani would have canceled her participation because she was terrified. Fortunately, her brave conquered all of her fears. Then here we go...
Maratua Island
A trip from Tarakan Port to Maratua was extremely
boring. As you can imagine, it took 3 (yes three) hours by a speed boat whereas
nothing you can see than the sea. We
disappointed for several times because there were a lot of islands passed by but nothing called Maratua
Island. Finally, we reached our destination at Maratua Resort (well, we didn`t
live here since we've booked homestay instead). The weather was very sunny
bright. Here, all of the tour members had
lunch time and free time to explore the island.
I wish I could stay at Maratua Resort
The view of sunset in front of my homestay
Enjoying the sunset
Well, it`s just like video-clip making
On the second day, the weather was not quite
friendly. Due to the high wave on the beach, our tour guide, Ryan, decided to
delay the schedule until the sea waves became normal. Once sea wave was in the normal state, we got into the boat and started
to go to Derawan Island. The distance was relatively far so it took almost 1
hour to go there.
Derawan Island is one of the hottest spot ever
for scuba diving lover. Well, I did not think it`s same to me. To be sure, I
just learned how to snorkel and who will be the hero to catch me since I
couldn`t rely on myself nor Joe. Joe was the most terrible boyfriend ever
especially in beaches because his sea-phobia is really overwhelmed. (I hope you
read this, hon :))
Very big tortoise
For
my whole life, I never found big tortoise until I came to Derawan Island. Not
far from Derawan resort, I saw a very big
tortoise. And suddenly my heart was beating fast because I was feared by its
size. I was just afraid to touch his body so I looked at some distances. It was
really tremendous feeling when you could grateful for the universe and for God
Almighty. In essence, the corals were astounded me with a lot of fish types. I
just couldn`t get enough to grateful for this beautiful scenery with a joyful feeling.
Nabucco Island
On the 3rd day, there had been a slight
obstacle when the group went to Kakaban dan Sangalaki Island. Our boat broke
suddenly. Unfortunately, all of the people
had to wait for uncertain time. Well, thank God that Ryan changed the plans that
the group went Nabucco Island by another boat. Nabucco precisely is situated at
Maratua Atoll but we couldn`t reach on foot because it is too far to walk
around. Since Nabucco Island or resort was owned by Germany, you have to pay in
Euro if you want to dive or stay on the resort. For further information about
the resort and services, you could visit http://www.nabuccoislandresort.com/.
Our boat was ready to go to Nabucco Island.
Nabucco resort owned by Germany
Sangalaki Island
From
Nabucco Island, we headed back to Maratua Resort to have lunch. Fortunately,
the speed boat worked properly and readily
took us to Kakaban Island and Sangalaki Island. Sangalaki Island is located
around 30 minutes from Maratua. There are several top dive sites that you can
enjoy. The most popular one is Pari Manta
or Manta Stingray which is actually sting-less. You will see a lot of Manta
Stingrays and be amazed how cool they are (ups, I was absolutely no guts to
dive). Meanwhile, not far from the site,
you could find “Sea Garden”. It is called so because of its beautiful coral and
various fish that swimming around your body.
Manta Stingray which is stingless
Kakaban Island
I think the most precious place
in Derawan Island is Kakaban Island. There is an island that you can play
make-believe of having your own sanctuary with gorgeous lodges. Arriving at
Kakaban Island made me feel that oh my god, should I have to walk through this
forest with a lot and high steps? But I was wrong. It was totally crazy. I
enjoyed my time here. We had to go inside the wood to reach the lake. Did I
mention lake? Yes, Lake. There is a lake inside of the wood with plenty of
jellyfishes. Yes..... stingless jellyfishes... Yay..... You could touch
jellyfishes without worrying to be stung. In there, you
are forbidden to use fin and
sunblock because it may detriment to
jellyfishes. If I had had this lake near my
place, I would’ve enjoyed myself as a short gateway. Meanwhile, outside
of the island is also an amazing place to snorkel. It is “Sea Wall” where we
can find a beautiful coral structure like
a steep cliff. However, it was really scary because all you can see is deep
water with no idea how depth is that.
Most of all, thus experiences are really set me off to understand how beautiful my country and how precious our life. The more I go travelling, the more I can see that Indonesia has a lot of beautiful places to be stumbled upon.
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