Derawan Islands: Divers’ Paradise at the Tip of East Kalimantan

By: Ario Triwibowo

Photographs by Ario Triwibowo and Agustinus Sri Setiawan

The Derawan Islands remained undiscovered until early 2011, when tourists from Indonesia and around the world started noticing the Derawan Islands.

Derawan Islands is administratively a part of the Berau regency, East Kalimantan. Geographically speaking, the Derawan Islands consist of 31 islands, large and small, inhabited and uninhabited. The whole area itself covers around 1.27 hectares. Marine biologists say that the Derawan Islands are number 2 on the list of biodiversity abundance, just one spot behind Raja Ampat on West Papua.

Even though there are many islands in this area, there are 4 that stand out the most, which are Derawan Island itself, Maratua Island, Kakaban Island, and Sangalaki Island. All of these islands are well known for their white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and astonishing underwater beauty.

Sungai Wain Protection Forest: Sun Bears find New Home In East Borneo

Only a few kilometers away from the busy seaport city of Balikpapan, Sungai Wain Protection Forest is home to Malayan sun bears (Helarctos Malayanus), the smallest bear species and one of the least studied. KWPLH managed to build a sun bear enclosure to preserve the species and also to make the sun bear iconic for species protection in East Kalimantan. In 2006, five sun bears that were confiscated from their illegal owners, were transferred to their new home, 1.3 ha (3.25 acres) of land.

So if you happen to go to East Kalimantan, schedule your free-time to enjoy the forest escapades and don’t forget to say hello to five playful and healthy sun bears in KWPLH sun-bear enclosure.

Introduction to West Kalimantan

By: Robert Santoso

West  Kalimantan is one of the provinces in Indonesia  located on Kalimantan island. It’s nickname is “province with a thousand rivers”, because hundreds of big and small rivers meander through the thick forests of West Kalimantan. Some of these are still used as main transport routes  to reach remote areas. The capital Pontianak is located right on the Equator line.

The indigenous tribe and main inhabitants of West Kalimantan go by the name of Dayak. The Dayak is a loose term describing over 200 ethic subgroups and tribes. The Iban are a sub branch of the Dayak. Known asfierce warriors and headhunters in the past, they are often misrepresented.