Every journey
Carbon responsibility
We calculate the footprint of each journey, flights and boats included, and offset it through certified projects such as Rimba Raya in Central Kalimantan.
About · Sustainability
Derawan responsible tourism guidelines
How reef, wildlife and community protection shape every journey we operate in this fragile archipelago, set out as three commitments.
- Pillars of commitment
- 3
- Coral species in Derawan waters
- 460+
- Rule for all marine life
- No-touch
- Turtle hatchery we help fund
- Sangalaki
Pillar 1 · Environment
Environmental stewardship and marine conservation
The aim is to leave the Derawan ecosystem healthier than we found it, through active conservation and responsible practice on every trip.
Underwater
Safeguarding Derawan's underwater marvels
Derawan sits in the Coral Triangle, and its waters hold more than 460 species of coral supporting thousands of fish species.
Hands-on work
Coral nurseries
Fragments are cultivated and replanted onto damaged reef areas to help the reef regenerate.
Waste management
Waste is recycled, composted or disposed of responsibly, with reusable amenities and regular beach and underwater clean-ups.
Guest education
Guests and the community learn how to interact responsibly with turtles and other marine life.
Green and hawksbill
Protecting nesting turtles
With local rangers and marine biologists we monitor nesting sites and protect hatchlings of the endangered green and hawksbill turtles.
Pillar 2 · Community
Economic benefit that stays in Berau
Our presence should bring tangible, lasting economic benefits to the communities of Berau Regency.
Most of our operational staff, from boat crews and guides to support personnel, are hired from the villages of Derawan, Maratua and Tanjung Batu, and we invest in training them to international service and safety standards.
A "Berau First" procurement policy means fresh produce, seafood and supplies come from local markets and fishermen whenever possible, at fair market prices.
We also support community groups preserving traditional Bajau weaving and carving, so livelihoods do not depend on tourism alone.
- Local hiring and training
- Local sourcing at fair prices
- Support for traditional Bajau crafts
- Education and environmental awareness for children
Pillar 3 · Culture and education
Cultivating conscious travel
A deeper understanding of the destination is part of the experience. We aim to be a bridge between our guests and the local culture.
Before and during your trip
- Responsible travel information from the planning stage
- Briefings on the Coral Triangle, conservation and local culture
- Wildlife protocols: keep a respectful distance from turtles and mantas
- Guidance on waste reduction and energy use at your stay
How we meet people and places
- No staged cultural shows
- Village visits with a guide who explains Bajau customs
- Visits to supported community projects on request
- Low-impact snorkelling; scuba diving is not included in our trips
Keep exploring
More in About
Travel lightly
Plan a Derawan trip that gives back
Tell us your dates and interests, and ask how our trips protect the reef and which conservation projects we support.