East Kalimantan has no shortage of fascinating tourist attractions. One of the top destinations amongst local and international tourists is the Derawan Islands, an archipelago famous for its scenic beaches and vibrant marine life. It is perfect for diving, snorkeling, or swimming.

Another breathtaking destination for nature lovers is Labuan Cermin Lake. Salt and freshwater meet in this lake, making the water look so clear and pristine you can easily see the bottom of the lake.

Don’t forget to check out the Mahakam River as well. Known as the longest river in East Kalimantan, you can enjoy river cruises, explore traditional Dayak villages, and witness the unique culture along its banks.

Of course, there are other places you can visit, such as Bukit Bangkirai, Sangalaki and Maratua Islands, Haji Mangku Cave, and many more.

You can do many exciting activities in the archipelago, such as snorkeling or diving to explore the colorful coral reefs around the islands or encounter fascinating marine life like turtles or manta rays.

Going on an island-hopping tour around the archipelago is also a great way to ensure you get the best experience. Derawan Islands consist of several islands, each with its unique charm. For example, Kakaban Island is famous for its fantastic lake, where you can encounter thousands of stingless jellyfish.

After Kakaban Island, you can go to Maratua Island to visit the famous Haji Mangku Cave, which isn’t exactly a cave, but a lake that has a structure that resembles a cave. The next stop is Sangalaki Island, where you can visit the sea turtle conservation area or dive at one of the many diving spots, like Manta Run, Coral Gardens, and Sherwood Forest.

To get to Labuan Cermin Lake, fly to Kalimarau Airport in Tanjung Redep, Berau. From there, you can head to Biduk-Biduk by renting a car, which will take around 5 - 7 hours. Once you’ve arrived at Biduk-Biduk, go to the dock, where several boats will take you to the lake.

To get the best experience, you can visit the Mahakam River during the dry season from April to October. This period will give you sunny days with low rainfalls that’ll make exploration much less challenging, and you can easily spot the Borneo wildlife on the riverbanks.

East Kalimantan offers unique yet delectable cuisine you mustn’t miss out on. Their local dishes often taste spicy with strong spices. Some of the most famous dishes include gence ruan, which is a fish grilled with salt and spices, nasi bekepor, a liwet rice that is uniquely cooked with spices, and pisang gapit, a half-cooked banana coated with thick brown sugar sauce.