Escape to Paradise: Derawan Fisheries Cottage, Indonesia - Your Dream Getaway!
Escape to Paradise: Derawan Fisheries Cottage - My Dream Getaway (That Sort Of Was) - A Hot Mess Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the coral-reef tea on Derawan Fisheries Cottage. "Dream Getaway!" they call it. Well, it was certainly a dream… at times. Other times, it was more like a slightly sunburnt, slightly sandy, slightly mosquito-bitten reality check. But hey, that's life, right? Let’s get messy!
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- Metadata Description: An honest, in-depth review of Derawan Fisheries Cottage in Indonesia, highlighting accessibility, amenities, dining, activities, and the overall experience. Includes quirky observations and real-world experiences, both good and, well, less good.
Getting There & Accessibility (or, How I Almost Ended Up as a Seagull Snack):
First off, getting to Derawan is an adventure in itself. The airport transfer (Airport transfer) was… let's say “rustic.” Think small boat, choppy seas, and me clutching my luggage for dear life. They do offer it, and it's necessary, but prepare for potential seasickness! Once you're there, the cottage itself is a bit of a mixed bag for accessibility (Accessibility). The main areas are alright, but some of the paths… well, let's just say my companion with a mobility aid struggled a bit in the sand. There are Facilities for disabled guests (they say), but I'd definitely contact them in advance to get the lowdown on specific accommodations. The Exterior corridor access to the rooms was convenient though, and the Elevator wasn't really a factor (mostly ground level). Car park [on-site] - good, assuming you can get a car there. Bicycle parking (Bicycle parking) is also available which is fun.
Rooms - Ah, Memories… and Air Conditioning (Sometimes!)
Okay, let's talk rooms. Mine? Not bad. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver! Especially when the humidity hit you like a damp, warm towel. The Air conditioning in public area was great too. I loved the Window that opens, a simple thing that made the world of difference. The Bed was comfy, and the Blackout curtains were essential for sleeping in (when the mosquitos weren’t feasting on me). I was even provided with Bathrobes. The bathroom was basic, but clean, and I appreciated the Additional toilet (because, well, vacations). There were Free bottled water and a Coffee/tea maker, a must-have. You also get the usual suspects: Desk, Closet, TV, Refrigerator, and In-room safe box. The Desk was useful for the Laptop workspace even if I ended up just streaming Netflix on the Satellite/cable channels to avoid the Wake-up service. There was also an Alarm clock, that I didn't need, because the tide/waves/cockatoos are pretty good alarms. Now, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!? More like "Wi-Fi when the island gods feel generous.” It was spotty. Let's just say downloading wasn't happening. I am being sarcastic…
Internet Access - Or, The Great Wi-Fi Heist
Speaking of internet (Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events), or the lack thereof. They claim Wi-Fi. And… it's technically there. But prepare for your connection to be weaker than a politician's promise. Forget video calls, forget working. Maybe a text will go through? Godspeed. My tip? Embrace the digital detox. Or, just stock up on some offline entertainment. Also, I noticed the Audio-visual equipment for special events which is nice.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking - Food, Glorious Food (Mostly!)
The food! Okay, the food was mostly delicious. The Asian breakfast was to die for, especially the nasi goreng (fried rice). They offer Breakfast service, Breakfast [buffet] or even the Breakfast takeaway service, so you can eat on the go. There are Restaurants with Asian cuisine in restaurant, and International cuisine in restaurant, and the staff is pretty helpful. I was a fan of the A la carte in restaurant option and their Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, and Desserts in restaurant were winners. Also I saw the Bottle of water that came with it.
The Poolside bar was a godsend. Chilling by the pool, sipping on a cocktail (Happy hour was a definite plus!), watching the waves… pure bliss. You can even grab a quick bite at the Snack bar. They also had a Coffee shop and plenty of Coffee/tea in restaurant. I feel the need to highlight the Vegetarian restaurant as well!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Paradise, Indeed!
This is where Derawan really shines. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Absolutely! Crystal clear, perfect for a dip. The Pool with view was a highlight. Then you'd be able to enjoy a Sauna, Spa, Steamroom, Massage, Body scrub, and Body wrap. I did enjoy the Foot bath in the spa, it’s a nice, relaxing touch. The Gym/fitness was fine, you could get your workout in. The Spa/sauna had options for all tastes. Now, the beach is right there. Seriously, steps away from the cottages. Snorkeling, diving (the diving is legendary!), sunbathing… it's all there. They also did a great job of keeping things clean (Cleanliness and safety). They had great Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, and Individually-wrapped food options. They even do Daily disinfection in common areas. They followed all the rules.
Cleanliness & Safety - Feeling Safe, Mostly!
They take safety seriously. Lots of Hand sanitizer, Staff trained in safety protocol, and the rooms are meticulously cleaned (Rooms sanitized between stays). They even go the extra safe with Professional-grade sanitizing services. Doctor/nurse on call is always a comfort. Safety/security feature such as the Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and CCTV in common areas are all welcome additions and the Security [24-hour] is a comfort.
Services & Conveniences - Little Luxuries (And Occasional Quirks)
The staff were, on the whole, genuinely lovely. They were super helpful with things like the Concierge, the Doorman, and the luggage storage. The Daily housekeeping was great, too. There's a Convenience store (handy for snacks and essentials), Laundry service, and Dry cleaning (if you need it). They also offer Cash withdrawal if you needed to get some more money. Cashless payment service seemed the norm. The Invoice provided was a bonus.
For the Kids & Family:
Though I didn't bring the kids, the Family/child friendly element seemed on point, with dedicated facilities like the Kids meal and the Babysitting service.
The “Less Than Perfect” Moments:
Okay, so it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Remember that spotty Wi-Fi? Yeah. And the power did flicker a couple of times. (Bring a power bank!). Also, one evening the water in my shower decided to channel the Sahara Desert. No hot water! It was fixed quickly, but still… a minor inconvenience. And there were a lot of mosquitos, so bring the bug spray!
The Verdict - Would I Go Back?
Absolutely! Derawan Fisheries Cottage isn't perfect, but its charm and the incredible beauty of Derawan Island more than make up for its shortcomings. It's a place where you can truly disconnect, relax, and experience something truly special. It's a place where you can wake up to the sound of the waves, spend the day exploring the underwater world, and end the day under a canopy of stars. Room decorations were also on point, and I enjoyed the Proposal spot even though I wasn’t proposing. They have a Shrine also which is an interesting touch. Couples room are also common, as are Non-smoking rooms.
So yes, go. Just go with an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a good dose of bug spray. You won't regret it. I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to start dreaming of that *n
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Derawan Diaries: A Messy, Glorious Dive into Paradise (and My Own Head)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travel reel. This is real life, unfiltered, and fueled by questionable coffee and the sheer, unadulterated joy of being here. I'm talking Derawan Island, Indonesia. And specifically, the Derawan Fisheries Cottage. Let's see if I can actually remember what happened, and in what order… (Pretty sure I've already lost a phone charger somewhere. Classic.)
Day 1: Island Fever and Underwater Wonders (Mostly, I Think…?)
- Morning (or, What Passed for Morning): Jakarta to Berau – the endless (and utterly necessary) flight. Truth be told, I’m a terrible flyer. Every bump is a potential disaster in my head. But the anticipation! The thought of turquoise water, coral reefs… it's like mainlining pure, unadulterated beauty. Finally land in Berau, and the tiny propeller plane ride to Derawan… well, let’s just say I gripped my armrests like they were a lifeline and kept muttering, "We're going to be okay. We're going to be okay…"
- Afternoon: Cottage Chaos and Initial Impressions: Arrive at Derawan Fisheries Cottage. It's rustic, to say the least. The "cottage" bit? Debatable. More like a charmingly ramshackle hut on stilts. But the view! OMG, the view! Right out my window is the clearest, bluest water I've ever seen. Fish darting, a little jetty extending… I nearly tripped over my own feet trying to get there. First impression? "Holy. Crap." (Yeah, I'm sophisticated like that.) The staff is friendly, but communications are a little… challenging. My Bahasa Indonesia is non-existent, and their English, well, let’s just say we communicate mainly through frantic hand gestures and shared laughter. Dinner was a delicious, slightly overcooked but flavorful, fish. I devoured it. Jet lag, meet ravenous hunger.
- Evening: Snorkeling Shenanigans (Attempted): Snorkel time! Grab my gear, the water’s inviting, my heart is pounding. And then… panic. My mask fogs up. I swallow half the ocean. I can't seem to get the hang of breathing regularly. The current's a bit strong! But I soldier on. And then… WHOA. Visibility is stunning. Corals in every color imaginable! A lone turtle, gliding past as if I'm not even there. Then a school of tiny neon-colored fish, and then more. This really is happening. Seriously incredible. I get too close to the coral and cut my finger which then I start to hyperventilate, I might have also accidentally swallowed water, but honestly, it was worth it. The feeling of being immersed in that underwater world is, to put it simply, mind-blowing.
Day 2: A Day of Turtles, Jellyfish, and Existential Dread
- Morning: Turtle Tracking and the Great Debate: Sunrise. Wake up to the gentle lapping of waves. A breakfast of questionable fruit and very strong coffee. (The coffee is a running theme, I’m now realizing). Today: Turtle Island! (Literally, a nearby island where turtles lay their eggs). The boat ride is a blast, the wind is in my hair, the sun is warm on my skin. When we get to the island, we're guided to the beach-- where we will see a nesting turtle. The eggs are almost impossible to describe: tiny, pearl-white spheres, delicate as glass, glowing in the sand. Watching this ancient creature struggle up the beach, and then witnessing it give birth to the eggs, just… wow. It brought a tear to my eye. We are very privileged to witness such an experience.
- Afternoon: Jellyfish Lake and Mild Panic: Next stop: Kakaban Lake. This is the one I’ve been looking forward to most. There’s an entire lake filled with jellyfish, but they don’t sting! (Supposedly.) I jump into the water, it is warm, and then… I see them. Thousands of them! Tiny, pulsating orbs drifting beneath the surface. And then, the panic sets in. Even though they don’t sting, the idea of being surrounded by jellyfish is just… weird. I flail a little. I might have yelped. But then, I relax. It is genuinely magical swimming among these strange, ethereal creatures. It's a surreal experience I will never forget - I could almost feel the gentle touch of a hundred tiny creatures drifting over my skin - there is no other way to describe it! I could lie here all day.
- Evening: Sunset, Reflection, and the Crushing Weight of Being: Back at the cottage. Sunset. The colors are insane. Orange, pink, purple… a painter's dream. I sit on the deck, drinking Bintang beer and watching the light fade. And then… the existential dread hits. I start thinking about life, the universe, and everything. (Mostly, I'm questioning all my life choices that led me to this moment -- but in a good way!) I love feeling so small and insignificant, so utterly, gloriously, unimportant in the face of nature's power and beauty. I guess I should just appreciate this, and stop with the self-pitying! The night is quiet, punctuated only by the gentle wash of waves and the distant chatter of the staff. I'm alone with my thoughts (which, admittedly, can be a terrifying thing).
Day 3: Scuba Dreams and Departure Regrets
- Morning: Scuba Diving Revelation and Near-Disaster: Finally, I dive! (Scuba dive, I mean). I've always wanted to. I am a little scared, but excited. My instructor is patient and reassuring. Going underwater for the first time is a sensory overload. The weightlessness! The silence! The dazzling array of life! I see manta rays gliding through the water, barracudas lurking in the shadows, and a kaleidoscope of fish I can't even name. It's a truly breathtaking experience. I feel weightless myself, like I'm flying through a dream. But… there's a near disaster. My mask floods. I panic. I remember the breathing techniques. I signal my instructor. We resolve it. I manage to recover and finish the dive. I emerge feeling slightly traumatized and utterly exhilarated.
- Afternoon: Packing and Melancholy: The day is coming to an end - the last day of vacation! I spend the afternoon packing. I'm already melancholy. I don't want to leave this place. I take one last walk along the beach, savoring the feel of the sand between my toes. I decide to find a souvenir and I find a cheap necklace at the local shop. I decide to keep it with me. This is just the feeling I need to remember.
- Evening: Farewell Dinner and the Promise to Return: A final dinner at the Fisheries Cottage. More delicious fish (this time, perfectly cooked). I share a laugh with the staff. The farewell is simple, heartfelt, they barely speak English, but they smile and give me a hug. I feel so grateful. It makes me feel like I'm a part of the Derawan, and not just a visitor. As I fall into the bed, I feel as if I've found a piece of myself here, and I already know I'll be back. Soon.
The Verdict:
Derawan Fisheries Cottage is a truly wild, imperfect, and utterly unforgettable experience. It's not a luxury resort. It's authentic. It's raw. It's beautiful. And it's a place that will burrow its way into your soul. I came with expectations, and they were blown away. I leave with a sunburn, a sandy swimsuit, a slightly dodgy stomach (thanks, questionable fruit!), and a heart overflowing with gratitude. Derawan, you magnificent beast, I'll be back. You've well and truly got me. Now, if only I could find that charger… Wish me luck!
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Escape to Paradise: Derawan Fisheries Cottage - Your Dream Getaway? (Okay, Let's Be Real...)
So, Derawan Fisheries Cottage... Is it actually paradise? Like, the Instagram kind?
Look, I went expecting pristine white sand and perfectly curated sunsets. What I got was… well, let me tell you about the sand. It IS gorgeous, but it’s mixed with lots of tiny bits of coral. Cute, but ouch on the feet after, like, an hour. And the sunsets? Yeah, spectacular. But one night, a local kid decided to blast music from his phone during the whole thing. Romantic? Not so much. So, paradise? With a healthy dose of Indonesian charm and a side of chaos. Prepare yourself. You'll love it, and hate it, simultaneously, and that's the best part.
What's the vibe like at Derawan Fisheries Cottage? Is it a party scene, or more chill? Like, can I wear my fuzzy slippers all day? Asking for a friend... (it's me.)
One night, a group of us ended up having a impromptu bonfire on the beach (with permission, of course!). Just chatting, sharing stories, laughing. I even wore my most hideous beach cover-up. No judgement. Just good vibes. That's the real Derawan magic, the genuine connection.
Okay, but seriously, the snorkeling and diving? Is it as amazing as everyone says? Because... the anticipation is killing me!
One dive, I got so mesmerized by this neon-blue fish, I forgot to check my air gauge! My dive buddy – bless his heart – had to tug me back towards the surface. Scariest... and most beautiful... moment of my life. So yes, it's that good. The coral is vibrant, the marine life is abundant. Just… be responsible. Don’t touch anything. Respect the reef. And keep an eye on your air!
What about the food? I'm a picky eater. Will I starve? (Dramatic pause).
I'm a little adventurous, but my sister? She subsisted mostly on the fried bananas. Seriously, she ate fried bananas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The fish is generally fresh and delicious (if you like fish, obviously). They were able to accommodate my friend's vegetarian preferences, but it took them a few times to get it right. Bottom line: If you're open-minded and willing to try new things, you'll be fine. If you’re expecting fancy, bring your own stash of snacks.
Getting there... It seems... complicated. What's the deal with transportation? Airplane? Boat? Magic carpet? (Wishful thinking...)
The speedboat ride is… exhilarating. Prepare to get wet. Prepare for your hair to look like you’ve been caught in a hurricane. Prepare to feel like you're in a real-life adventure movie. Embrace it. The journey is part of the reward. Just make sure you pack your valuables in a waterproof bag! Don't be the person losing your passport to the ocean. Speaking from experience, this is.
Are there any hidden expenses I should be aware of? Budgeting is hard! Especially after all this talk about amazing experiences!
- Park Entrance Fees: They're not huge, but they add up.
- Snorkeling/Diving Trips: These are usually extra. Worth it, though!
- Food & Drinks: While the cottage likely includes meals, you might want to grab some extra snacks, drinks, or meals from the village.
- Souvenirs: You know you're going to buy something!
- Tips: Show your appreciation, people.
And if you're anything like me, you'll spend extra on ridiculous things like: A bright pink inflatable flamingo. And a locally handcrafted shell necklace. Ah, the best of times. Budget a little extra, you'll thank yourself later. And try to bargain a bit, it's part of the Indonesian experience! (nicely, of course).
Okay, I'm sold! What should I pack? (Besides my fuzzy slippers, obviously...)
- Lightweight, breathable clothing: It's HOT and HUMID. Forget the trendy jeans.
- Swimsuits (plural): You’ll be in the water constantly.
- Reef-safe sunscreen: Protect those coral reefs! Please!
- Insect repellent: Mosquitoes are a reality.
- A good hat and sunglasses: TheTrip Stay FinderDerawan Fisheries Cottage Pulau Derawan Indonesia
Derawan Fisheries Cottage Pulau Derawan Indonesia
