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Written by Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Budi Santoso
17/08/2025
consigliere ivan from Bontang, Indonesia, Wikimedia Commons
The Derawan Islands offer budget-conscious travelers options ranging from local guesthouses to dive resorts with dorm-style accommodation, particularly on Pulau Derawan and Maratua Island, fostering a sense of community for those seeking both affordability and social interaction.
1. Derawan Fisheries Cottage
Type: Budget Guesthouse/Cottage
Located directly on Pulau Derawan, this cottage provides a budget-friendly stay with a local feel. While not a typical hostel, its setting close to the beach and offering family rooms allows for a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Guests can enjoy sea views from private balconies and experience a simple, authentic island life, ideal for those seeking quiet moments and connection with the local environment.
2. Scuba Junkie's Water Bungalow Dive Resort
Type: Dive Resort with Dorms
Situated just off Derawan Island, this environmentally friendly dive resort caters to divers with budget-friendly mixed-gender water dorms. The communal 'chill out area' provides ample opportunity to connect with fellow travelers and dive staff, sharing stories after a day of exploring the underwater world. It offers a social and active environment for those keen on diving and meeting like-minded adventurers.
3. Maratua Guesthouse
Type: Social Guesthouse
On Maratua Atoll, Maratua Guesthouse offers a welcoming atmosphere where guests often feel like part of a family, making it a highly social choice. It provides various villa types, including those considered cheap for the area, and boasts a private beach area. The friendly hosts contribute to a comfortable and engaging stay, ideal for those looking for personal interaction beyond typical hotel experiences.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.