Stamps Issue Series
Indonesia Tourism Destination
1 January 2016
Derawan Islands
The Derawan islands must be everyone's dream of the perfect tropical paradises: warm, isolated islands with soft white sand beaches fringed with waving palm tress, pristine seas that change color from green to deep blue, and an amazing underwater life of giant turtles, dolphins, mantra rays, dugongs and barracudas, stingless jellyfish and sometimes, whales. Derawan is indeed one of world's richest areas in bio-diversity. Small wonder that the Derawan Islands are considered the third best dive destination in the world.
Located just away from the mainland of east Kalimantan in the district of Berau, the Derawan archipelago comprises 31 islands, most well known among these are the islands of Derawan, Maratua, Sangalaki and Kakaban. Here is Indonesia's largest nesting site of the rare and endangered giant green turtles and hawksbill turtles, where one can daily watch turtles lay their eggs in the sand or swim to sea with the turtles. The entire marine conservancy region covers a total area of no less than 1.27 million hectares.
Here, you can find 460 different species of corals, ranking this area second only to the Raja Ampat Islands in West Papua. The Nature Conservancy and a team of international experts also found more than 870 species of fish here, ranging from tiny pygmy seahorses to giant mantra rays. On some days, groups of up to 50 mantra rays have been seen feeding together in Derawan's waters, says the Conservancy.
While on Kakaban, you can find the world's largest and most diverse jellyfish lake, including four unique species of stingless jellyfish one of which can swim upside down. It is for this reason that kakaban is considerd for UNESCO nomination as a World Heritage Site.
Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat or 'Four Kings', is the the name given to these islands and comes from a local myth. The four major islands found hee are Waigeo, Misool (which is home to ancient rock paintings), Salawati, and Batanta.
Underwater enthusiasts flock to this region because it offers the world's best marine sight. In the Raja Ampat islands, divers can explore vertical underwater walls. The thrill of drift diving is another great challenge. These are the awesome experiences you will find in Raja Ampat.
The territory within the islands of the Four Kings is enormous, covering 9,8 million acres of land and sea, home to 540 types of corals, more thaan 1.000 types of corals fish and 700 types of mollusks. This makes it the most diverse living library for world's coral reef and underwater biota. According to a report developed by The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International, around 75% of the world's species live here.
While the landscape may look like a dream, this is not illusion. As you embark on your dive, the phrase "Attention to detail" takes on new meaning as pigmy seahorses swim around your fingers. Manta Rays and wobbegongs will glide right by you. Tuna fish, giant trevallies, snappers, and even barracudas are there to complete your underwater "meeting list". Not to mention the friendly assistant of the dugong, and a busy colleague, the turtle. Natural and untouched beauty is the main attraction here.
Wakatobi, The National Marie Park
more ..
