Between 2008-2014 I spend a lot of time on the island. I stayed longer and preferred a placed that was cheap & felt like “home” like Losmen Adhitya but there is something for everyones wishes. If you come to the island for peace and quiet avoid the weekends: karaoke & banana-boats (the favorite activity of local tourists) could be very disturbing, so check the table below. Because of a large financial input of from the Government after the “Indonesian Water games” were held at Derawan in 2008, there is a large choice of accommodations. So don’t all go to Losmen Danaken / Reza & Dira because it’s in the Lonely Planet ! It is very easy to get accommodation, except on the major holidays. No problem to arrange accomodation food & trips on arrival. Since 2011 there is 24hr power!
PLACES TO STAY @ Derawan (prices 2014-can go up fast following oil prices)
Losmen Adhitya , 200.000 IDR/room, 100000 3 meals, fan, western shared toilet, contact ibu Heldi +62 812 53800191
Derawan Dive lodge (price?), more luxurious than those below, western in room toilet, good place to arrange your diving & rent gear
Losmen Danaken, 200.000 IDR/room, fan, Indonesian toilet shared, ±clean
Reza & Dira Home stay 200.000 (on land)- 300.000 (on sea) IDR/room, ± clean, (contact Darjon +6281347955950, also for transport), karaoke
Mirroliz Pelangi 200000 fan, 300000 airco IDR/night, western toilet in room, ± clean, karaoke
Lestari, 200.000 IDR/room, Airco, western toilet in room, ± clean, karaoke
Derawan Beach Cottages, ± 400.000 IDR/room, airco, western toilet in room, ± clean, 3 meals 100.000, karaoke
Ilham, 150.000 IDR/room, fan, indonesian toilet shared, – clean ONLY ONE NOT ON WATERFRONT
Kiani Resort beach house, ± 1000.000 per cottage (3-6 pax), former president cottage, western toilet in room, – clean
Derawan Dive resort (> 400.000IDR/room), western toilet in room, ± clean, karaoke
for a comparison check this website
@ Maratua (1.5 hrs by 40hp speedboat from Derawan)
Nabucco Island resort, very nice, luxurous 3 course menus & great diving
Maratua Paradise resort, also upperclass but less idillic than Nabucco