The Derawan Islands in the province of East Kalimantan have made the National Geographic Traveler’s “Annual Best of the World” list for 2014.

The list features 20 global destinations and “reflect what’s authentic, culturally rich, sustainable and superlative in the world of travel today”. This year, for the first time ever, National Geographic invited well-traveled online readers to participate in creating the “Best Trips” list. The participants were asked – via social media – to nominate one place using the same criteria; sustainability, culturally minded, authentic, superlative, and timely.

Considered one of the best dive destinations in the world, the Derawan Archipelago comprises 31 islands and a marine territory that is home to an abundance of sea life including rare and endangered giant green and hawksbill turtles. Marine experts have identified over 870 species of fish at the location ranging from tiny pygmy seahorses to giant manta rays and four unique species of stingless jellyfish which swim upside down.