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The Area

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Sangalaki Marine park & beyond!

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Derawan, Sangalaki, Maratua, and Kakaban are all part of the Sangalaki marine heritage park, which includes one of the world's only saltwater lakes and one of Indonesia's largest green turtle nesting areas. These paradise islands are located within the renowned Coral Triangle off the north coast of East Kalimantan, which have all of the richness and beauty that one would expect from such a location within its fascinating underwater landscapes.

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orangutan

more than just diving!

However, it is not just the amazing diving that will entice you to visit Borneo. ​​Every travel destination on the tropical island of Borneo, Indonesia, has its own draw: Central Kalimantan's magnificent orang-utans, South Kalimantan's ever-popular river floating market, West Kalimantan's culinary specialties with aloe vera, and North Borneo's Virgin Forest.

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Quick facts about Derawan

Distance from mainland

25-30 minute boat ride

Turtle Heaven

Derawan has Indonesia’s largest nesting site of endangered green turtles and hawksbill turtles.

Protected area

The area has a marine conservancy region of over 1.27 million hectares!

marine biodiversity

870 different species of fish have been identified in this area.

language

Indonesian Bahasa is the main language spoken.

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explore East Kalimantan

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derawan island

Derawan is the central district of the Derawan Archipelago, and also home to our Scuba Junkie Water Bungalows.  Despite its small size, it is the busiest in terms of tourist attraction. Aside from diving, there are many small secluded beaches where you can enjoy the crystal clear waters and snorkel. The transparent water allows you to see the turtles as they come close to shore to eat the seagrass, which is incredible! In the evening its also very common to see baby guitar sharks swimming in the shallows! Ask our dive crew and they will take you to our special site where it is almost a guarantee to see these endangered marine sharks!

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derawan island
sangalaki island

sangalaki island

Pulau Sangalaki is well-known for its marine life and is a nesting ground for sea turtles. Turtles will often come up to the island each night to lay their eggs.
sangalaki dive sites

kakaban island

Visit Kakaban Island and swim in the famed Jellyfish lake for a wonderful and unique experience, where you can swim with Jellyfish without fear of being stung because these are stingless Jellyfish, yes you heard right! It is located in the middle of the island and was once a lagoon a long long time ago. The lake's ecosystem is remarkably similar to that of the open sea, but with a difference! The entrapped seawater, diluted with rainwater and groundwater, offers a unique ecosystem for the organisms trapped inside, which has caused them to evolve! The lake is carpeted in marine green algae and has warm, brackish water with a depth of 11 to 17 meters. Definitely not a trip to be missed! If you do a dive trip with us to Kakaban then we visit the Jelly fish lake during our surface interval. This is probably the worlds best surface interval experience!

kakaban island
kakaban jellyfish lake
maraca island

maratua island

Rent a bike and explore Maratua Island's tropical forest, or kayak around neighbouring Haji Buang Lake. This saltwater lake is easily accessible by walking or cycling through Maratua's beautiful jungle. Inside Maratua Bay, a sand bank stretches to the horizon called Gusung Sentubung. This place is best visited during low tide to appreciate the beauty of the white pristine beach.

On the island of Maratua, you can also visit Goa Halo Tabung, a fascinating cave. It has a lake-like appearance rather. It acquired its name from a naturally developed lake caused by tectonic plate movement that occurred long before the island was established. It is situated in the heart of a forest, surrounded by beautiful greenery. Although the water is crystal clear, it is somewhat cold. Those of you who enjoy taking on adrenaline chal-lenges, here is the place for you.
maratua dive sites

LABUAN CERMIN LAKE

Labuan cermin is translated to Mirror lake and is a spectacular picturesque mirror-like lagoon located in Biduk Biduk village,Berau district. Although it is called a lake in the traditional sense, Labuan Cermin is not a lake. It's a lagoon connected to the sea through a bottleneck pass. This lagoon provides a totally unique habitat because it has two types of water. Freshwater can be found at the surface and in its upper stages. However, if you go a few meters further, you'll notice that it's saltwater. That's why it's also known as the "two-flavors lake." The crystal blue water is a great appeal for both swimmers and snorkelers.

crystal clear water
whale shark point

talisayan

Talisayan is a district in Berau Regency roughly 2 hours from Derawan that is well known in Indonesia for whale shark sightings. So if you are not able to see them at Whale shark point then this is your best bet!
whale shark point
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