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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
