Plongée à Derawan Islands — Indonesia

The Derawan archipelago offers an improbable combination: a stingless jellyfish lake (Kakaban), manta cleaning stations, turtle nesting beaches, and pristine reefs — all without the crowds of more famous Indonesian destinations. Sangalaki Island's manta point delivers encounters with 20+ mantas on good days.

Score
64.1
Visibilité
9–24m
Température
26–29°C
Meilleurs mois
May, September
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World Class
Intermediate
Derawan Islands
IndonesiaAsia-Pacific
64.1

SCORE

2.2833°N

118.2500°E

The Derawan archipelago offers an improbable combination: a stingless jellyfish lake (Kakaban), manta cleaning stations, turtle nesting beaches, and pristine reefs — all without the crowds of more famous Indonesian destinations. Sangalaki Island's manta point delivers encounters with 20+ mantas on good days.

Borneo's Hidden Stingless Jellyfish Lake

Visibility9–24 m
Temperature26–29°C
Max Depth30 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$60
Best MonthsMay, September
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML38.0CH71.0VIS67.0SV71.0TMP73.0DA56.0OP78.0TS64.0GT68.0VAL63.0CRD87.0SP57.0

Marine Life

38.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
32
Megafauna Encounters
28
Reef Fish Abundance
66
Macro Life
30
Endemic Species
40
Marine Life Diversity
38.0
Coral & Reef Health
71.0
Visibility & Conditions
67.0
Dive Site Variety
71.0
Water Temperature
73.0
Depth & Access
56.0
Operator Quality
78.0
Topside Experience
64.0
Getting There
68.0
Value & Cost
63.0
Crowding
87.0
Social Proof
57.0

Dive Types

reefwreckmucknightpelagic

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

snorkeling with mantas at SangalakiKakaban jellyfish lake (stingless)turtle nesting on Derawan beachisland hopping

Non-Diver Score

5/10

Limited topside — plan ahead for non-diving partners.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifebasic

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber300 km — Balikpapan Chamber
Nearest Hospital60 km

Remote — speedboat to Berau then flight to Balikpapan for chamber; limited medical care

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Derawan Dive Resort

PADI

4.6
150 reviewsNITROX

Scuba Junkie Sangalaki

PADI

4.7
110 reviewsNITROX