There is a moment on the journey to Derawan when the mainland begins to fall away. The road ends, the luggage moves onto a boat and the island slowly appears across the water. By then, most guests have already travelled farther than they would for an ordinary dive holiday.
That extra effort is real. We do not pretend that Derawan is the easiest place to reach. But ease is not the only measure of a journey. Some places feel special precisely because they ask you to slow down before you arrive.
This is why we normally recommend spending at least seven days in Derawan. A longer stay is not about filling every hour with activities. It gives the archipelago time to become more than a collection of dive sites. The diving remains the reason many people travel this far, but the rhythm of the island is often what stays with them afterwards.
Scuba Junkie Sangalaki is based on Derawan Island in East Kalimantan. Reaching us usually involves a flight followed by an overland and boat transfer, depending on the route you choose. It takes planning, and current transport information should always be checked before travel.
When a destination requires that much intention, a rushed visit can feel like arriving just as it is time to leave. Seven days in Derawan gives you a first day to settle in and several days in which the pace begins to change. The route no longer feels like an obstacle. It becomes the threshold between ordinary life and island life.
You can find current route guidance on our Getting Here page, and our booking team can help you make sense of the available connections.
The Derawan Archipelago is not one repeated underwater experience. From our base on Derawan, dive plans may include Derawan, Sangalaki, Kakaban and Maratua, depending on the length of the package, weather and local conditions. Seven Days in Derawan allows you more chances of diving all islands.
Each area adds a different mood to the week. Derawan is known for turtles and rewarding macro life. Sangalaki is associated with manta encounters and reef diving. Kakaban and Maratua add their own landscapes, marine life and surface intervals. Across the area, healthy coral, turtles, sharks, rays, schooling fish and small reef creatures can all become part of the story.
No itinerary can guarantee a particular animal, and specific destinations remain subject to conditions. That honesty is another reason time matters. A longer stay gives the team more room to plan a varied experience around what the sea is doing rather than forcing every hope into one or two days.
Explore the character of the area on our Diving page. The wider Coral Triangle is recognised as a global centre of marine biodiversity by the Coral Triangle Initiative, but the joy of diving here is not found in statistics alone. It is found in how different one day can feel from the next.
Many divers arrive with one animal at the top of their list. Perhaps it is a manta, a whale shark, a turtle or a particular macro creature. We understand the excitement, but wild animals do not work to a booking calendar.
Seven days in Derawan gives expectations room to soften. Instead of asking every morning whether today will deliver the headline encounter, guests begin to notice more. A turtle feeding in the shallows. A guide pointing out an animal small enough to hide behind a fingernail. A reef that feels calm because there are often few other divers in the water.
The best wildlife experiences are not always the closest or the most dramatic. They are the ones that happen without chasing, touching or blocking an animal’s path. Giving the ocean space often gives us a better story in return.
A dive holiday is never made only from the minutes underwater. At Sangalaki, the spaces between dives are part of the experience: breakfast with a view across the sea, coffee during a surface interval, lunch on the boat, a walk through the village, a turtle seen from the jetty or the light changing at sunset.
Our resort is small, and so is our team. That means the atmosphere becomes personal quickly. The person who checks your gear in the morning may be the same person you talk with while logging dives later. Questions become conversations, and guests often stop feeling like anonymous room numbers.
In the water, our groups have a maximum of four divers per guide. Small groups do not mean a private guide, but they do give everyone more room to communicate, settle into the dive and feel seen. You can read more about our dive-day approach on Diving With Scuba Junkie.
The first day on an island is full of new information. Where do we meet? What time is breakfast? Which bag goes on the boat? By the middle of a longer stay, those questions have disappeared. You know where the coffee is. The jetty feels familiar. The team knows how you dive, and you know which small details make the day work.
This is the difference between visiting an island and briefly joining its rhythm. It cannot be forced into a checklist, because much of it happens in the unplanned moments.
Seven days in Derawan is not a magic number, and longer is always welcome. It is simply enough time for many guests to move beyond arrival mode. The diving gains variety, plans have more flexibility, and the island begins to feel like somewhere you have experienced rather than somewhere you passed through.
If you are considering seven days in Derawan, start with the journey and work backwards. Allow time for arrival and departure, respect your no-fly interval after diving, and keep the itinerary realistic. Our team can explain which Dive and Stay packages suit your available time and how conditions may shape the dive plan.
Come for the diving. Stay long enough to know the people, the island and the quiet hours around it. The journey may take longer, but so do the memories.
To plan your stay, contact sangalaki@scubajunkie.com.
Seven days in Derawan is a strong starting point because it gives the journey, multiple dive days and island life enough room to feel worthwhile. The best package depends on your travel dates, desired number of dive days and current transfer options.
Dive plans may include Derawan, Sangalaki, Kakaban and Maratua. Package length, weather and local conditions affect which destinations are possible, so individual sites and islands should not be treated as guaranteed in advance.
No. All wildlife encounters are wild and cannot be guaranteed. The team uses local knowledge to plan the day, but responsible encounters always allow the animal to choose whether and how it appears.
Scuba Junkie Sangalaki has a maximum of four divers per guide. Groups are organised according to certification and experience so guests can get the most from the dives.
Yes. Routes and schedules can change, so check the latest information on the Getting Here page and contact the booking team for current guidance before buying connecting travel.
Long before divers arrived in the Derawan Archipelago searching for mantas, turtles, or whale sharks, tiny lights were already appearing on the horizon after sunset.
From the shore, they almost looked like floating villages.
A few dim lamps in the middle of the sea. Wooden structures standing quietly in the dark. Men preparing coffee. Someone cooking dinner. Hammocks swaying in the evening breeze.
These are the bagans.
And for generations, they have been part of life in Indonesia.
Most visitors first notice them at sunrise, when their silhouettes slowly emerge from the morning mist. Others encounter them while heading out for a whale shark trip. But few realise that these simple wooden platforms have stories that go back long before tourism ever arrived in Derawan.
The word “bagan” refers to a traditional Indonesian lift-net fishing platform. Originally introduced by Bugis and Makassarese fishermen from Sulawesi in the mid-20th century, these floating structures were designed to catch squid and small pelagic species using lights and large nets suspended beneath the platform.
Some bagans remain anchored in one place for months. Others move depending on the season and fishing conditions.
But no matter their location, they are much more than fishing tools.
Step onto a bagan and you’ll find small kitchens, sleeping areas, simple tables, and enough supplies for fishermen to spend days or even weeks at sea. Life moves slowly out here. Meals are shared, stories are exchanged, and the ocean provides both a livelihood and a rhythm.
To many fishermen, the bagan is simply where life happens.
As the sun disappears below the horizon, something magical begins.
Lights come on.
Bright lamps shine over the water, attracting plankton, squid, and small fish. Throughout the night, more and more marine life gathers beneath the platform. Hidden below, large square nets wait patiently.
At the right moment, the fishermen raise the nets and collect the catch.
Fishing on dark nights has traditionally been the most productive. Around the new moon, when natural light is limited, the artificial lights become even more effective. That is why bagans are often busiest during these periods.
While most people are asleep, life on the bagans is only just beginning.
Like many things in the ocean, bagans are not fixed forever. They move with the weather and with the seasons.
During most of the year, roughly from September until June, many of the platforms operate relatively close to Derawan Island. At these times, reaching them is often just a short boat ride away.
When the southern winds arrive, usually from mid-June until around mid-September, conditions become rougher around Derawan. To find calmer waters, many fishermen move their bagans towards the sheltered area of Talisayan, closer to the mainland of East Kalimantan.
Life on the platforms continues much as it always has, only in a different location. And with them, the rhythm of the sea changes too.
For visitors, this means that whale shark trips during these months involve a much longer journey, often around two hours each way. It also means that some days are simply too rough to go at all. The ocean, as always, decides the schedule.
Spend enough time around the bagans, and you begin to realise that fishing is only part of the story.
Life out here is simple.
Morning starts with coffee. Conversations happen slowly. Meals are cooked on tiny stoves. Between lifting nets and checking lines, there are long periods of waiting.
Sunsets become routine. So do sunrises.
There are no traffic jams. No schedules filled with meetings. Only the weather, the moon, and the sea.
It is a lifestyle that demands patience.
And perhaps that is why the people who work on these platforms seem so comfortable with uncertainty. The ocean has always operated on its own timetable.
For many communities around the Derawan Archipelago, bagans represent generations of knowledge passed from father to son. Understanding currents, reading the weather, and knowing the influence of the moon have always been part of life at sea. Long before modern weather forecasts and GPS, fishermen relied on experience and patience, learning to work with the ocean rather than against it.
These floating platforms are part of a tradition that has adapted over time while remaining deeply connected to the sea. They remind us that life in the archipelago has always depended on understanding the ocean rather than trying to control it.
The bagans are not monuments.
They are living history.
People often associate bagans with whale sharks, but the relationship is only one small part of a much bigger story.
The lights attract squid and small fish, creating feeding opportunities that whale sharks sometimes take advantage of. If a whale shark is already present and fishermen have excess catch, some may throw leftovers back into the water. Sometimes even splashing water is enough to keep the curious giants interested for a little longer.
Current observations suggest these interactions do not alter the whale sharks’ natural migration patterns, and after a quick snack they continue their journeys through the archipelago and beyond.
For the fishermen, whale sharks are occasional visitors. For the whale sharks, the bagans are simply one of many places where food can sometimes be found.
Fishing remains the primary purpose of these platforms, but tourism has created new opportunities as well.
Local captains and fishermen have become guides, sharing their knowledge with visitors who wish to experience the ocean through local eyes. At Scuba Junkie Sangalaki, whale shark excursions are organised directly through the local community. The trips are not operated by the resort, and all payments go directly to local captains and guides.
This connection between tourism and traditional livelihoods helps create additional sources of income while keeping the community involved in protecting the marine environment. Conservation works best when local people benefit from it too.
A bagan is a traditional Indonesian lift-net fishing platform used primarily for catching squid and small fish at night using lights.
Depending on the season and location, fishermen may spend days or even weeks living on the platforms.
The lights attract plankton, squid, and small fish, which gather beneath the platform and are caught using large nets.
Dark nights make the lights more effective, which usually improves fishing conditions.
No. Whale sharks are wild animals and their presence is never guaranteed.
Yes. Many visitors experience the bagans during whale shark trips organised by local captains.
If you ever leave Derawan before sunrise, take a moment to look towards the horizon.
Those lights are not resorts.
They are not ships.
They are bagans.
Small worlds floating quietly in the sea, where generations of fishermen have lived by the rhythm of the ocean.
Long after the tourists have returned home, the lights will come on again. Coffee will be brewing, nets will be lowered, and stories will be shared. Because for the people who live and work on them, the bagans are not attractions.
They are simply life.
The first few days in Derawan are usually about the obvious things.
The boat rides. The reefs. The turtles. The excitement of finally arriving after such a long journey.
But after a while, something changes.
The bigger moments stop demanding all your attention, and you begin noticing smaller things instead. Quiet things. The kind of details that would probably sound unimportant anywhere else, but somehow become part of the experience here.
That is often when life in Derawan starts feeling real.
Most guests arrive with busy minds.
Flights, connections, transfers, packing lists, camera gear, dive plans. The journey to the Derawan Archipelago takes time, and most people arrive carrying a bit of mental noise with them.
Then gradually, the island starts slowing things down.
Morning coffee lasts longer. Surface intervals become conversations instead of phone scrolling. People stop checking the time constantly. Nobody seems to be rushing anywhere.
It is not something you notice immediately. It happens quietly over several days.
And eventually, you realise your brain feels quieter too.
During the first days, guests get excited every time they see a turtle.
And honestly, that excitement never fully disappears.
But after spending time around Derawan, turtles slowly become part of the background rhythm of the island. You see them while walking to breakfast. You spot them from the jetty during surface intervals. Sometimes they are directly underneath the water bungalows, calmly feeding on seagrass as if nobody is watching.
And they are big.
The strange thing is not only how many turtles there are, but how relaxed they seem. They move slowly, surface casually beside boats, and continue feeding even when people stop to watch them.
At some point, guests stop calling everyone over every time a turtle appears.
Not because it is less special, but because it has quietly become normal.
One of the first things many people notice about life in Derawan is that the island always has sound.
Wooden walkways creak softly at night. Small boats pass in the distance. Waves move underneath the bungalows. Early mornings begin slowly while the ocean is already awake.
At first, some guests find these sounds unusual. Then, after a few nights, they become strangely comforting.
People who live near cities often forget what natural silence actually sounds like. Derawan is not silent in the traditional sense. It is alive. The island has rhythm, movement, and small noises that become familiar surprisingly quickly.
In many dive destinations, everything revolves around getting underwater as quickly as possible.
But after a few days in Derawan, surface intervals start becoming part of the experience rather than just breaks between dives.
Coffee tastes better after a morning dive. Conversations become slower and longer. Divers compare sightings, laugh about failed fish photos, and quietly watch the water while waiting for the next briefing.
Sometimes the best moments happen between dives rather than during them.
That slower rhythm is part of what makes staying at Scuba Junkie Sangalaki feel different from larger, busier dive destinations.
The longer divers stay in Derawan, the less they chase big sightings.
During the first dives, everyone wants mantas, sharks, whale sharks, or turtles. And often they get them.
But after a while, people start noticing:
The ocean becomes less about highlights and more about observation.
That shift changes the entire diving experience.
One of the unexpected things about life in Derawan is how quickly simple routines start feeling comfortable.
Wake up. Dive. Eat. Rest. Repeat.
There is something satisfying about days becoming uncomplicated. No traffic. No schedules packed into every hour. No need to constantly decide what to do next.
The island slowly removes unnecessary noise from daily life.
And for many guests, that feeling becomes just as memorable as the diving itself.
Guests who stay only a few days usually remember the highlights.
Guests who stay longer often remember the atmosphere.
The light in the late afternoon. The sounds under the bungalow at night. The routine of morning coffee before diving. The feeling of slowly adapting to island life instead of simply visiting it.
This is often why experienced divers return to places like Derawan. Not only because of what they see underwater, but because of how the place makes them feel after enough time has passed.
Some destinations impress you immediately.
Others reveal themselves slowly.
Life in Derawan belongs to the second category. The longer you stay, the more the small details begin to matter. The turtles beneath the jetty. The calm pace of the island. The quiet conversations during surface intervals. The feeling of waking up surrounded by ocean every day.
None of these things sound dramatic on paper.
But together, they are often what people remember most.
At first glance, the idea sounds almost impossible. A lake in the middle of the ocean, filled with jellyfish that do not sting.
Yet that is exactly what you will find at Kakaban Jellyfish Lake, located in the Derawan Archipelago.
This unusual ecosystem has fascinated scientists and travelers alike. The lake sits on top of Kakaban Island, surrounded by the sea, but completely separated from it. Inside the lake lives a population of jellyfish that have evolved in isolation for thousands of years.
Understanding how Kakaban Jellyfish Lake formed and why its jellyfish do not sting reveals just how extraordinary this place truly is.
Kakaban Jellyfish Lake is what scientists call a marine lake. These lakes were formed thousands of years ago when sea levels changed and parts of the ocean became trapped inside islands.
Over time, the connection between the sea and the lake closed or became extremely limited. The water remained saltwater, but the ecosystem inside began to evolve independently.
Kakaban Island itself is a raised coral island. As geological movements lifted the reef above sea level, seawater became trapped inside natural depressions. This created a lagoon that slowly transformed into the lake we see today.
Even though Kakaban Jellyfish Lake is surrounded by the ocean, it is now an isolated world with its own environmental balance.
The jellyfish inside Kakaban Jellyfish Lake belong mostly to species of golden jellyfish and moon jellyfish. Normally, these animals use stinging cells to catch prey and defend themselves.
But inside the lake, things evolved differently.
Because there are almost no natural predators and very little competition for food, the jellyfish gradually lost the need for strong stinging cells. Over thousands of years, their stings became extremely weak.
For visitors swimming in the lake, this means the jellyfish feel harmless. Most people do not feel any sting at all.
This unusual evolutionary path is what makes Kakaban Jellyfish Lake so special.
Marine lakes like Kakaban are incredibly rare. Scientists estimate that there are only a handful of jellyfish lakes like this in the world.
The most famous examples are found in:
Each lake has its own species and unique ecological conditions.
Kakaban Jellyfish Lake is considered one of the largest and most accessible of these ecosystems, which makes it an important natural site for research and conservation.
Visitors can reach Kakaban Island by boat from the surrounding islands of the Derawan Archipelago. After arriving, a short wooden walkway leads up through the forest and down to the lake.
Stepping onto the viewing platform and seeing thousands of jellyfish drifting silently through the water is a moment many travelers remember for years.
Swimming among them is an experience unlike anything else in the ocean. Instead of avoiding jellyfish, you move gently among them as they pulse slowly through the water.
Because the ecosystem is extremely fragile, visitors are asked to follow simple rules to protect it. Touching the jellyfish, wearing sunscreen in the lake, or disturbing the animals is discouraged to keep the habitat healthy.
Many travelers exploring the Derawan Archipelago choose to include Kakaban in their itinerary.
The island is often visited as part of day trips that combine several iconic locations in the region.
Guests staying with Scuba Junkie Sangalaki regularly explore Kakaban alongside other nearby highlights such as manta cleaning stations, vibrant coral reefs, and turtle-rich dive sites.
Combining diving with unique natural experiences like Kakaban Jellyfish Lake gives visitors a deeper appreciation for the diversity of the Derawan Archipelago.
Kakaban Jellyfish Lake is more than a beautiful place. It is a reminder of how isolated ecosystems can evolve in surprising ways.
The jellyfish living here have adapted to their environment over thousands of years. Protecting this fragile ecosystem ensures that future generations will also have the chance to witness it.
When visiting places like Kakaban, responsible tourism plays an important role. Respectful swimming, careful movement in the water, and following local guidelines all help preserve the lake.
The idea of a lake in the middle of the ocean filled with jellyfish that do not sting sounds almost like a myth. Yet Kakaban Jellyfish Lake proves that nature still holds many surprises.
For travelers exploring the Derawan Archipelago, visiting this unique marine lake offers a chance to experience one of the rarest ecosystems on Earth.
And sometimes the most memorable moments of a trip happen not only underwater with dive gear, but floating quietly in a lake surrounded by thousands of gentle jellyfish.
Learning a few Indonesian words in Derawan can completely change the way you experience the island.
You do not need to speak fluently. You do not need perfect pronunciation. But knowing a handful of simple expressions shows respect, builds connection, and often leads to warmer smiles and easier conversations.
The Derawan Archipelago, located in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, has its own rhythm and personality. While Bahasa Indonesia is the national language, daily life here is influenced by local traditions, coastal culture, and the relaxed pace of island living.
Let’s explore the most useful Indonesian words in Derawan, how to use them naturally, and what they reveal about local culture.
The Derawan Archipelago is part of Berau Regency in East Kalimantan. People here speak Bahasa Indonesia as the main language, but many also speak local dialects influenced by Berau Malay, Bugis, and other coastal communities.
As a visitor, you only need basic Bahasa Indonesia. Locals appreciate any effort, even if it is just one word.
Pronunciation is usually straightforward. Words are spoken clearly and almost exactly as they are written.
Here are simple and useful words you can start using immediately.
Good morning
Used in the morning until around 11 am. Saying selamat pagi when you walk into the dive centre or greet the boat crew is a great way to start the day.
Good afternoon
Used roughly from late morning until mid afternoon.
Good late afternoon
Perfect to use when returning from dives in the late afternoon.
Good evening
Used after sunset.
These greetings are easy to remember and show immediate respect.
Politeness is highly valued in Indonesian culture. These words matter.
Thank you
Probably the most important phrase you can learn. Say it when someone serves you food, helps with your gear, or brings coffee.
You are welcome
This is what you will often hear in response to terima kasih.
Please
Used when asking for something politely.
Excuse me
Used when passing in front of someone or trying to get attention respectfully.
Using these Indonesian words in Derawan makes interactions smoother and more meaningful.
If you are diving in the Derawan Archipelago, you will quickly pick up a few additional terms.
Water
Important in a tropical climate.
To eat
You might hear “sudah makan?” which means “have you eaten?” This is a common friendly question, not an interrogation.
Slowly
You may hear this on boats or during entries. It reflects the relaxed and careful island approach.
Be careful
Often said when stepping on wet surfaces or boarding boats.
In Derawan, communication is not only verbal. Body language and tone matter just as much.
Island culture in the Derawan Archipelago tends to be:
Calm
Soft spoken
Community oriented
Patient
Confrontation is generally avoided. Raising your voice is uncommon. Smiling, even during small misunderstandings, is part of keeping harmony.
This can feel different from larger Indonesian destinations like Bali or Jakarta, where tourism is more fast paced and commercial. Derawan feels quieter and more local.
Understanding this context helps you interpret conversations correctly. A gentle response usually works better than urgency.
Derawan is a predominantly Muslim island. You may hear the call to prayer from the mosque, and during Ramadan the daily rhythm changes slightly.
Simple respectful phrases such as:
Selamat berbuka
Happy breaking of the fast
can be appreciated during Ramadan, though not required.
Even without perfect language, respectful behaviour and curiosity go far.
You do not need long sentences. In fact, shorter is better.
For example:
Selamat pagi, terima kasih
Good morning, thank you
Permisi, tolong
Excuse me, please
Terima kasih banyak
Thank you very much
Adding “banyak” means “a lot” and makes the thank you stronger.
The effort is what matters most.
Because the Derawan Archipelago is smaller and less urbanised than many other Indonesian destinations, communication feels more personal.
People recognise faces quickly. Shop owners remember you. Boat captains greet you by name.
Using Indonesian words in Derawan reinforces that sense of connection. You are not just a tourist passing through. You are participating in island life, even briefly.
That difference is subtle but powerful.
Learning Indonesian words in Derawan is not about fluency. It is about connection.
A simple selamat pagi can change the tone of your day. A sincere terima kasih can build goodwill that lasts beyond your stay.
Travel is not only about the reefs, the wildlife, or the views. It is also about the people who call the island home.
And sometimes, the smallest words leave the biggest impression.
Visiting during Ramadan in Derawan can feel slightly different from other times of the year, especially if you’re not familiar with the traditions behind it. For some guests, it raises questions. For others, it becomes one of the most memorable parts of their stay.
This blog is here to explain, calmly and openly, what Ramadan is, how it’s observed in Derawan, and what that means for you as a guest staying on the island.
Ramadan is a holy month in Islam, observed by Muslims around the world. It is a time of:
During the day, practicing Muslims do not eat or drink until sunset. In the evening, families and communities gather to break the fast together.
Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, so its dates change every year.
Derawan is a Muslim island, and Ramadan is an important part of life here. That said, daily life does not stop. Boats still run, diving continues, and guests are very welcome.
What you may notice during Ramadan in Derawan is:
For many visitors, this quieter rhythm is actually a pleasant change.
One of the most noticeable aspects of Ramadan in Derawan is the call to prayer coming from the nearby mosque.
The call to prayer happens five times a day, and during Ramadan, early morning prayers can feel more noticeable, especially for light sleepers. Because our water bungalows are made of wood and the island is quiet at night, sound carries easily.
For most guests, the call to prayer quickly becomes part of the background. For some, especially those not used to it, it can be surprising at first.
If you are a light sleeper, we recommend:
It’s not meant to disturb, but to mark moments of reflection and prayer.
Guests are not expected to fast or change their routines during Ramadan in Derawan. Restaurants continue to operate, and diving schedules remain the same.
That said, small gestures of awareness go a long way:
These gestures are never demanded, but they are always appreciated.
Interestingly, many guests who initially worry about visiting during Ramadan end up appreciating it deeply.
They often mention:
For divers in particular, the slower pace pairs beautifully with early nights, sunrise dives, and relaxed surface intervals.
Travel isn’t only about destinations. It’s about timing.
Visiting during Ramadan in Derawan offers a chance to see the island through a different lens. One shaped by tradition, community, and daily rituals that have existed long before tourism arrived.
For guests who are curious and open-minded, it often becomes a meaningful part of their stay.
Ramadan in Derawan is not something to worry about. It’s something to understand.
Knowing what to expect, why certain sounds or rhythms exist, and how the island gently shifts during this time helps guests relax and settle in more easily.
If you ever have questions about Ramadan or island life, our team is always happy to explain. And if you’d like to know more about Ramadan itself, let us know. We’d be happy to share more in a future blog.
Maybe you’ve been dreaming about visiting this part of the world—those turquoise waters somewhere off Borneo—but haven’t quite made it yet. So, let us take you there.
Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine the sound of gentle waves lapping against a wooden jetty, the smell of coffee in the morning air, and the quiet excitement of another day about to unfold underwater. This is what a day at Scuba Junkie Sangalaki feels like—where adventure and peace flow together in perfect rhythm.
A day at Scuba Junkie Sangalaki starts with a slowly wake up. Sunlight filters through the trees, and the air already carries that warm, salty breeze that feels like a hug from the tropics. From your bungalow, you can hear the gentle hum of the ocean just meters away.
Some early birds stroll down the jetty for sunrise photos, while others stretch lazily before breakfast. There’s no rush here—just the sound of waves, the occasional call of a kingfisher, and the quiet promise of another beautiful day ahead.
Breakfast at the resort is a laid-back affair—eggs, fruit, toast, and fresh coffee served with a side of ocean view. As you sip your coffee, the dive team is already busy prepping the gear, loading tanks, and chatting with guests about the day’s plan.
Each morning, we brief divers on where we’re heading:
At 8:00, it’s time to go. Tanks clink, fins shuffle, and laughter echoes down the jetty as the boats push off.
The ride itself is part of the joy—wind in your face, sunlight glittering on turquoise waves, sometimes dolphins racing beside the bow. For Derawan trips, we leave a bit later around 9:00 AM, since the dive sites are right on our doorstep.
The first dive always sets the tone. You roll back into crystal-clear water, and suddenly the world transforms—giant sponges, swirling schools of fish, maybe a passing turtle or even a manta ray.
Each site around the archipelago has its own personality, from gentle slopes to dramatic walls, but one thing never changes: the feeling of awe as you descend into warm blue silence.
Back on the boat, the team hands out tea, coffee, and biscuits, and everyone compares notes about the dive. Someone saw a frogfish, someone else spotted a shark.
If you’re diving near Kakaban, this is the time when we take guests to visit the Jellyfish Lake—a once-in-a-lifetime experience of snorkeling among harmless golden jellies.
At Sangalaki, we sometimes visit the Turtle Hatchery, where baby turtles begin their incredible journey to the ocean. It’s a quiet reminder of how much life thrives here, both above and below the surface.
The second dive usually follows soon after—another chance to spot mantas gliding overhead or explore coral gardens glowing in sunlight.
Afterward, we stop for lunch on a jetty or a beach, depending on tides and weather. Plates of rice, noodles, and tropical fruit taste even better with your feet in the sand and the ocean stretching endlessly in front of you.
One last dive before heading back. By now, the sea feels like home. You’ve relaxed into the rhythm—gear up, giant stride, bubbles, and silence. Sometimes the ride back is peaceful and sleepy; other times, we’re joined by pods of dolphins that leap and play alongside the boat, escorting us home.
Once back at the resort, the day slows again. Divers gather in the lounge to log their dives, trade photos, and share stories. Someone cracks open a beer. Someone else naps in a hammock.
If the weather is good, we might take new guests to the sandbank to spot baby guitar sharks in the shallows—a magical sight that never gets old.
Dinner is a casual affair at one of the local restaurants nearby—grilled fish, rice, sambal, and lots of laughter. And for those nights when the energy’s still high, we head to Syagi Restaurant for karaoke—because nothing bonds divers like off-key singing after a long day underwater.
A day at Scuba Junkie Sangalaki ends like it began: with the sound of the waves, the glow of the setting sun, and the kind of tired happiness only a full day of diving can bring.
At Scuba Junkie Sangalaki, every day feels like a story—filled with adventure, nature, friendship, and connection. The surface life is slow and simple, but once you dip beneath, it’s pure wonder.
Whether you’re planning your next dive trip or still dreaming about it, know this: paradise isn’t as far as it seems. It’s waiting—sunrise to sunset—right here in the heart of the Derawan Archipelago.
Have you ever lived a perfect dive day like this?
Tell us what your dream day underwater looks like in the comments below!
If Part 1 left you dreaming of currents and coral walls, get ready for more. The top dive sites in the Derawan archipelago offers don’t end there—this region is bursting with world-class diving across Kakaban, Sangalaki, Maratua, and Derawan. From drift dives teeming with pelagics to quiet encounters with pygmy seahorses, the underwater diversity here is unmatched.
A peaceful drift with big blue surprises
A dive at Meditation Wall starts serene—floating effortlessly along a beautiful coral wall. The name suits it: this site invites you to slow down, observe, and appreciate. Look closely at the sea fans and you might find the elusive Denise’s pygmy seahorse. Keep your eyes open for leaf scorpionfish and frogfish camouflaged along the ledges.
But don’t get too zen—this wall dive has surprised us with thresher sharks, eagle rays, and even a solo hammerhead in the blue. That’s what makes it one of the top dive sites in the Derawan archipelago wide.
📌 Good for intermediate divers and macro lovers. A must for calm drift dives.
Fly with giants in the fast lane
Manta Run lives up to the hype. This sandy-bottomed channel, flanked by coral ridges, becomes a true “manta highway” when the current picks up. Glide effortlessly and keep your head on a swivel—reef mantas frequently pass through, circling for food or cleaning.
Besides the main stars, leopard sharks rest on the sand and garden eels peek from their holes. The thrill of the current and the magic of mantas makes this one of the top dive sites in the Derawan archipelago has for unforgettable pelagic action.
🌐 See more about Manta diving in Sangalaki
Walls, rays, and schooling fish galore
Though its name might be quirky, Gorgonzola delivers serious underwater beauty. This site offers a quieter alternative with dramatic vertical walls, vibrant soft corals, and excellent visibility.
Divers here often encounter bumphead parrotfish, napoleon wrasse, and big schools of jackfish and batfish. Sharks aren’t uncommon either—white-tip reef sharks and eagle rays pass by in the blue.
📸 Ideal for wide-angle photography and current-lovers.
An expansive reef with hidden gems
North Sangalou surprises many with its vast, undulating reefscape. You’ll descend into the blue and watch as a rolling coral landscape reveals itself, dropping to 40 meters (with a max dive depth of 30m).
This is a mixed dive—white-tip reef sharks, the occasional mangrove whipray, and vibrant nudibranchs make it a rich site for both pelagic and macro sightings. Blue-spotted stingrays rest in the sandy shallows near the end of your dive—perfect for a relaxed safety stop with a view.
The top dive sites in the Derawan archipelago offers aren’t just diverse—they’re largely uncrowded. Unlike busier Indonesian hotspots, here you’ll often have entire dive sites to yourself. Scuba Junkie Sangalaki’s experienced guides and marine conservation ethos make every dive educational, safe, and impactful.
From mantas to macro, Derawan delivers. These dive sites reflect the best of Borneo—wild, remote, and packed with surprises. Whether you’re ticking off bucket-list species or drifting into Zen mode at Meditation Wall, the top dive sites in the Derawan archipelago has will leave you breathless.
💬 Which site would you dive first? Tell us in the comments below!
There’s a place in the Celebes Sea where time slows down, manta rays drift through turquoise water, and dive boats are the only traffic you’ll hear. But to get there, you don’t just book a flight and show up—you embark on a journey.
If you’re wondering how to get to Scuba Junkie Sangalaki, you’re not alone. It’s not on every map, and that’s the magic. This isn’t just travel—it’s a rite of passage for those ready to trade the ordinary for the unforgettable.
So, grab your fins, pack a dry bag, and let’s begin.
Most stories begin with a flight, and this one is no different. Your first goal is to reach East Kalimantan, in Indonesian Borneo. It’s where your real adventure begins.
There are two main ports for arrival: The airport in Berau, known as Kalimarau airport (BEJ) or the ferry port in Tarakan. Which one you choose depends on where you’re coming from—and how much of a tale you want to tell.
The most straightforward route from within Indonesia is to fly to Berau (BEJ) via Jakarta (CGK).
There are daily flights departing from Jakarta with Batik Air. It’s a super early start to the day (with flights generally departing around 4am), but it will mean you will land in Berau with enough time to transfer directly to Derawan on the same day. If you are flying internationally into Jakarta, there is a handy onsite airport hotel that you can stay at for convenience.
Another option could be via Balikpapan (BPN), another well-connected airport for international arrivals, and also allows for direct flights to Berau (BEJ).
But here’s the thing—flights into Berau from Balikpapan never align perfectly with the boat schedule to Derawan (in order to transfer across to Derawan on the same day, you would need to land no later than 1pm). That’s why almost everyone who chooses this route, spends the night somewhere along the way. And that’s okay. It’s part of the charm—waking up knowing you’re one step closer to paradise.
Popular hotels to stay in Berau:
The next morning, you’ll drive through quiet roads and fishing villages to the coast, where your speedboat to Derawan waits.
With the wind in your hair and the sea in your eyes, this is the moment you realize—you’re almost there.
If your story begins in Sabah, Malaysia, or you’re arriving from Scuba Junkie Sipadan, this route is made for you.
Your dive day in Semporna ends around 5 PM. From there, take a taxi to Tawau—a sleepy town by the water, just 1.5 hours away.
The next morning is when things get exciting.
Board a public ferry at the Tawau terminal—don’t worry, it’s comfortable—and let it carry you across the ocean to Tarakan, Indonesia. The ticket booth is open from 8:00 to 9:00 AM only, so please make sure to be there during that time.
Please note that there is no direct ferry between Tawau and Tarakan (and vice versa) on Sundays.
When you arrive in Tarakan, hail a Grab or Gojek (yes, Indonesia’s version of Uber) for about 10,000–20,000 IDR, and head to your hotel.
Hotel suggestions in Tarakan:
🌐 Tip: Pick up a local Telkomsel SIM card while you’re here for reliable 4G at the resort.
Your arranged transfer boat leaves the next morning. It’s the final stretch—the part of the story where the world slips away and your island dreams start to become real.
⛈️ Weather can shift plans. If seas are rough, transfers may be delayed or rerouted for safety. It’s rare—but it’s island life.
If weather or cost changes your plan in Tarakan, there’s a scenic, lesser-known route that’s perfect for adventurous souls:
It’s long. It’s winding. But it’s a beautiful way to see more of Borneo. And it often comes with fewer crowds.
📣 If you’re arriving via Bali, don’t forget the Tourism Levy
Money:
Bring plenty of cash. There are no ATMs for foreign cards on Derawan. Use ATMs in major airports, Berau, Tarakan, or exchange money before arrival. Card payments are accepted at the resort with a 2% bank fee. Meals & Prices:
Your package includes breakfast daily and lunch on dive/snorkel days. For dinner and non-diving days:
Extras (cash only):
Connectivity & Power:
Toiletries:
Not provided—bring your own. You can buy basics in the village, but choices are limited.
Health & Insurance:
Weather:
You won’t arrive by accident. No one stumbles into Scuba Junkie Sangalaki by chance. But those who make the journey—overland, over sea, across borders and waves—find something rare.
A place that feels like yours. A reef that still whispers. A sky so full of stars it silences you.
So come ready to travel. Come curious. Come prepared. But above all—come excited. Because now you know how to get to Scuba Junkie Sangalaki.
And your story is just beginning.
Leave us a comment below—we’d love to hear where your journey begins 🌍
“Can I visit Kakaban stingless jellyfish lake during my visit?” has to be one of our most frequently asked questions… And with good reason! There are very few of these lakes in the world and it’s a trip not to be missed. It’s a surreal experience and the photos will leave your Instagram followers wishing they were there with you! Swimming and snorkelling in the mangrove lined lake, surrounded by jungle sounds and thousands of stingless jellyfish makes you feel like you’re in a sci-fi movie… And no, they really can’t sting you!
The jellyfish lake is on Kakaban Island, which is about an hour speedboat ride away from our base on Derawan. The huge 5 hectare lake pretty much takes up the whole of the interior part of the island, and at its deepest point it’s 17m deep! Once you reach the islands jetty and gorgeous white sand beach there’s a short walk up some steps and over a bridge through the forest before you reach the lake – It takes about five minutes. Once you reach the edge of the forest you can walk down the steps to the jetty – It has steps and a low platform so that you can get in and out easily and without jumping. We usually get to spend about 45 minutes at the lake during one of our surface intervals, plenty of time for a good snorkel and some photos.
The age of the lake is estimated to be about 11,000+ years old. It is thought that the lakes formation occurred during a time period called the Holocene (a “geological epoch”), where sea levels rose as much as 35m. When the sea levels rose the sea water filled the inside of the island, when the sea levels reduced again the sea water was trapped inside the island, forming the lake. With rainfall over the years it has mixed together and become brackish water.
The jellyfish inside it (once ocean dwellers) have survived and evolved – they no longer need to sting as there are no predators for them, and so the stingless jellyfish lake came into being!
There are actually four species of stingless jellies in Kakaban’s lake:
The largest of the lake’s jellyfish, up to 30cm across. They are transparent and plate-sized. As they’re transparent they’re a little hard to see, but once your eyes adjust you can spot them easily!
This is the smallest of the jellyfish species in the lake. Their bodies are smaller than 1cm and their tentacles perhaps 3-4cms long. There aren’t so many of them (compared to the other species), so with their transparent colour and tiny size it makes them the most tricky to spot! (Don’t worry about the name these ones don’t sting!)
These are the ones you have probably seen in the photos – there are thousands upon thousands of them and you don’t have to swim the entire lake to find them! As soon as you get in the water, they’re right there! These grow up to 20cm across, but there are plenty of small ones in there too.
These look quite similar to the spotted jellyfish, but you’ll find them (you guessed it!) upside down on the sandy bottom of the lake. They are of a similar size to the spotted jellyfish – up to 20cm.
It’s not just home to thousands of jellyfish! You’ll find sponges, sea cucumbers, gobies and sea grasses in there, plus the beautiful mangrove trees line the edge of the lake. And when you pop up to have a look round you can hear the amazing jungle sounds of the uninhabited island.
We know we’re not technically in the sea here, but as just as we do in the ocean we adhere to the correct environmentally aware protocol in the lake as well. This involves:
Also – in terms of dive safety we don’t duck dive / skin dive as we usually visit on our surface interval!
You definitely want your mask and snorkel, plus something to cover up with like your rash guard or wetsuit! As the walk to the lakes jetty is over wooden steps you might want to bring your flip flops or wear your dive booties. You’ll need some Rupiah cash as you make a small donation upon entry (Rp 20,000 per person). And of course: your camera! Otherwise how will you make your friends jealous of this amazing experience?!
Trips to Kakaban (and therefore the amazing jellyfish lake) are available with our dive & accommodation packages which include 4 diving days or more.
