Sangalaki diving offers adventurous divers the chance to explore a remote corner of Indonesia’s Coral Triangle, where manta rays, sharks, and turtles thrive in their natural habitat. With rich biodiversity and uncrowded sites, it’s no wonder this region is becoming a top destination for divers seeking authentic marine encounters.
Here are the top 5 marine life highlights you can experience when diving with Scuba Junkie Sangalaki.
If there’s one creature that defines Sangalaki diving, it’s the majestic manta ray. These gentle giants are seen year-round in the waters around Sangalaki, gracefully gliding over the reefs and often coming close to divers and snorkelers.
After your dives, you’ll enjoy surface intervals on beautiful beaches—chatting with fellow divers, sharing stories, and soaking in the tropical vibes.
Whale shark encounters are a highlight for many visiting the Derawan Archipelago. While not part of the Scuba Junkie dive trips, local fishermen offer snorkel excursions to see these gentle giants.
These tours are run by the local community, with trips offered year-round depending on weather and sea conditions. Sightings tend to be more likely around new moon periods, but there’s always a chance when you’re in the area.
Bookings can only be arranged once you’re on Derawan, as the location and conditions can change.
⚠️ Please remember: no touching, no flash photography, and maximum respect for these amazing animals.
Shark sightings are a thrilling part of the Sangalaki diving experience. You’ll often see white tip, grey reef and black tip sharks, cruising through the corals. And occasionally leopard sharks.
For the luckiest divers, there’s the chance to spot thresher sharks, and even hammerheads patrolling the deeper blue.
No matter where you dive, sharks remind us why we love the ocean—wild, untamed, and full of surprises.
For macro lovers, Derawan Island is where the magic happens. Here, you’ll find hairy octopus hiding in the sand, alien-like crabs nestled in coral crevices, and nudibranchs in every imaginable color and pattern.
Night dives at Derawan are particularly rewarding, revealing creatures that emerge only after dark, making every dive a treasure hunt.
One of the most unforgettable sights during Sangalaki diving is the sheer number of turtles. On almost every dive, you’ll encounter green turtles and hawksbill turtles gliding gracefully over the reefs or resting on coral bommies. It’s not uncommon to spot turtles right from your water bungalow balcony—a magical reminder of the underwater world that surrounds you.
For a special treat, join our staff for a sunset walk along the shores of Derawan. As the sky turns golden, you might spot baby guitar sharks swimming in the shallows—a rare and beautiful encounter you won’t soon forget.
At Scuba Junkie Sangalaki, we’re more than just a dive center. We’re a passionate team dedicated to sharing the beauty of Sangalaki diving while protecting the ocean we love.
🌴 Stay in our eco-friendly overwater bungalows
🤿 Dive daily with experienced PADI instructors
🌊 Explore the best of Sangalaki, Derawan, and beyond
Ready to dive into an unforgettable adventure? Check out our dive packages here
Sangalaki diving is a hidden gem of Indonesia’s underwater world. From soaring mantas and cruising sharks to the tiniest critters and baby guitar sharks at sunset, every moment is an opportunity for discovery.
What marine encounter are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments, or tag us in your underwater adventures @scubajunkiesangalaki!
Nestled in the heart of the Coral Triangle, Sangalaki is truly Indonesia’s best kept secret for divers. A paradise that promises thrilling underwater encounters, breathtaking biodiversity, and a sense of adventure at every dive site. If you’re looking for a dive destination that remains untouched by mass tourism while offering world-class marine life, look no further!
Sangalaki’s appeal lies in its rich marine biodiversity and unique dive sites that are unparalleled anywhere else in Indonesia. The island’s remote location in the Sangalaki Marine Park ensures minimal human impact, preserving its underwater treasures for those adventurous enough to visit.
Sangalaki is renowned for being one of the few places on the planet where you can dive with manta rays all year round. These graceful giants glide effortlessly through the shallow waters, feeding on plankton. Divers often find themselves surrounded by several mantas at once—an experience that feels almost surreal.
Sangalaki isn’t just about mantas. The region’s proximity to Whale Shark Point means divers can snorkel with these gentle giants during the right season. While sightings are not guaranteed, the thrill of swimming alongside a whale shark is unforgettable. Timing your visit around the new moon can increase your chances of an encounter.
Besides whale sharks, regular sightings of green and hawksbill turtles, plus colorful macro critters add to the excitement. Pulau Derawan’s reefs and sandy muck dive sites host a vibrant community of rare nudibranchs, cephalopods, and even the Lembeh Seadragon! Whether you are an underwater photographer or just an enthusiast, every dive is a discovery.
Sangalaki is not just about the excitement of potential manta ray sightings! Leopard sharks have been regularly spotted here and the stunning coral gardens are the host of a range of fascinating marine life, from giant moray eels to miniscule flatworms, as well as stunning schools of reef fish cruising the gentle sloping reefs and sandy channels.
Nearby, Kakaban Island offers more challenging dives with strong currents and deeper walls where pelagic species roam. Advanced divers can experience the thrill of diving with grey reef sharks, barracuda, and even the occasional visitor, such as thresher sharks, eagle rays and even the odd hammerhead!
With visibility reaching up to 40 meters, Maratua’s dive sites are a feast for the eyes. From vertical walls teeming with fish to sandy bottoms where rare critters lurk, the variety is astounding. Turtle fans will not be disappointed, as the aptly named Turtle Traffic can boast up to 100 turtles in a single dive, and don’t be surprised if a bumphead parrotfish or two crosses your way too.
What sets Sangalaki apart from other dive destinations is its unspoiled nature. Unlike more commercial dive spots, you’ll often have the entire site to yourself, allowing for a more intimate connection with marine life. Whether you’re drifting along the walls or exploring vibrant coral gardens, Sangalaki offers a sense of solitude that is increasingly rare in popular diving hotspots.
The Derawan Archipelago, which includes Sangalaki, Derawan, Maratua, and Kakaban, provides endless exploration opportunities. You can combine your diving adventure with visits to remote beaches, spotting baby guitar sharks, and stunning sunset spots.
The journey to Sangalaki is part of the adventure. The most common route is to fly to Berau or Tarakan and take a boat transfer to Derawan Island, where Scuba Junkie Sangalaki is based. Regular flights connect from Bali, Jakarta, and other major Indonesian hubs. From Derawan, daily dive trips to Sangalaki are easily arranged.
Scuba Junkie Sangalaki offers dive packages tailored for both beginner and advanced divers. As a PADI 5-Star resort, safety and professionalism are guaranteed, alongside the warm hospitality that makes every guest feel at home. Book your dive adventure today!
If you’re in search of Indonesia’s best kept secret for divers, Sangalaki should be at the top of your list. From manta rays to whale sharks, and pristine coral reefs to tranquil beaches, Sangalaki offers a diving experience that’s both thrilling and serene.
Ready to uncover this hidden gem? Send a message to Scuba Junkie Sangalaki to plan your trip!
Have you dived in Sangalaki before? We’d love to hear your stories! Share your favorite memories or photos in the comments or tag us on Instagram and Facebook with #ScubaJunkieSangalaki.
