How to Get to Scuba Junkie Sangalaki: A Journey Worth Every Mile

Introduction

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.

The First Step: Leaving the World Behind

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 Berau Route: Through the Skies of Borneo

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:

• Hotel Bumi Segah: classic comfort with local charm
• Neotel Hotel City Centre: convenient and affordable
• Grand Parama Hotel: exceptional comfort  and conveniently located

The next morning, you’ll drive through quiet roads and fishing villages to the coast, where your speedboat to Derawan waits.

• 🕒 Transfer time: ~2 to 2.5hrs by car & 30 mins by speedboat
  
• 💸 Price: 900,000 IDR (1- 3 people) per way, cash only
  
• 💵 Don’t forget: 10,000 IDR Per Person port fee at Tanjung Batu, cash only
  

With the wind in your hair and the sea in your eyes, this is the moment you realize—you’re almost there.

The Tawau Route: A Border-Crossing Adventure

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.

• 🚖Cost: RM160 per car (1–4 pax)
  
• 🛏️ Stay overnight at My Inn Hotel—clean, central, and walking distance from the port.
  

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.

• ⛴️ Ferry time: 4-5 hours
  
• 💰 Price: ~250 RM or 850,000 IDR
  

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:

• RedDoorz Syariah or Lambasung Boutique Hotel (budget)
  
• Swiss-Belhotel or Grand Taufiq (mid-range)
  

🌐 Tip: Pick up a local Telkomsel SIM card while you’re here for reliable 4G at the resort.

The Final Push: Boat to Derawan

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.

• The standard pick-up time from your hotel will be at 11:00 AM.
• Small boat (2 pax max): 3,500,000 IDR per way, cash only
  
• Large speedboat (up to 10 pax): 6,000,000–7,000,000 IDR per way, cash only
  
• ⏳ Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours depending on sea conditions
  
• 🧥 Bring: dry bags, snacks, sunscreen, and a sweater for the sea breeze
  

⛈️ Weather can shift plans. If seas are rough, transfers may be delayed or rerouted for safety. It’s rare—but it’s island life.

The Back Door Route: Tanjung Selor to Tanjung Batu

If weather or cost changes your plan in Tarakan, there’s a scenic, lesser-known route that’s perfect for adventurous souls:

• 🛥️ Ferry Tarakan to Tanjung Selor: 60 mins, 150,000 IDR (Per Person)
  
• 🚗 Taxi Tanjung Selor to Tanjung Batu: 5 hours, 2,000,000 IDR (1-3 People)
• 🛶 Local boat Tanjung Batu to Derawan: 30 mins, 350,000 IDR (1-3 People) per way, cash only
  

It’s long. It’s winding. But it’s a beautiful way to see more of Borneo. And it often comes with fewer crowds.

Visa & Entry Info

• Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available for 86 countries
  
• Apply up to 14 days before arrival at molina.imigrasi.go.id
  
• Cost: 500,000 IDR (~USD 35 / MYR 145 / EUR 32)
  
• Valid for 30 days (extendable once)
  
• ✅ Double-check your country’s eligibility before you fly
  

📣 If you’re arriving via Bali, don’t forget the Tourism Levy

• 150,000 IDR (~USD 10)
  
• Pay online at Love Bali
  

What to Know Before You Arrive

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:

• 🍛 Local meals: 30–100,000 IDR
• 🍽️ Fancy dinner with a sea view: ~70- 150,000 IDR
• 🥤 Soft drinks: 15–20,000 IDR
• 🍺 Beer: 50,000 IDR
• Night dive: 550,000 IDR Per Person (min. 2 pax)
  

Extras (cash only):

• Whale shark trip: 1,000,000–2,000,000 IDR per boat for 4 people
• Kakaban Lake entry: 100,000 IDR (non-Indonesian) / 10,000 IDR (Indonesian)
• Maratua Toilet Entry: 20,000 IDR

Connectivity & Power:

• Bring a torch (occasional outages)
  
• Buy a Telkomsel SIM card for internet
  
• European 2-pin plugs are used (220V)
  

Toiletries:
Not provided—bring your own. You can buy basics in the village, but choices are limited.

Health & Insurance:

• One small clinic on Derawan
  
• Emergency evac is to Surabaya or Tawau
  
• Dive related insurance is required
  
• Ask us about short-term DAN coverage
  

Weather:

• Day: 25–32°C | Night: 22–25°C | Water: 26–30°C
  
• Pack light, breathable clothing, a raincoat, and reef-safe sunscreen
  

A Journey for the Wild at Heart

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.

Have questions about your route? Or tips for other adventurers?

Leave us a comment below—we’d love to hear where your journey begins 🌍