We provide daily dive trips and dive courses around the Sangalaki Marine Park.
Looking for tips and tricks about diving, marine life or what to do in Borneo? Follow us on our blog for weekly updates from the team!
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.
