Borneo (Maratua and Derawan)
The Derawan archipelago off East Kalimantan — a jellyfish lake, turtles laying eggs on the beach, and barracuda in massive schools. Far less visited than the rest of Indonesia.
Highlights
- Kakaban — a lake full of stingless jellyfish you swim through
- Sangalaki — green turtle and manta
- Maratua — barracuda in massive tornadoes
- Turtle Town — safe viewing of egg-laying March–October
About the region
The Derawan archipelago consists of Derawan, Maratua, Sangalaki, and Kakaban — four islands in calm water off Kalimantan. Logistically far from both Raja Ampat and Sulawesi. Few Swedes dive here.
Maratua is the base — that’s where the resorts are. Day trips take you to the other islands.
When to go
March to November. March–May is the season for turtle eggs on Sangalaki. November–April gives the best visibility.
What to know
- Travel: From Stockholm/Europe → Jakarta → Berau (Tanjung Redeb) → boat = 32+ hours total.
- Kakaban is its own chapter — the lake is fresh/brackish water, and the jellyfish have lost their sting over millions of years of isolation. A snorkel experience, not a dive.
- Maratua resorts are simple to mid-range. No luxury accommodation yet.
- Currents can be strong in the channels — Channel Entrance isn’t for beginners.
Good fit if you
Are looking for the “other Indonesia” experience beyond Raja/Komodo, want to swim Kakaban’s jellyfish lake, have time for the long travel.
Skip if you
Are on your first Indonesia trip or prioritize big pelagics — Derawan’s strength is the turtle + barracuda + Kakaban combination, not sharks or mantas.
Land activities
Limited. The island villages are small and simple. Kakaban’s lake snorkel is a full-day outing most people do once per trip.
What you can see
- Green sea turtle (females laying eggs)
- Manta ray
- Barracuda tornado
- Stingless jellyfish (freshwater lake)
Sound interesting?
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