Dive the Derawan Archipelago
From sheer walls above a 4,000-metre abyss to a lake of stingless jellyfish and year-round manta rays - four extraordinary dive experiences within one archipelago.
The Derawan Archipelago lies off the eastern coast of East Kalimantan, at the heart of the Coral Triangle. Its outer edges drop into the Celebes Basin - over 4,000 metres of open ocean - while its interior holds a landlocked lake whose jellyfish evolved in complete isolation to lose their sting entirely. Over 460 species of hard and soft coral and more than 870 species of fish make this one of the most diverse marine environments in Southeast Asia.
Maratua's walls and deep channels concentrate pelagic life - chevron barracuda, grey reef sharks, thresher sharks, and eagle rays. Kakaban's outer wall is one of the most intense dives in the archipelago; its jellyfish lake is unlike anywhere else on earth. Sangalaki holds the largest green sea turtle nesting ground in Southeast Asia and year-round aggregations of reef manta rays. Talisayan, near the mainland coast, offers pre-dawn encounters with whale sharks at traditional fishing platforms.
Resorts are based on or around the Maratua atoll. Day trips to Kakaban, Sangalaki, and Talisayan are typically included in packages above a minimum stay, or can be added at a per-boat fee.
