Explore the Derwan Islands
Lying in the western Celebes Sea, in the province of East Kalimantan, is the Derawan Islands. The archipelago consists of 31 islands with the most well-known islands being Derawan, Maratua, Sagalaki, Kakaban, Samama, and Panjang. Off the beaten track, Derawan diving offers both roaring drift dives and sedate muck dives. You have the option of diving into a lake full of stingless jellyfish at Kakaban, gliding among manta rays at Sangalaki Marine Park, searching for strange creatures on sandy seabeds at Derawan or watching as hammerheads, thresher sharks and grey reef sharks patrol the area at Maratua - why not experience it all!
As Derawan and Maratua are the only inhabited islands, scuba diving in Derawan is only possible from the few dive resorts on the two islands. Derawan Island has a dive centre with a certfied school where novice divers can take part in dive courses. Jumping in from one of the visiting liveaboards will ensure you get the most out of every island in the Derawan archipelago and the best opportunity to see any visiting whale sharks.
Top Derawan Islands Dive Sites
Kakaban Island
Kakaban Island offers a unique diving experience with its famous Jellyfish Lake, where you can snorkel among stingless jellyfish. The island's surrounding waters host rich marine life, including barracudas, blue-fin tuna, and eagle rays. It is suitable for advanced divers due to strong currents, primarily for scuba diving.
Maratua Island
Known for its drift dives at Big Fish Country, Maratua Island is teeming with megafauna like whale sharks and hammerheads. The coral reefs and diverse marine life attract advanced scuba divers. The area is part of a marine park, emphasizing its ecological importance.
Sangalaki Island
Sangalaki Island is renowned for manta rays at Manta Parade. The lagoon is a feeding ground for these majestic creatures, making it a captivating site for both scuba and freediving. The moderate currents make it accessible for intermediate divers. It is also part of a protected marine area.
Derawan Island
A macro diver's paradise, Derawan Island is ideal for spotting ghost pipefish, pygmy seahorses, and blue-ringed octopus. The diving conditions are generally easy, suitable for beginners, focusing on scuba diving. Derawan's ecosystems contribute significantly to the region's biodiversity.
Barracuda Point, Kakaban
Barracuda Point offers thrilling drift dives surrounded by large schools of barracuda. The site is recommended for advanced scuba divers due to its powerful currents. Besides the barracudas, divers can encounter eagle rays and other pelagic species, making it an exhilarating dive.
The best Months to dive in the Derawan Islands
Derawan diving is possible all year round and although the rainy season begins from November through to April this rarely affects liveaboards schedules. Your best chance to see whale sharks at the Derawan Islands is around the new moon while the manta rays are residents at Sangalaki and can be seen all year.