Diving in Borneo is the main reason divers travel to East Kalimantan. This side of Borneo lies within the Coral Triangle, one of the most biodiverse marine regions on Earth. While many travelers first think of Malaysian or even Sipadan when planning a dive trip, Indonesian Borneo offers a different reward.
In the Derawan Archipelago, divers explore Derawan, Maratua, Kakaban, and Sangalaki for manta rays, sea turtles, coral reefs, jellyfish lakes, and dense fish life. This guide covers the best Borneo dive sites, what marine life to expect, and how to plan the trip smoothly.
1. Derawan Island
- Location: Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
- Signature: Sea turtles, easy reef access, island-hopping base
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to intermediate
- How to get there: Fly to Berau or Tarakan, then continue by speedboat to Derawan. Many travelers use Berau for a shorter transfer.
As the premier gateway to Borneo’s underwater world, Derawan Island is defined by crystal-clear waters, frequent turtle encounters, and vibrant reefs. Over-water cottages provide front-row seats to breathtaking sunrises, while its authentic charm offers a refreshing escape. Perfectly positioned for day trips to Kakaban and Maratua, the island makes the long journey worthwhile the moment your speedboat reaches the stunning turquoise shoreline.
2. Maratua Island
- Location: Outer edge of the Derawan Archipelago, East Kalimantan
- Signature: Stronger currents, coral reefs, caves, white sand beaches
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate to advanced
- How to get there: Reach via speedboat from Tanjung Batu or transfer by boat from Derawan. Maratua also has its own airport, which can simplify access on some routes.
For those seeking a more immersive and energetic diving experience in Borneo, Maratua Island is a premier choice. Often compared to the Maldives, it boasts crystal-clear waters, vibrant house reefs, and dramatic cave systems. While sea conditions can be more temperamental than those at Derawan, the payoff is a healthy, diverse marine ecosystem. It is a destination to settle into for several nights, offering a perfect balance of underwater adventure and stunning island scenery.
3. Kakaban Island
- Location: Near Maratua and Sangalaki in the Derawan Archipelago
- Signature: Stingless jellyfish lake, rare atoll setting, snorkeling and diving
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to intermediate
- How to get there: Usually reached by boat from Derawan or Maratua as part of an island-hopping trip.
Kakaban Island stands out as one of Borneo’s most distinctive destinations, offering an experience that transcends traditional reef diving. The island is famous for its enclosed marine lake, where you can swim among stingless jellyfish in crystal-clear waters. This unique atoll setting requires only a short walk inland to reach a completely different aquatic world. For those crafting a multi-island itinerary, Kakaban provides a signature memory that few other dive regions can match.
4. Sangalaki Island
- Location: Derawan Archipelago, East Kalimantan
- Signature: Manta rays, turtle hatchery, turtle nesting beaches
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- How to get there: Usually visited by boat from Derawan or Maratua.
Sangalaki Island is the premier destination for manta ray encounters and sea turtle conservation in Borneo. The island’s calm, shallow waters and pristine beaches provide a peaceful backdrop for witnessing pelagic action alongside vital hatchery work. Often considered the emotional highlight of the region, it perfectly balances marine adventure with a soft, photogenic atmosphere. This makes it an ideal retreat for those seeking a tranquil pace between more demanding dives.
5. Nunukan Island
- Location: Maratua Atoll area, East Kalimantan
- Signature: House reef, preserved coral gardens, turtles, barracuda schools
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate to advanced
- How to get there: Common access is via Berau and onward boat transfer arranged through the resort or dive operator.
Nunukan Island offers a more remote escape within the Derawan circuit, characterized by a quiet island atmosphere and a “hidden gem” feel. The destination is defined by its healthy coral gardens and an impressive house reef, with short boat rides leading to encounters with eagle rays, barracuda schools, and sea turtles. While hospitality experiences can vary, the smooth dive operations and high-quality underwater sites consistently make it a compelling choice for those seeking a more tranquil diving retreat.
What Marine Life Can You See While Diving in Borneo?
Diving in Borneo offers exceptional biodiversity because the Derawan Archipelago sits within the Coral Triangle. This marine region contains about 75% of the world’s coral species and supports hundreds of reef fish species. The waters around Derawan, Maratua, Kakaban, and Sangalaki provide diverse dive environments where pelagic encounters, reef ecosystems, and macro photography opportunities all exist within a relatively small area.
Divers visiting these borneo dive sites can expect three main categories of marine life:
- Pelagic species: Green sea turtles, reef sharks, schools of barracuda, and manta rays, especially around Sangalaki Island.
- Reef ecosystems: Coral gardens filled with parrotfish, groupers, and dense reef fish activity across Derawan and nearby islands.
- Macro creatures: Nudibranchs, frogfish, and pygmy seahorses, which attract underwater photographers searching for detailed macro subjects.
One unique advantage of scuba diving in Borneo is the balance between big marine encounters and macro diversity. Divers can experience large pelagic species during one dive and search for rare macro creatures on the next, making the Derawan Archipelago one of the most versatile diving destinations in Indonesia.
When Is the Best Time for Borneo Diving?
You can go diving in Borneo year-round, but April to October usually offers the best conditions. During these months, the sea is calmer and underwater visibility is often excellent, sometimes reaching around 30 meters.
From November to March, diving trips are still possible, but the weather becomes less predictable. Rougher seas can make speedboat transfers between islands more challenging, especially in more exposed areas like Maratua.
Seasonal wildlife also makes timing your trip worthwhile. Sangalaki Island is famous for manta ray encounters, while Derawan Island is well known for its large population of sea turtles and occasional nesting activity along the beaches.
Many travelers also combine diving with other experiences in Kalimantan. Popular options include visiting the rainforest, seeing orangutans, or spending a few extra days island-hopping between Derawan, Kakaban, and Maratua.
Explore more: 9 Best Beaches in Borneo for Your Island Escape
How to Plan Your Borneo Diving Trip (Travel Tips)
Most travelers access Borneo diving in Indonesia through Berau first. Kalimarau Airport is the most practical gateway for reaching the Derawan Archipelago. Some travelers also arrive through Tarakan, and Maratua has a small airport, but Berau remains the most common entry point for dive trips.
To ensure a smooth journey to the Derawan Archipelago, follow this typical travel flow:
- Arrival: Fly into Berau, then take a car to Tanjung Batu Port.
- Boat Transfers: From the port, a speedboat connects you to Derawan, Maratua, Kakaban, or Sangalaki.
- Professional Logistics: For seamless travel, coordinate airport pickups and water transfers through trusted operators like Derawan Dive Lodge or Noah Maratua Resort.
- All-in-One Packages: To simplify your trip, our Derawan Archipelago boat transfer service can include airport transfers, island-hopping logistics, and dedicated diving arrangements.
A slower pace allows you to fully experience the variety of Borneo dive sites without constant travel. We recommend 3–5 days per island:
- Derawan: Ideal for relaxed reef dives and frequent turtle encounters.
- Sangalaki: Best for manta ray cleaning stations and visiting conservation areas.
- Maratua: Suited for experienced divers who enjoy stronger currents and dramatic reef walls.
- Kakaban: Best visited as a day trip or short overnight stay to explore the famous stingless jellyfish lake.
Ready to Experience the Best Borneo Diving Adventures?
The best Borneo diving trips are built around the right islands and a relaxed travel pace. With destinations like Derawan, Maratua, Kakaban, and Sangalaki, planning a clear route can make the journey much smoother.
If you’re looking for guided itineraries, dive-focused packages, and practical travel advice, explore Indonesia Impression Tour. A curated plan can help match islands to your diving experience, organize transfers between remote locations, and connect you with trusted local operators.
A well-planned itinerary means less time worrying about logistics and more time underwater. Whether you’re hoping to see sea turtles, manta rays, vibrant coral reefs, or simply enjoy a relaxed island-hopping escape, the right route makes all the difference.
