The Derawan Archipelago offers a complex and diverse underwater environment. Divers planning expeditions to this region require specific knowledge of its distinct sites and ecological significance. This guide addresses critical information for understanding the dive sites within this important marine ecosystem.
Sangalaki Island: Mantas and Turtles
Sangalaki Island is centrally important within the Derawan Archipelago. Administratively, Sangalaki Island lies within Berau Regency in the province of East Kalimantan, Indonesia. This island is primarily recognized for two major marine species. Sangalaki Island is internationally recognized as a prime manta ray habitat. Divers frequently encounter these pelagic rays in its surrounding waters. The island also holds significant ecological value for chelonians. Sangalaki is known as one of the largest green sea turtle nesting habitats in Southeast Asia. This status mandates its management as a turtle conservation area. The island itself is relatively small, covering an area of 15.9 hectares. Its shorelines are approximately 14 meters wide and consist largely of coral fragments. These fragmented shores serve as critical nesting grounds for the green sea turtles. Sangalaki Island is part of the Derawan Islands group located in the Sulawesi Sea off the coast of East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Its protected status underpins the health of the broader archipelago’s marine life. Understanding the conservation efforts here is crucial for responsible diving.
Derawan Island: Reefs and Macro Life
Derawan Island itself presents a contrasting dive experience to Sangalaki. While Sangalaki focuses on large pelagics and turtles, Derawan offers extensive reef systems. These reefs support a high diversity of smaller marine life. Divers exploring Derawan’s sites encounter various hard and soft corals. The island’s proximity to deeper waters also influences its marine fauna. Common sightings include pygmy seahorses, frogfish, and a multitude of nudibranch species. Derawan’s dive sites are generally shallower than those around Sangalaki, making them suitable for different skill levels. Currents around Derawan are often milder, allowing for longer bottom times and detailed observation of macro subjects. The reef structure itself provides shelter for juvenile fish populations. Derawan is also a central hub for accommodation and logistics for the entire archipelago. Its dive centers provide access to a wide range of sites, including those further afield. The administrative reach of Berau Regency extends to Derawan, ensuring consistent environmental regulations across the islands.
Kakaban Island: Jellyfish Lake and Walls
Kakaban Island presents a unique geological and biological phenomenon. Its primary draw is the Maratua Jellyfish Lake. This landlocked marine lake contains four species of stingless jellyfish. These jellyfish have evolved without predators, losing their stinging capabilities. Swimming with them offers a distinct encounter. Beyond the lake, Kakaban’s outer walls provide dramatic drift dives. These walls plunge hundreds of meters into the deep. Strong currents are common along Kakaban’s exterior, attracting large pelagic fish. Schools of barracuda, trevally, and reef sharks patrol these currents. The coral growth on the walls is extensive and varied, with large gorgonian fans and barrel sponges. Visibility around Kakaban is typically excellent, often exceeding 30 meters. The island’s remote location contributes to its pristine marine environment. Kakaban forms part of the larger Derawan Islands group. Its geological history, including uplift and isolation, created the unique lake ecosystem. Divers must adhere to strict guidelines when entering the jellyfish lake to protect its delicate inhabitants.
Maratua Island: Big Fish and Caverns
Maratua Island is the largest island in the Derawan Archipelago and offers a different scale of diving. Its extensive reef systems and proximity to deep ocean trenches attract larger marine species. Maratua is particularly known for its channel dives, where strong currents bring in pelagic predators. Hammerhead sharks are occasionally sighted in these deeper waters. Thresher sharks also inhabit the deeper sections around Maratua. The island features several impressive caverns and swim-throughs. These geological formations provide shelter for various reef fish and offer unique photographic opportunities. Barracuda Point, a prominent dive site, is famous for its large schools of barracuda and trevally. The coral health around Maratua is generally robust, with vibrant hard and soft corals. Maratua also hosts significant populations of green turtles, though not on the scale of Sangalaki’s nesting grounds. Visibility is consistently good, making it an excellent location for wide-angle photography. The sheer size of Maratua provides a diverse range of dive profiles, from shallow reef explorations to challenging deep wall dives.
Samama and Nabucco: Remote Reefs
Samama and Nabucco are smaller islands within the Derawan Archipelago, offering a more secluded diving experience. These islands are less frequented than the primary hubs, resulting in more pristine reef conditions. Samama is known for its macro life and healthy coral gardens. Divers can expect to find a variety of smaller crustaceans, cephalopods, and reef fish. The currents around Samama are generally mild, making it suitable for relaxed dives. Nabucco, often visited in conjunction with Samama, features vibrant soft coral reefs. These reefs are home to numerous species of nudibranchs and colorful reef fish. The visibility around both islands is typically high, allowing for clear views of the intricate reef ecosystems. These sites offer a counterpoint to the large pelagic encounters of Sangalaki and Maratua. They provide opportunities for detailed observation of the smaller, often overlooked, inhabitants of the reef. The conservation status of the Derawan Islands extends to these smaller locations, ensuring their continued protection. Their remote nature means fewer boats and divers, preserving the natural tranquility of the underwater environment.
More on Sangalaki Island (Indonesian)
Derawan Islands Overview
Sangalaki Tourism Information
The Rhythmic Dance of Sangalaki’s Mantas
The moment you descend into the azure waters surrounding Sangalaki Island, a world of vibrant color and serene majesty unfolds, promising encounters unlike anywhere else on Earth. Divers frequently find themselves in awe at “Manta Point,” one of several renowned cleaning stations where these magnificent creatures gather. Here, giant manta rays, with wingspans often exceeding three meters, glide gracefully through the currents, seemingly performing a ballet for their appreciative audience. The experience is intimate and profound, offering a rare glimpse into their natural behavior as smaller fish meticulously clean their massive bodies.
What sets Sangalaki apart is not just the presence of mantas, but their consistent abundance. The rich plankton blooms in