Activities · Destination Guide
Derawan Islands
Mantas, turtles, and a stingless jellyfish lake in a remote Coral Triangle corner of Borneo
Updated Dec 13, 2025 • 12 sources
Derawan Islands Activity Planning
Pick an activity mode to compare signature sites, skill fit, and gear planning notes before you lock your trip.
Scuba
What It Feels Like
Derawan diving is a two-speed destination: calm, turtle-filled reefs when you want an easy day, and tide-timed wall and point dives when you want adrenaline. Sangalaki is the manta headline, Kakaban brings steep walls, and Maratua adds current-driven action with schooling fish. Operators such as Scuba Junkie (Sangalaki) and resort-based dive centers around Maratua typically plan sites around tide and wind so you hit the points at the right moment.
Signature Sites
Start Here
Shallow sand and reef edges where mantas cruise through when tides concentrate food.
A classic cleaningstation style dive that can deliver mantas plus rays and turtles.
A currentexposed point where pelagic action can spike when the flow is right.
Level Up
Vertical wall scenery and gorgonians, often best when the current is running.
Dense schooling fish and high reef activity that makes Coral Triangle diving addictive.
Advanced
Steep wall structure with reef life on the top and deep blue below.
Planning Playbook
Operator Checklist
- Pick your base for your priorities: Derawan for easy days and village life, Maratua for walls and action, and add boat days to Sangalaki and Kakaban.
- Current sites are not casual: ask about tides, entry style, and whether a reef hook and SMB are recommended.
- Insurance matters: the nearest recompression chamber is widely cited as Balikpapan, so evacuation planning is part of trip planning.
- Nitrox and kit: availability varies by resort. If you care about Nitrox or specific gear sizes, confirm in advance.
Conditions Fallback
- Pick your base for your priorities: Derawan for easy days and village life, Maratua for walls and action, and add boat days to Sangalaki and Kakaban.
- Current sites are not casual: ask about tides, entry style, and whether a reef hook and SMB are recommended.
- Nitrox and kit: availability varies by resort. If you care about Nitrox or specific gear sizes, confirm in advance.
Avoid
- Do not ignore strong currents and downcurrents at points advisories from local operators.