4-Day Derawan Archipelago Stingless Jellyfish Lake & Manta Reefs
Prehistoric landlocked marine lakes, swimming with stingless jellyfish, and green turtle atolls
A remote archipelago off East Borneo. Swim without fear among millions of golden stingless jellyfish in Kakaban Island’s prehistoric landlocked lake, watch giant green turtles lay eggs on Sangalaki’s sands, and drift along Sangalaki’s famous Manta Parade reef.
Day-by-Day Itinerary & Daily Flow
Berau to Maratua Island Overwater Paradise
Arrive in Berau (BEJ) via Balikpapan. 2.5-hour speedboat transfer across turquoise ocean swells to the outer coral atoll of Maratua.
Unpack in your timber bungalow built directly on stilts over the coral reef. Watch green sea turtles surfacing every few minutes right beneath your balcony.
Enjoy grilled red snapper and coconut rice on the overwater boardwalk as the sun sinks beneath the vast Pacific horizon.
Derawan 4-Island Snorkel Expedition (Kakaban & Sangalaki)
Prehistoric Kakaban Island Stingless Jellyfish Lake & Kehe Daing Lagoon
Board an express speedboat for the crossing to Kakaban Island, an uplifted limestone atoll. Climb the timber stairway trail through thick coastal forest and cross the island rim down to its prehistoric landlocked marine lake, isolated from the open sea for over two million years.
Slip into the warm brackish lake and swim among millions of golden stingless jellyfish (Mastigias papua) and moon jellyfish. Evolving without predators, they have completely lost their sting. Afterward, visit Kehe Daing, a secret turquoise lagoon accessible via a natural tidal rock tunnel.
Snorkel Kakaban’s outer barrier reef where a vertical drop-off plunges into the cobalt abyss, harboring sea turtles and blacktip reef sharks. Return to Maratua for grilled coastal catch and coconut rice under the stars.
Kakaban Stingless Jellyfish Lake & Kehe Daing Cave Expedition
Sangalaki Island Oceanic Manta Rays & Green Turtle Hatchery
Speed across turquoise waters to Sangalaki Island, world-famous for its year-round resident manta ray population. Snorkel alongside oceanic mantas gliding majestically over shallow coral cleaning stations, watching them perform graceful feeding loops in the plankton-rich currents.
Step onto Sangalaki’s blinding white coral beaches to visit the dedicated green sea turtle conservation hatchery. Learn about nest protection programs from local rangers and participate in releasing newborn hatchlings toward the rolling surf before exploring the pristine tidal sand spit.
Cruise to Derawan Island to stroll the wooden walkways of the local Bajau water village. Watch green sea turtles surfacing to graze on sea grass beds right beneath the public pier while savoring fresh tropical fruit and grilled fish skewers.
Sangalaki Manta Ray Encounter & Sea Turtle Hatchery Experience
Maratua Lagoon, Schooling Barracuda & Flight Back to Bali
Explore Maratua Atoll’s massive turquoise marine lagoon, famous for its vivid multi-hued waters. Snorkel at the exhilarating channel entrance, swimming with enormous swirling schools of chevron barracuda, spotted eagle rays, and reef sharks patrolling the tidal flow.
Return to the resort for an open-air shower and fresh seaside lunch. Board the express speedboat across the Celebes Sea back to the mainland harbor at Tanjung Batu, followed by a private air-conditioned vehicle transfer to Berau.
Arrive at Kalimarau Airport (BEJ) in Berau for your scheduled flight to Balikpapan (BPN) connecting directly back to Denpasar, Bali (DPS). Return home enriched by one of the ocean’s most pristine marine wildernesses.
Maratua Channel Snorkel & Mainland Airport Transfer
Kalimantan (Borneo Wilds)
This expedition is part of the Kalimantan (Borneo Wilds) travel portal. Explore all destinations and regional flight connections.
Open Kalimantan (Borneo Wilds) Portal →Curated Stays in this Region
Swissotel Nusantara
Exlusive Studio Apartemen Borneo Bay
Priority Kalimantan Samarinda
GuestHouse Sweethome Syariah Banjarbaru
Field Gear & Packing Essentials
Core expedition essentials verified for tropical island maritime transit, volcanic trails, and remote crossings.
- ✓ Footwear: Broken-in trail runners or reef booties with vulcanized high-traction grip.
- ✓ Waterproof Pack: 20L submersible dry bag for open-sea tender and zodiac boat transfers.
- ✓ Health & Sun: Reef-safe mineral sunscreen, tropical DEET insect repellent, and electrolytes.
Quick Itinerary Links
Other Suggested Expeditions
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