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Derawan Island
Derawan Island is situated of the west coast of Borneo and is part of the Sangalaki archipelago.
Derawan is an idyllic tropical island with white sandy beaches and coconut palms.
Getting to Derawan usually involves a scheduled flight from the UK to Singapore then a second flight to Balikpapan on Kalimantan Island before travelling the final leg of the journey to Derawan by speedboat.
Non-divers may consider this location limited in terms of things to do and see, unless the non-diver is content with sun, sand, swimming/ snorkelling and a good book.
The Diving
The seas around Derawan are noted for Manta Rays, particularly at Sangalaki and Kakaban Islands.
You are also likely to see schooling tuna, jacks, white tip nurse and leopard sharks.
Derawan Island is famous for the abundance of giant green turtles. Some visitors report that frequent
Notable Dive Sites
Derawan Island
The Terrains. Sightings of green turtles, white tip, leopard & nurse sharks, barracuda, napoleon wrasse, cuttle fish, Spanish mackerel, jacks, bat fish and the usual reef fish
Sangalaki Island
Noted for Mantas
Kakaban Island
The prehistoric lake.
Jellyfish that don't sting, sea cucumbers, sea snakes & gobbies
Barracuda Point
As the name suggests. Also possible to see blue tuna and sharks
Maratua Island
5 knot currents make for interesting drift diving with a variety of larger fish sightings including eagle rays.
Best Time to Visit
March to November.
World Wise
The best time for Manta sightings is March-June & September-November
Winds can reduce the viz underwater, but not a serious problem unless intent on wide-angle photography.
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