ISLANDS AND LIVEABOARDS
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From here, there is easy access to dive sites with an excellent chance of close encounters with spectacular,
09 A lionfish under the jetty at Derawan Dive Lodge
large marine life. The dive sites around Derawan are perhaps best known for the many green and hawksbill turtles, and some of the local islands harbour the largest green turtle nesting sites in Indonesia.
Just over an hour’ s boat ride will take you from Derawan to Maratua Island. The strong currents at The Channel dive site create perfect conditions for the resident school of barracudas which swirls and circles, offering excellent photographic opportunities. There are also whitetip reef sharks patrolling the wall.
At Sangalaki Island the plankton rich waters attract majestic manta rays. All year round these graceful creatures come to feed just below the surface. While waiting for the mantas to pass overhead, or the occasional curious one to come down and dance for you, the rocks jutting up from the sandy bottom host a busy world of marine life to watch. For even more manta encounters there is a good chance of coming face-to-face with one while snorkelling between dives.
A day’ s diving around Kakaban is on most itineraries. The island is famous for its brackish water lake, one of only two in the world where you can snorkel with a vast number of stingless jellyfish. Around the walls, which drop off into the abyss, sharks and barracudas appear with a bit of current.
For big animals, small critters and much in between, your journey to this wonderful island and its environs will be richly rewarded.
PRACTICALITIES
WHEN This is a year-round destination, but for marine life the best time to visit is March to November. Manta sightings are most likely from March to June and between September and November.
STAY / DIVE
• Derawan Dive Lodge
• Tasik Divers at Derawan Dive Lodge www. derawandivelodge. com
HOW Fly from Singapore to Balikpapan on SilkAir, or you can fly to Balikpapan via Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta. Another short 45-minute flight will take you to Berau airport, and your resort’ s driver should pick you up for a scenic two-hour drive to Tanjung Batu on the coast. From here, it is a quick 30-minute speedboat ride to beautful Derawan Island.
TOPSIDE This is remote desert island territory. Kicking back in a hammock on a palm-fringed, white sand beach with a good book is de rigueur, with occasional snorkels with turtles along the shore.
ENTRY A valid passport of six months beyond date of entry to Indonesia is required. There are currently no international departure taxes.
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