Sangalaki Island In Borneo

Sangalaki Island

Your Adventure Experts Island Dreams' Ken Knezick was involved in the first American familiarization trip to Sipadan, and has been representing Borneo Divers continuously since 1989. In 1992, Borneo Divers' Ron Holland invited Ken on an exploratory expedition to the then undeveloped island of Sangalaki and its sister island of Kakaban, off the coast of Indonesian Borneo.

They camped out in relatively primitive conditions, but what they saw was more than enough to convince Borneo Divers to develop a dive resort there. The partnership has since changed hands but Sangalaki Diving Lodge remains. Sangalaki is the world Capital of Mantas. At Sangalaki Diving Site the familiar set of Manta Rays emerges from all directions. Their wing tips breaking the surfaces at regular interval.

Snorkelling is the way to interact with this gentle plankton feeders. Totally unperturbed by your presence, they swim in eurythymy and sometimes glide right up to you before making a sharp nose-dive into the blue. It is not unusual to find them encircling you.

Though most of them are about 3,5 meters (12 ft) wide with a white belly, there a few black giant with a 6 meters (20 ft) wing span - we refer to them fondly as the Darth Vaders.
Located 90 miles from Tarakan, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, and lying just two degrees above the Equator, the island of Sangalaki is clothed in dense jungle forest surrounded by white sandy beaches. Shallow reefs extend out 600 meters from shore.

The soft, sandy beaches with tropical undergrowth provide the perfect natural site for turtle egg laying. As a result, Sangalaki is a prolific turtle breeding area. You will have the opportunity to see mating activity, nesting, egg laying, and baby hatchlings making their way back into the sea, completing the cylce of life. Anyone interested in wildlife will find this a truly unforgettable experience.

Sangalaki is also a breeding ground for manta rays, and sightings are a daily occurrence. It's also common to see eagle rays, sting rays, giant green turtles, leopard shark, cuttlefish, and all manor of the Indo-Pacific realm's dazzling array of tropical fish, hard and soft corals, and invertebrate life. The nearby island of Kakaban adds to the variety with a profound wall dive and its own diverse array of marine life. To complete the attraction, Kakaban's interior contains a unique jellyfish lake. Similar to the one in Palau, it is home to millions of (non-stinging) jellyfish and a host of other exotic life, including some species found no where else in the world.

Due to its unique location, a visit to Sangalaki can be accomplished in conjunction with a trip to Mabul, with exciting land touring options available throughout Borneo and Malaysia. It can just as easily be made a prime component of a trip to Bali and Indonesia. In either case, the traveler must make their way to the International Airport at Balikpapan, the major city on the Indonesian state of Kalimantan. From there, a representative will assist with the small plane flight continuing on to coastal city of Tanjung Redeb in the Berau district. In some cases, flight schedules will necessitate an overnight in Balikpapan.

The price for a week at Sangalaki is $1750 per person. This includes the boat transfer from Berau, 7 nights lodging, hotel tax, all meals, three boat dives per day, and two boat night dives per week. This price is based on four or more guests transfering at the same time, in each direction. Custom transfers, for less than four people, are at additional expense.


Airfare and any lodging on the mainland is additional. Island Dreams can assist you with your international flights, as well as the domestic air arrangements to Berau. We have years of experience, and the knowledge to help you learn more about Sangalaki, Indonesia and Malaysia. Call or E-mail to receive a free information package. Start planning YOUR ultimate dive adventure...contact Island Dreams today!

Sangalaki-Derawan Island Map