Pearls of Borneo
Sangalaki, Derawan, Maratua, Kakaban, Samama

This 11-Night roundtrip from/to Tarakan in the Northeast of Borneo takes us to the islands and reefs rising out of the depth of the Makassar Strait. Leaving the Borneo coastline behind, the sea becomes deep very soon. Yet a little further out, a series of large coral reefs and islands rises out of the sheer depth to the surface. They are swept by strong currents, washing up big fish from the depth to shallower waters, where they join in and chase the many reef fish.

Each island has its own specialty: Observe schools of manta rays at Sangalaki, who come here to feed on plankton. Dive amongst turtles and search for the many hidden critters in the waters around Derawan. See the barracudas, sharks, and once again mantas outside the V-shaped island of Maratua. Immerse in the saltwater lake full with non-stinging jellyfish in the middle of the island of Kakaban – or dive the spectacular walls fringing the island. Scan the shallow waters surrounding Samama to find a wealth of macro life.

There are other islands in the group we will pass and dive on our way, however we will also include a few exploratory dives on the long reef lining the Borneo coastline, a huge place no-one else but us is diving!

Our point of departure/arrival, Tarakan, is well connected to the rest of the world - to Singapore via Balikpapan, as well as to Bali and Jakarta.