Derawan & Maratua Island Tour from Bali: Whale Sharks, Manta Rays and Kakaban Jellyfish Lake – 5 Days
4 Days
Up to 7 days
8 people
English
About this activity
Derawan & Maratua Island Tour from Bali: Whale Sharks, Manta Rays and Kakaban Jellyfish Lake – 5 Days
Escape to one of Indonesia’s most spectacular marine destinations with our Derawan and Maratua Island Tour from Bali. This all-inclusive 5-day journey combines comfortable resort stays, tropical island hopping, and unforgettable marine encounters in East Kalimantan.
Travel from Bali to the Derawan Archipelago and explore the turquoise waters surrounding Maratua, Kakaban, Sangalaki, and Derawan islands. Swim in the famous Kakaban Jellyfish Lake, search for majestic manta rays around Sangalaki, and enjoy an opportunity to snorkel with whale sharks in their natural environment.
With domestic flights, accommodation, boat transfers, meals, snorkeling equipment, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide included, this Derawan tour package from Bali offers a convenient way to discover one of Borneo’s most beautiful island regions.
An All-Inclusive Derawan Island Tour from Bali
Your adventure begins with a hotel transfer in Bali and a domestic flight to Berau, the main gateway to the Derawan Islands. Upon arrival, our local team will welcome you and arrange your transfer to the harbour. From there, travel by speedboat across the clear tropical sea to Maratua Island.
This carefully arranged Bali to Derawan tour package removes the difficulty of organizing separate flights, boats, accommodation, and island excursions. We coordinate the essential services so you can focus on the scenery, wildlife, and peaceful atmosphere of the archipelago.
Stay in Tropical Resorts Across Three Islands
The journey includes accommodation on Maratua, Sangalaki, and Derawan. Each island offers a different experience, from the blue lagoon and coral gardens of Maratua to the turtle beaches of Sangalaki and the relaxed coastal atmosphere of Derawan.
Resort standards and facilities may vary between the islands because this region remains remote. However, every stay allows you to experience the natural beauty and authentic character of the Derawan Archipelago.
Explore Maratua Island’s Turquoise Lagoons
Maratua Island welcomes visitors with palm-fringed beaches, crystal-clear water, mangrove forests, and colorful coral reefs. Guests can snorkel near the resort, relax beside the sea, or enjoy available activities such as kayaking and cycling.
The island also provides a peaceful base for exploring nearby marine destinations. Away from crowded tourist routes, Maratua offers a relaxing tropical escape for couples, families, photographers, and nature lovers.
Snorkeling and Leisure Time at Maratua
Spend your free time swimming, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the white-sand beaches and blue lagoon scenery. Depending on the selected resort and local availability, you may also explore mangrove areas or visit a traditional Bajau fishing community.
Maratua’s surrounding reefs support a rich variety of tropical fish and corals. Therefore, even snorkeling close to the resort can become one of the journey’s memorable experiences.
Swim in Kakaban Stingless Jellyfish Lake
Kakaban Island contains one of Indonesia’s most extraordinary natural attractions. Hidden inside the island, Kakaban Jellyfish Lake is a mangrove-fringed brackish lake inhabited by several species of stingless jellyfish.
Guests can swim carefully among these gentle creatures while following local conservation regulations. The experience offers a rare opportunity to observe an isolated aquatic ecosystem in a remarkable natural setting.
Discover Kakaban’s Marine Biodiversity
Beyond the lake, Kakaban is surrounded by coral reefs, steep underwater walls, and diverse marine life. Snorkeling locations depend on currents, weather, and sea conditions.
Experienced certified divers may request optional diving arrangements at suitable sites. Some locations, including the Blue Cave, require advanced experience and are not part of the standard snorkeling program.
Search for Manta Rays at Sangalaki Island
Sangalaki Island is one of the best-known locations for manta encounters in the Derawan Archipelago. Nutrient-rich waters attract manta rays that often approach the surface to feed, creating an exciting opportunity for respectful wildlife observation.
During the Sangalaki manta ray snorkeling tour, guests may also encounter reef fish and other tropical marine species. All activities follow current sea conditions and guidance from the local boat crew.
Visit an Important Green Turtle Habitat
Sangalaki is also an important nesting area for green turtles. Guests may visit the turtle conservation area, subject to its operating schedule and local regulations, to learn about turtle protection and hatchling conservation.
Because turtles and manta rays are wild animals, their appearance cannot be guaranteed. Nevertheless, visiting their natural habitat remains a meaningful part of this Borneo marine adventure.
Snorkeling with Whale Sharks Near Derawan
One of the most anticipated experiences is the opportunity to join a whale shark tour near Derawan. Travel by speedboat to the designated observation area and, when conditions permit, enter the water with these magnificent marine animals.
Whale sharks are peaceful filter feeders, but every encounter must respect safe distances and local wildlife guidelines. Their presence depends on natural movements, weather, sea conditions, fishing activity, and the season.
Relax on Derawan Island
After the whale shark excursion, continue to Derawan Island for a relaxing final night. Enjoy the coastal atmosphere, explore the nearby beach, or snorkel in the clear water around the island.
Derawan provides a pleasant conclusion to a journey filled with coral reefs, tropical islands, and distinctive Borneo wildlife.
Why Choose This Derawan and Maratua Tour?
This 5-day Derawan and Maratua tour from Bali combines four remarkable islands in one convenient itinerary. Instead of arranging several separate services, guests receive a coordinated package covering flights, land transfers, boats, accommodation, guided excursions, and meals.
The program is ideal for travelers seeking:
- An all-inclusive island tour from Bali
- Whale shark and manta ray encounters
- Kakaban stingless jellyfish snorkeling
- Tropical resort accommodation
- Small-island exploration
- Marine wildlife photography
- A remote alternative to Indonesia’s busier destinations
A Remote Island Adventure in Indonesian Borneo
The Derawan Archipelago offers a rewarding combination of marine biodiversity, peaceful resorts, and authentic island life. From swimming among stingless jellyfish to searching for manta rays and whale sharks, every day introduces a different natural experience.
Book the Derawan and Maratua Island Tour from Bali for an unforgettable journey through Maratua, Kakaban, Sangalaki, and Derawan. Please contact us before booking so we can confirm domestic flights, resort availability, sea conditions, and the most suitable departure schedule.
Wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed because whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and other marine animals move freely in their natural habitats. The itinerary may change because of weather, tides, flight schedules, local regulations, or operational conditions.
Highlights
- All-inclusive journey from Bali to the Derawan Archipelago
- Domestic return flights between Bali and Berau
- Island hopping across Maratua, Kakaban, Sangalaki, and Derawan
- Opportunity to snorkel with whale sharks in their natural habitat
- Search for manta rays around Sangalaki Island
- Swim among stingless jellyfish in Kakaban Jellyfish Lake
- Visit an important green turtle habitat at Sangalaki
- Snorkel above colorful coral reefs and tropical marine life
- Relax on Maratua’s white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons
- Stay at selected island resorts and lodges
- Travel with an English-speaking local guide
- All essential land and boat transfers included
Included/Excluded
- Return hotel transfers in Bali
- Return domestic flights between Bali and Berau
- Airport assistance and transfers in Berau
- Private land transfers between Berau Airport and the harbour
- Speedboat transfers between the mainland and the islands
- Two nights’ accommodation at Maratua Resort
- One night’s accommodation at Sangalaki Resort
- One night’s accommodation at Derawan Resort or Dive Lodge
- Island excursions to Maratua, Kakaban, Sangalaki, and Derawan
- Visit to Kakaban Stingless Jellyfish Lake
- Manta ray snorkeling excursion around Sangalaki
- Whale shark observation and snorkeling excursion
- Turtle conservation visit, subject to availability
- Snorkeling equipment
- Life jackets during boat excursions
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
- Drinking water, tea, and coffee
- English-speaking local guide
- Entrance fees, harbour fees, parking fees, and local donations
- Government taxes and service charges
- International flights to and from Indonesia
- Bali hotel accommodation before or after the tour
- Scuba diving and diving equipment
- Optional activities offered by the resorts
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Additional meals or drinks not stated in the itinerary
- Laundry and room service
- Excess baggage charges
- Underwater camera rental
- Tips for the guide, driver, boat crew, and resort staff
- Expenses caused by flight delays, cancellations, severe weather, or other circumstances beyond our control
Itinerary
Day 1: Bali – Berau – Maratua Island (D)
Your Derawan and Maratua Island Tour from Bali begins with an early hotel pick-up and transfer to Bali Airport. Take a domestic flight to Berau, normally with a transit depending on the available schedule.
Upon arrival at Kalimarau Airport, meet our local guide and continue by private vehicle to the harbour. Board a speedboat and cross the tropical waters of the Derawan Archipelago to Maratua Island.
Check in at your resort and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. You may swim, snorkel near the resort, or relax while enjoying Maratua’s white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoon. Dinner and overnight at Maratua Resort.
Day 2: Maratua Island Leisure and Snorkeling (B, L, D)
Enjoy breakfast at the resort followed by a relaxing day on Maratua Island. Snorkel above the coral reefs near the resort, swim in the clear lagoon, or unwind beside the beach.
Depending on resort facilities and local availability, you may also enjoy kayaking, cycling, or exploring the surrounding mangrove area. A visit to a nearby Bajau fishing village may be arranged when time and local conditions permit.
Lunch, dinner, and overnight at Maratua Resort.
Day 3: Maratua – Kakaban Jellyfish Lake – Sangalaki Island (B, L, D)
After breakfast, depart by speedboat for Kakaban Island. Walk through the tropical forest to reach the famous Kakaban Stingless Jellyfish Lake. Swim carefully among several species of stingless jellyfish while following local conservation regulations.
Continue snorkeling around Kakaban at a location selected according to currents and sea conditions. The island’s surrounding waters feature coral walls, tropical fish, and diverse marine ecosystems.
After lunch, continue to Sangalaki Island. Search for manta rays at suitable snorkeling locations and visit the island’s turtle conservation area, subject to its operating schedule. Dinner and overnight at Sangalaki Resort.
Day 4: Sangalaki – Whale Shark Point – Derawan Island (B, L, D)
Depart early by speedboat for the designated whale shark observation area. When whale sharks are present and conditions are safe, guests can enter the water and snorkel near these gentle marine giants under the supervision of the guide and boat crew.
After the excursion, continue to Derawan Island. Check in at your resort or dive lodge and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. You may relax on the beach, explore the island, or snorkel in the surrounding clear water.
Lunch and dinner are provided. Overnight on Derawan Island.
Day 5: Derawan – Berau – Bali (B)
After breakfast, enjoy free time until departure. Travel by boat from Derawan Island to the mainland harbour and continue by private vehicle to Kalimarau Airport in Berau.
Take your return flight to Bali. Upon arrival, our driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Your 5-day Derawan and Maratua adventure ends with wonderful memories of Borneo’s islands and marine wildlife.
The departure time from Derawan will be adjusted to the confirmed domestic flight schedule.
Activity's Location
Owner
AHA Bali
Member Since 2022
