Scuba diving in Kalimantan, Indonesia
The Indonesian part of the island of Borneo, offers a unique diving experience with an abundance of marine life and rugged underwater landscapes.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Experienced Divers:
Kalimantan is known for its drift diving and strong currents, making it a popular destination for experienced divers looking for a challenge. The best dive sites for experienced divers include:
- Sangalaki Island: Known for its barracuda and manta ray sightings, this site offers drift dives along steep drop-offs and coral walls.
- Derawan Islands: A group of islands with a variety of dive sites, including steep walls and coral gardens. Experienced divers can also explore underwater caves and see unique macro life.
- Kakaban Island: Famous for its jellyfish lake, this site offers drift dives along walls with large schools of fish and occasional sightings of hammerhead sharks.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Beginners:
Kalimantan also offers dive sites suitable for beginners, with calmer waters and shallower depths. The best dive sites for beginners include:
- Nabucco Island: A small island with a sheltered bay, ideal for beginner divers to explore a variety of coral and fish species.
- Maratua Island: A popular spot for dive courses, with a range of easy dive sites and opportunities to see sea turtles and colorful reef fish.
- Sangalaki Island: While it's a popular spot for experienced divers, Sangalaki Island also offers a sheltered lagoon area with shallow waters suitable for beginners to learn.
About the Marinelife:
Kalimantan offers a rich and diverse marine life, with opportunities to see manta rays, sharks, sea turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. The dive sites also offer unique macro life, including nudibranchs, seahorses, and ghost pipefish.
Dive Conditions:
Dive conditions in Kalimantan vary depending on the site and the time of year. Currents can be strong, particularly in the channels between islands, making it important to dive with an experienced guide. Water temperatures range from 26-30°C (79-86°F), and visibility can be up to 30 meters (100 feet) on good days.
Cost:
Dive costs in Kalimantan vary depending on the dive operator and the dive site, but generally, diving in Kalimantan is less expensive than other popular dive destinations in Indonesia. A single dive can cost around $30-40 USD, with packages and multi-day dive trips available at discounted rates.
