Derawan, East Kalimantan

Extra Divers Virgin Cocoa

The experienced and reputable team of Extra Divers, perhaps more familiar to some from their long-standing operations in Egypt, Oman, and Bali, welcome you to experience some of the best diving of your life. 

The diving centre uses speed boats for the full and half-day trips, while smaller 'water taxis’ will provide access to the extensive house reef. Diving is guided in very small groups, wherever possible. 

The house reef is a 4-kilometre stretch of outer reef rich with life, this can be dived dawn into the night. It's possible to see anything from pygmy seahorses and leaf fish to sharks, rays, turtles and jacks. Macro fans can enjoy a variety of nudibranchs, blue-ring octopus and frogfish.   

The close-by sites in the Maratua Atoll feature colourful walls and racing channels. The famous site “Big Fish Country” is a short 25-minute boat ride from the resort, where it's possible to see huge schools of barracuda, a variety of sharks and the odd eagle ray. Virgin Cocoa's outstanding location offers the chance to see mantas and thresher sharks close to Sangalaki Island, while Kakaban Island is home to the inland lake filled with millions of non-stinging jellyfish.

Dive Pack Prices

A package of 10 house reef dives, including a guide, typically costs £440, there's then a local supplement if you wish to go further afield on a half or full day boat trip. Extra Divers Cocoa Virgin have both 10L and 12L tanks, Nitrox is complimentary for qualified divers. Equipment is available to rent and the dive centre can conduct a variety of scuba courses.

Extra Divers Nabucco

Extra Divers Nabucco have the famous Big Fish County channel right on their doorstep. The fully-equipped dive centre is positioned on its own jetty and offers up to four boat dives per day from one of three comfortable fibreglass boats. The welcoming and experienced team are ready to share some of the best dive sites in the Celebes Sea. 

Divers visiting the area may see various species of sharks, huge schools of barracuda, manta rays, eagle rays, leopard sharks, and turtles. If luck is with you, it’s also possible to spot hammerhead sharks, tuna and elusive sailfish. For macro enthusiasts, the dive sites around Kakaban Island should deliver with colourful reefs, seahorse, nudibranch, and frogfish. 

Dive Pack Prices

A package of 10 boat dives, including a guide, typically costs £465, there's then a local supplement if you wish to go further afield on a half or full-day boat trip. Extra Divers Nabucco have both 10L and 12L tanks, Nitrox is available at supplement cost. Equipment is available to rent, and the dive centre can conduct a variety of SSI courses.   

Climate

Mid January - June are semi dry
July - August southerly wind, can be choppy
September, October and mid November are said to be the best months to travel
Mid November to Mid January rainy

Time

East Kalimantan is GMT / BST +7 or +8 hours

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) in used in East Kalimantan.

Land Clothing

If you are venturing any further, we recommend modest dress with loose fitting clothing. Natural fabrics are more comfortable.

Flights 

International:
Best flight option into Balikpapan is with Singapore Airlines

Internal flight:
Balikpapan - Berau flights: 45 minutes

On arrival, there may be a wait in Balikpapan’s comfortable lounge or an overnight in a local hotel. This is the same for the return journey. 

Visas

Entry requirements vary from country to country, and it’s important to check the latest visa information well before you travel. Some destinations may allow visa-free entry for a limited period, while others require an eVisa or a visa obtained in advance. To ensure you have the correct documentation for your trip, we recommend checking the official advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or contacting the relevant country’s embassy or consulate. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

Passports

Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip and meets the entry requirements of your destination. Many countries require at least six months’ validity beyond your planned return date, while others may have different rules. For the most reliable and up-to-date information, visit the UK Government’s passport guidance or the official travel advice pages for your destination. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

If you’re planning to travel to or via an EU country (with certain exceptions) your UK passport must meet two key requirements, it must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country and it must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date.

Vaccinations & Health Advice

Health and vaccination requirements differ depending on where you're travelling. Some destinations may require proof of specific vaccinations or recommend certain precautions to protect your wellbeing.

We’re not qualified to provide you with specific advice on vaccinations and strongly recommend that you contact your healthcare professional before you travel to discuss the inoculations you may need to consider.

For trusted guidance on health and vaccination advice, refer to the NHS Travel Vaccination Advice, Masta Travel Health or Travel Health Pro websites.