Diving in Sangalaki

The Manta Expressway

Just over the border from Sabah and in fact in Indonesian Borneo is the island of Sangalaki - a superb dive spot where big numbers of manta rays frolic all year round. Many destinations claim that mantas are frequent visitors but few can truly lay claim to having resident mantas all year round, and so many of them!

Add great macro diving sites and the Jellyfish Lake of Kakaban and it is clear why many people believe Sangalaki diving is without rival in the region. Not only can you dive whenever you want with large groups of mantas, flipping and rolling all around you, but you can also snorkel in a freshwater lake which seems more like stingless jellyfish soup, and enjoy the splendid rugged wall dives of nearby Kakaban. Being at Sangalaki is like being in several great dive destinations at once - manta rays, macro, Jellyfish Lake and splendid wall dives, a winning combination.

Highlights

Manta Parade - As with the several dive sites with the word 'manta' in the title this dive normally begins when you can see the manta rays all around your diving boat. They may not be huge oceanic manta rays but you will have no complaints if you find yourself in the middle of six or seven mantas swooping all around you.

• Send your diving holidays enquiry

How to Dive Sangalaki

There only resort on the island of Sangalaki is Sangalaki Dive Lodge, which is undergoing a major renovation. For ease of travel, and if you want to be on the doorstep of the most amazing manta dive sites, then we recommend a Sangalaki liveaboard for 6 nights on board the Panunee.

Diving Season

Being only two degrees north of the equator means that Sangalaki isn't really visited by a monsoon season so the diving and weather conditions are steady and fine throughout the year.

Reef Summary

Great for: Large animals, underwater photography and advanced divers
Not so great for: Non-diving activities
Depth: 10 - >40m
Visibility: 10 - 30m
Currents: Moderate
Surface Conditions: Can be choppy
Water Temperature: 28 - 30°C
Experience Level: Beginner - advanced
Number of dive sites: 13
Access: Dive lodge or liveaboard
Recommended length of stay: 6 - 8 days

Dive Site Descriptions

For further information and details on the Sangalaki dive sites:

• Sangalaki tourist information

• Scuba diving vacation enquiries

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