Update: Check out the details of Sangalaki Liveaboards in 2009.
Sangalaki, Derawan and Maratua represent an excellent and as yet still unheralded diving region.
Many know of the amazing mantas of Sangalaki, the jellyfish lake of Kakaban and the big pelagic action to be had around Maratua but it has not really come into its own yet as a region that has entered the mainstream diver conscience.
For a long time the area has been crying out for a liveaboard and finally this year sees one taking in the whole region over a 6 night cruise, the Panunee, which will run from June to September 2008.
The boat can accommodate up to 20 divers and this itinerary would make a great full boat charter. Imagine you and all your buddies on your own Sangalaki liveaboard cruising around the islands off Borneo!
It used to be that the region was difficult to get to but that has changed in recent years with more and more airlines running flights between Tarakan and Balikpapan.
There is no longer any need to overnight between Singapore and Tarakan from where the boat departs. So you can depart Singapore and be on board cruising into paradise on the same day! It is the same on the way back so the whole trip can be done in a week.
6 Nights Sangalaki Liveaboard Price:
Suite: US$ 1,543 (Baht 52,000)
Deluxe: US$ 1,425 (Baht 48,000)
Price includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, hot chocolate, tea and water, dives, tanks, weights and weightbelts, experienced English-speaking divemaster(s)
Price excludes:
Domestic Airfare Balikpapan-Tarakan-Balikpapan = US$ 300/pax (including tax, porter, handling in Balikpapan & Tarakan + 25 kg baggage), excess weight charge = approx. US$ 1/Kg, Fuel Surcharge US$ 130, scuba equipment, torches, dive insurance, soft and alcoholic drinks.
Itinerary
Embarkation /Disembarkation : Tarakan Port, Indonesia
Night on board : 6 nights
Diving days : 5 days
Day 1 / Friday
13.50 hrs Depart Singapore Airport (SIN) by Silk Air, MI 284
16.10 hrs Arrival Balikpapan Airport (BPN)
18.50 hrs Depart BPN for Tarakan Airport (TRK) by Batavia Air, 7P-251
20.00 hrs Arrive TRK Airport and transfer to Tarakan port
21.00 hrs Check –in, boat orientation and crew introduction, light meal
23.00 hrs Depart Tarakan port for diving safari
Day 2 / Saturday – Full diving day in Sangalaki Island area
Day 3 / Sunday – Full diving day in Kakaban area
Day 4 / Monday – Full diving day in Maratua area
Day 5 / Tuesday – Full diving day in Samama area
Day 6 / Wednesday – Full diving day in Derawan Island area
Day 7 / Thursday
05.30 hrs Breakfast & Check out
06.00 hrs Transfer to TRK Airport
07.45 hrs Depart TRK Airport for BPN by Batavia Air, 7P-252
09.00 hrs Arrive BPN
11.10 hrs Depart BPN for SIN by Silk Air, MI 281
13.25 hrs Arrive SIN
It is not known whether the Panunee will be running their liveaboard around Sangalaki
every year or whether this year represents a once-off opportunity to take in the amzing Sangalaki, Derawan, Maratua region in the comfort of a liveaboard. So act now to avoid disappointment!
For enquiries or bookings, please call Dive The World – +66 (0)94 582 7973 / (0)83 505 7794 or you could send us an email