Discover Kakaban’s Stingless Jellyfish, Everything You Need to Know

Wednesday, 28 Aug 2024

Nestled in the Derawan Islands of East Kalimantan, Indonesia, Kakaban Island offers one of the world’s most unique natural experiences: the chance to swim among stingless jellyfish. This remarkable location is home to a brackish lake formed over 11,000 years ago during the Holocene epoch, where sea levels rose and trapped seawater inside the island. Over millennia, the jellyfish within this lake adapted to their isolated environment, evolving to lose their stingers due to the lack of predators.

The Stingless Jellyfish of Kakaban

Four distinct species of stingless jellyfish inhabit Kakaban Lake, each with its unique characteristics:

Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita): The largest species in the lake, these jellyfish are transparent and can grow up to 30 centimeters in diameter. Their transparency makes them difficult to spot at first, but their graceful movements are mesmerizing once you adjust.
Spotted Jellyfish (Mastigias papua): Perhaps the most iconic species in the lake, these jellyfish are abundant and often the first you’ll encounter when entering the water. They can grow up to 20 centimeters across and are easily recognizable by their distinctive spots.
Upside Down Jellyfish (Cassiopea ornata): These jellyfish are typically found resting on the lakebed, living up to their name by lying upside down. They are similar in size to the spotted jellyfish but have a more subdued appearance.
Box Jellyfish (Tripedalia cystophora): The smallest of the lake's jellyfish species, the box jellyfish are less than one centimeter in size and more challenging to spot due to their transparent bodies.

A Unique Ecosystem

The lake is not just about jellyfish. It supports a variety of other marine life, including sponges, sea cucumbers, gobies, and lush seagrasses, all thriving in brackish water. The shores of the lake are lined with mangrove trees, adding to the ecological diversity. Visitors can also enjoy the symphony of sounds from the surrounding jungle, enhancing the sense of being in a pristine, untouched environment.

Visiting Kakaban Island

Getting to Kakaban Island involves a bit of adventure. The journey typically starts with a flight to Berau, East Kalimantan, followed by a boat ride to the Derawan Islands. From there, a short walk brings you to the edge of the lake, where you can don your snorkeling gear and dive into this otherworldly experience. It’s essential to adhere to environmental guidelines while visiting, such as avoiding the use of fins to prevent stirring up sediment and refraining from using sunscreen, which can be harmful to the lake’s delicate ecosystem.

Conclusion

Swimming with stingless jellyfish in Kakaban Lake is an unforgettable experience that highlights the wonders of nature’s adaptability. The lake’s isolated environment has allowed a unique ecosystem to flourish, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurous travelers alike. Whether you’re fascinated by marine biology or simply seeking a serene escape, Kakaban Island offers a glimpse into a world where evolution has taken a truly remarkable path.