Tuesday, 24 Jun 2025

Kakaban Lake Adventure: Swim with Stingless Jellyfish Near Maratua Island

Have you ever dreamed of drifting through an underwater world filled with gentle jellyfish that don’t sting? Just beyond the shores of Sienna Resort Maratua lies Kakaban Lake — one of Indonesia’s most extraordinary natural wonders and a must-see for anyone visiting the Derawan Archipelago.

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

Discovering Kakaban Lake

Kakaban Island sits northwest of Maratua Island and is part of the famous Derawan Archipelago in East Kalimantan, Borneo. The island is uninhabited and covered in dense jungle, hiding a hidden lake that formed thousands of years ago when the island uplifted from the sea. Over time, marine water became trapped, creating a brackish lake that evolved into an entirely unique ecosystem.

From Sienna Resort, it’s an easy boat ride of about 30 to 45 minutes. Along the way, you’ll pass tiny islands, calm turquoise waters, and perhaps spot dolphins or flying fish playing in the waves — so keep your camera ready!

Meet the Stingless Jellyfish

What makes Kakaban so famous is its population of stingless jellyfish. Isolated from the open sea for millennia, the jellyfish lost their need for stingers because they had no predators. Today, four species live in the lake: the elegant moon jellyfish with its translucent body the spotted jellyfish with unique markings the upside-down jellyfish that often rests on the lake bed and the tiny box jellyfish, which in the ocean can sting but here is completely harmless.

Swimming among stingless jellyfish feels like entering another world — thousands drift silently around you, catching the sunlight in their graceful movements. It’s peaceful, surreal, and unlike anywhere else on Earth.

How to Get There with Us

At Sienna Resort Maratua, we love sharing this magical place with our guests. We arrange daily or private trips to Kakaban Lake, with experienced guides who know the best times to visit for clear weather and calm waters. Most guests prefer the dry season, from March to October, when the sun lights up the lake beautifully.

We recommend packing light for your adventure: swimwear, a rash guard instead of sunscreen, and an underwater camera for unforgettable snapshots. Our guides will explain how to protect the lake’s ecosystem and ensure you get the most out of your swim.

Your Kakaban Lake Experience

Once your boat arrives at Kakaban Island, you’ll disembark at a small jetty and follow a wooden boardwalk that winds through lush jungle for about ten minutes. As you reach the lake’s edge, a platform invites you to slip into the warm, calm water where the jellyfish await.

Float gently — there’s no need to swim quickly. The jellyfish will glide around you, unafraid and unharmed. Many guests find this moment deeply calming, like meditation in nature. It’s an experience that stays with you long after you return home.

More Adventures Around Kakaban

Your day doesn’t end with the lake. Kakaban Island is surrounded by stunning drop-off reefs teeming with fish, turtles, and sometimes sharks. Many of our guests choose to snorkel or dive the outer walls before heading back.

Nearby Sangalaki Island is another gem, world-famous for its resident manta rays. Our resort organizes snorkeling trips to watch these gentle giants feeding and gliding gracefully through clear blue water.

For divers, Maratua Island offers rich coral gardens, dramatic walls, and the famed Maratua Channel where schools of barracuda and big pelagics pass by. Many visitors plan a full-day itinerary combining all three islands for the ultimate archipelago adventure.

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Stay and Explore with Sienna Resort

Our beachside resort is the perfect base for exploring Kakaban Lake and the surrounding islands. After your adventure, unwind in your comfortable bungalow, savor fresh seafood at our restaurant, and swap stories with fellow travelers under the stars. We offer customized dive packages, snorkeling trips, and island-hopping tours to help you experience the best of Maratua and beyond.

Plan Your Jellyfish Adventure Today

Are you ready to swim through a dreamlike lake full of stingless jellyfish? Let Sienna Resort Maratua make it happen for you. Visit Sienna Resort Maratua to check our packages and start planning your unforgettable Kakaban Lake adventure today!