Expedition Overview
The Derawan Archipelago in East Kalimantan is one of Southeast Asia's great untouched marine photography destinations: a group of coral islands and atolls in the Celebes Sea with some of the highest marine biodiversity in the Coral Triangle. Kakaban Island encloses a lake populated by millions of non-stinging jellyfish — the result of 10,000 years of isolation that allowed the jellyfish to lose their stinging cells — one of only four such lakes on earth. Sangalaki is a key nesting beach for the endangered green turtle, and Manta Ray Point in the Maratua Atoll channels the tidal flow through a narrow gap that concentrates manta rays in extraordinary numbers.
This expedition is designed for photographers who want to experience marine wildlife photography at a level of intimacy that few places on earth still permit. Professor Nasrul Eam, who first photographed Derawan in 2019, considers it the most extraordinary marine wildlife photography experience he has encountered outside Raja Ampat.
Expedition Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Berau & Derawan Island
Fly to Berau (from Balikpapan, 1 hour) and take the speedboat to Derawan Island (1 hour). Evening on the beach as green turtles emerge from the sea at dusk to lay eggs — nesting occurs year-round but peaks June–October.
The Goal of the Day: Nesting turtle photography at dusk on the beach.
Day 2: Kakaban Jellyfish Lake
The 90-minute speedboat crossing to Kakaban Island. Entry into the lake by swimming over the narrow rim reef. Inside: millions of golden jellyfish pulsing in warm, clear water at 1–2m depth. Snorkelling photography in the safest and strangest marine environment possible.
The Goal of the Day: Surreal marine photography: jellyfish in such density they define the water itself.
Day 3: Sangalaki Turtle Nesting Beach
Sangalaki is a dedicated turtle nesting protection zone. Night photography of nesting green turtles (using red-light torches to avoid disorientating them) and the extraordinary sight of hatchlings making their way to the sea.
The Goal of the Day: Low-light wildlife photography; the ethical protocol of nesting beach photography.
Day 4: Maratua Atoll Reef & Manta Point
The Maratua Atoll has a classic coral atoll structure — a long lagoon enclosed by reef — with exceptional wall diving and reef photography. Manta Ray Point at the atoll entrance channels mantas year-round.
The Goal of the Day: Atoll reef and manta ray photography.
Day 5: Return to Berau & Flight Out
Final morning on Derawan Island beach. The island community of Bajo sea nomads maintains a semi-traditional life on the island — the houses on stilts over the water, the wooden boats, and the community composing with the reef and open sea.
The Goal of the Day: Sea nomad community documentation; maritime community life.
Book Your Expedition
Note: Final price may vary based on specific expedition details and customizations.
Expedition Leaders
Professor Nasrul Eam is a seasoned explorer and visual storyteller who has spent over two decades traversing Asia’s diverse landscapes and cultures. As Dean of the Department of Art and Photography at Light & Composition University, he leads immersive photography expeditions to regions like the Himalayas, Sundarbans, and Bali. These journeys blend cultural exploration with hands-on learning, culminating in a complete photography diploma. With a portfolio of over 50 publications—including The Quintessence of Photography and Illuminating Nature—his work captures the profound beauty of everyday life. His background in advertising, linguistics, and visual arts enriches his mentorship, guiding participants to uncover compelling narratives through their lenses. Professor Eam’s expeditions are transformative experiences, inspiring photographers to engage deeply with the world around them.
Travel Information
Fly to Balikpapan (from Jakarta, 2 hours; from Bali, 1.5 hours), then connection to Berau (1 hour). Best season: June–October (sea turtle nesting peak; calmer seas). November–May has rougher crossings to the outer islands.
What to Bring
• Underwater housing or waterproof compact (essential — all the main subjects are marine)
• Red-light torch for turtle nesting beach (white light is prohibited)
• Sunscreen (remote open-ocean environment)
• Sea-sickness medication (Maratua crossing can be rough)
