Indonesia Escapes & Hideaways
Derawan Archipelago, Indonesia
The Island of Sangalaki is located off the East coast of the Indonesian portion of Borneo. The only accommodation on the island, Sangalaki Dive Lodge resort is uncrowded, the diving is spectacular, and exotic marine life that you've probably only seen in National Geographic is plentiful. You'll see Cuttlefish, Blue Ribbon Eels, Frogfish, Turtles, Manta Rays, Sharks, DOZENS of Species of Nudibranchs, HUNDREDS of species of hard and soft corals schools of brightly coloured Fusaliers and ZILLIONS of colorful reef fishes.
The spacious dive station is staffed by experienced personnel who will make your visit as effortless as possible. After you unpack your dive gear for the first time, you will never have to lift a tank or carry your gear for the rest of your stay - although you will, or course, be expected to do your own safety checks.
Scattered along the beach on either side of the Dining Hall/Dive Station complex are 12 individual sea-view beach chalets. They are spacious and private, with a comfortable distance between each of them. Each attractively decorated chalet is built on stilts about 3 ft (one metre) above the sand to allow passage for the turtles that nest on the beach every night. The chalets have their own verandas, two beds, and a private bathroom with hot water showers.
Interior of a typical Chalet at Sangalaki Dive Lodge. All Chalets have a veranda with a Sea View. Each Chalet is built on stilts above the white sand beach. Every night, turtles crawl up onto the beach to lay their eggs. The chalets are built on stilts to give the turtles access to the entire beach for nesting, and they frequently lay their eggs directly beneath the chalets. Interiors are tastefully appointed with one double or two twin beds, a writing desk, built in closets and a private bathroom with hot shower.