Kakaban Lake
Kalimantan Region
Kakaban Lake is a remarkable marine lake located in the center of Kakaban Island, part of the Derawan archipelago in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The lake is brackish, formed by seawater trapped during the island's uplift in the Holocene era, mixing with freshwater from rainfall. It is surrounded by dense jungle and mangroves, creating a secluded natural environment. The lake is famous for its diverse jellyfish population, including four species that lack stinging cells harmful to humans, making it a popular diving spot. The ecosystem within the lake is isolated and hosts many endemic species such as sea cucumbers, seastars, and unique fish species. Kakaban Island itself is an uplifted coral atoll with steep limestone cliffs and strong currents, offering dramatic underwater features like Barracuda Point and the Blue Light Cave. These features attract divers worldwide for drift diving and cave exploration. The lake's unique environment and rich biodiversity make it an exceptional natural attraction in Indonesia's marine landscape.
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Tip: The best time to visit Kakaban Lake is during the dry season when water visibility is better for diving. Visitors should consider booking guided diving tours in advance due to limited access and to ensure safety in strong currents. It is advisable to respect the delicate ecosystem by avoiding touching the jellyfish and other marine life. Entrance fees may apply, with possible discounts for groups or early bookings. Walking to the lake from the beach takes about 10 minutes through mangrove-fringed paths, so wear appropriate footwear.
Interesting facts
- •Kakaban Lake houses four species of jellyfish that do not sting humans, including Aurelia sp. and Mastigias cf. papua.
- •The lake is brackish, a mix of seawater and freshwater from rainfall, and is technically an anchialine lake connected to the ocean through porous rock.
- •Kakaban Island’s limestone cliffs drop steeply to depths of up to 180 meters, creating dramatic underwater walls popular for diving.
- •Barracuda Point nearby is known for sightings of large pelagic species like whitetip sharks and barracudas during drift dives.
- •The Blue Light Cave features a large underwater cavern illuminated by blue sea light, extending about 120 meters in length.
History
Kakaban Island, including its central lake, was formed by the uplift of a coral atoll during the Late Pleistocene to Holocene era.
This geological event trapped seawater in the island's interior, creating the brackish marine lake known as Kakaban Lake.
Over time, the lake developed a unique isolated ecosystem with endemic species, distinct from the surrounding sea.
The island's limestone cliffs and underwater features have remained relatively undisturbed, preserving its natural state and biodiversity.
Place Guide
Jellyfish LakeHolocene era
A unique brackish water lake in the island's center, home to thousands of non-stinging jellyfish and endemic marine species. It offers a rare diving experience in an isolated ecosystem.
Barracuda Point
A steep reef drop-off where strong currents bring large pelagic fish such as whitetip sharks, leopard sharks, jacks, tunas, and barracudas. Popular for drift diving with a fixed grab line at 24 meters.
Blue Light Cave
An underwater cave starting at 2 meters depth, descending through a narrow chimney to a large cavern about 120 meters long, illuminated by distinctive blue light from the sea.
