DERAWAN • MAY 2-11, 2027

There are plenty of highly regarded dive destinations that get hyped. Super hyped. They grace all the magazine covers, receive constant attention in blogs, and top the travel industry’s annual awards lists. They are often the first to be mentioned in conversation or when a diver rattles off their “been-there done-that” career. But not all locales receive such praise. Such notoriety. Such fame. They are far less recognized. Less popular. Less explored. They rarely receive publicity or fandom. Prime example — the Derawan Islands. The Dera who? Dera what? Exactly.

This relatively unknown cluster of Indonesian islands, atolls, and reefs are situated on the eastern side of Borneo. Get this, recent surveys indicate that the marine life diversity in the Derawan Islands is comparable to Raja Ampat. Rad! The area boasts typical Coral Triangle reefs and plenty of amazing macro subjects (i.e. flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, and pygmy sea horse). But Seasick selected Derawan for a different reason. A “bigger” reason: massive schools of fish and numerous species of large animals. Mantas. Easy. Whale sharks. sure. Thresher sharks and hammerheads. Possibly. And potentially one of the grandest schools of barracuda in the world. No exaggeration. Ever seen a ‘cuda tornado? It is absolutely spectacular.

There is no doubt the diving will satisfy. Yet, that’s only half the story. The time spent blowing bubbles is sure to impress, but that still leaves 18-20 hours a day on the surface. This is where the Gaia Love liveaboard is introduced. To call it a “boat” is disrespectful. The Gaia Love is more like a yacht. Robes, slippers and aroma therapy lamps are provided. C’mon! She is the most amenity-appointed, luxurious, and service-oriented ship Seasick has ever chartered. Imagine a floating 5-star hotel. For every guest there is one crew member. 20 guests. 20 crew. Damn.

So, for those who want to explore new lands, seize the opportunity to be in the water with a variety of marine beasts, and do it in 5-star floating accommodations, this — is — the — adventure.

BORNEO

Located in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean, Borneo’s reputation has been luring travelers for decades (although in small numbers). Bound by the South China Sea to the northwest, the Sulu Sea to the northeast, the Celebes Sea to the east, and the Java Sea to the south, the island is literally surrounded by the most abundant tropical waters in the world. The Makassar Strait separates Borneo from the island of Celebes (Sulawesi) to the east and southeast, and a series of shallow seas and straits lie between Borneo and the island of Sumatra to the west. As the third-largest island in the world, it covers 289,000 sq mi, (only Greenland and New Guinea are larger). Contrary to popular belief, Borneo is not a country. Huh? Rather, it is an island divided into four political regions, and it is shared between three countries: Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia. Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan) makes up 75%, while the remaining 25% is divided into Malaysia's Sabah and Sarawak states, plus lil’ ‘ol Brunei (<1%).

Straddling the equator, Borneo is primarily mountainous, with dense areas of rain forest (the planet’s oldest and twice the age of the Amazon), lowlands in the center, and swamps along the coasts. The highest peak in Borneo is Mt. Kinabalu, which stands at 13,455'. It is also the tallest peak in Malaysia. Much of Borneo is defined by navigable rivers — the main and only lifeline of trade and commerce. However, some rivers in the north (and jungles) remain unexplored and uncharted. Borneo is home to several caves, including one of the largest underground cave chambers globally. Spelunking anyone?

As a place of abundant rainfall, it makes sense that Borneo's flora is among the most diverse in the world. Borneo has over 10,000 species of “flowering” plants (not a typo), about a third of which are indigenous. It is home of the monster flower (the largest flower in the world!!!). Also, the abundance of wildlife is tremendous, with about 100 species not found anywhere else. The orangutan is widely recognized as Borneo’s most renowned animal. David Attenborough fans are familiar with proboscis monkeys (funny looking guys) and the clouded leopard. Additionally, there are several lesser-known endemic species such as Hose’s langur monkey, the bay cat, and the flat-headed frog. Lastly, the critically endangered Eastern Sumatran rhino is worth noting – only ≈30 individuals remain in the wild.

Since the island is shared by three countries, numerous languages are spoken. Not 20, 30 or 40. Try 200+ languages (including 170 indigenous) across Borneo. Malay is the official language of Malaysian Borneo, while Indonesian is the official language of Indonesian Borneo – but travelers may hear Chinese, Tamil and English too.

Continent: Asia • Countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei • Archipelago: Indonesian • Total Islands: 1,192 • Area: 289,000 sq mi • Highest Elevation: 13,455' (Mount Kinabalu) • Longest River: 710 mi (Kapuas) Time: UTC+7, UTC+8 • Electricity: 230V, 240V • Population: 23,720,000 (2023) • Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), Brunei Dollar (BND) • Official Languages: Bahasa, Malay • Religion: Islam (52%), Christianity (37%), Buddhism (9%) • Industries: Agriculture (palm oil), gas + oil extraction, forestry/logging, tourism • Plant Species: 15,000+ (6,000+ endemic) • Driving Side: Left

DERAWAN ISLANDS

Ok. Ok. So, Borneo isn’t a country. Rather it’s a very large island that houses three separate countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Got it. Indonesia refers to their portion of the land as “Kalimantan,” and the Derawan Islands are situated off of the East Kalimantan coast. Still following along on this epic geography lesson? Cool. Most of the 30+ islands are uninhabited and the four primary islands are: Derawan (UNESCO world heritage site), Kakaban, Maratua, and Sangalaki. This chain is one of the most biologically rich areas in all of Indonesia. And of course, Mother Nature is to blame. First, fresh (nutrient-rich) water from the Berau river amalgamates with the Sulawesi Sea. Second, strong ocean currents, deep sea trenches, sea mounts, and active volcanic islands reside offshore. The result, a complex natural environment that is paradise for marine life (divers too). This magical region, the triangle between Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines has the highest coral biodiversity in the world, thus its name, "The Coral Triangle." It is the epicenter of marine life in the area.

Country: Indonesia • Province: East Kalimantan • Area: Derawan Islands National Park (4,900 sq mi) • Total Islands: 31 • Primary Islands: Derawan, Sangalaki, Maratua, Kakaban • Land Size: 155 sq mi • Marine Protected Area (MPA): 1,102 sq mi • Peak Dive Season: April - October • Time: UTC+8 • Population: 4,000 • Religion: Muslim • Currency: Indonesian Rupiah ($1 = 16,000 IRD) • Electricity: 240V

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

Due to its proximity to the equator (2 degrees north aka 350 mi), the Derawan Islands enjoy a tropical climate with warm and humid days year-round. The island has two distinct seasons: wet and dry. The dry season is April - October and is the best time to visit the area. Strong south winds reign supreme June - September making the water choppy and reducing visibility. For April and May expect fewer storms (dry season still receives some rain), smoother seas, and plenty of sun.

May Averages - High Temp: 89°F • Low Temp: 77°F • Sea Water Temp: 85°F • Daylight Hours: 11.75 • Sunshine Hours: 7.5 • Rainy Days: 12 • Monthly Precipitation: 6.5 in

GAIA LOVE

The Gaia Love is a modern 132' steel vessel built in Batam, Indonesia. Designed with a modern contemporary look and an emphasis for diving in luxury, she accommodates up to 22 guests in 11 spacious cabins. Each cabin is approximately 215 sq. ft., has individual air-conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. All upper deck cabins feature private outdoor balconies.

Gaia Love has a total of four decks (lower, main, upper and top/sundeck). A lounge, restaurant and camera room are located on the main deck. The lounge features an entertainment center, bar and all the facilities to make one’s stay most comfortable. Photographers and videographers will appreciate the large well-appointed camera room, complete with ample storage and multiple stations.

At the rear of the vessel is a large dive deck that can accommodate up to 28 divers, providing plenty of space to move around. The dive deck boasts 11 large rinse tanks of various sizes for camera rigs. The boat deck is adjacent to the dive deck and houses two 18' diving skiffs for direct and easy access. The top deck features a bar for evening gatherings and relaxation under the stars. Prefer to dine outdoors? This is the perfect area. Sufficient shelter is available on the top deck as well as areas for those who wish to soak up some sun.

Gaia Love has a very well-equipped wheelhouse, from up-to-date navigation equipment to advanced communication systems, life rafts, life vests, EPIRB, fire protection and firefighting systems.

Type: Motor Yacht (M/Y) • Year Built: 2016 • Length: 132' (40m) • Beam: 33' (10m) • Decks: 4 • Cruising Speed: 10 knots • Passengers: 20 • Crew-to-Guest Ratio: 1:1 • Massages: Available • Internet: Available

CABINS

GAIA LOVE TECH SPECS

DIVING

A legitimate diver’s cornucopia: chill muck dives and rippin’ drift drives, shallow jetty dives and deep wall dives, traditional reef dives and blue water pelagic dives. Some lower visibility dives, some crystal-clear dives. Dives under and around traditional fishing platforms (bagans) with whale sharks and dives at manta cleaning stations. Wreck dive(s) and a jellyfish lake dive (kidding, it’s actually a snorkel session). Regardless, point made. Diving in Derawan is fairly consistent year-round, largely untouched by monsoon seasons (January can suck though). Visibility tends to improve the farther offshore the dive site is located: 50' max near Derawan, 80' max around Kakaban + Sangalaki, and 100'+ off Maratua.

Depth: 15'-130' • Visibility: 30'-100' • Currents: Light - Strong • Skill Level: Intermediate - Advanced • Water Temp: 85°F • Dive Sites: 40+

MACRO

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

DERAWAN ISLAND: The island is small. Very small. Like less than 1000' across small. But remember momma’s old adage “good things come in small packages.” How so? One word: turtles. Lots of turtles. There are literally hundreds of them. On the surface, underwater, swimming, feeding, resting, they are littered amongst Derawan’s reefs. Add in some quality macro subjects in the shallows, schooling fish in the deeper waters, and a nice wreck (it ain’t Truk Lagoon but still a nice way to spend an hour underwater), and there is enough here to entertain for a couple of days diving. Bonus: rumor has it that baby guitar sharks make nightly appearances near shore (hmm, evening dive anyone?). Double bonus: Derawan is home to the largest green turtle nesting site in Indonesia (+ Southeast Asia) with over 5,000 individuals recorded each year. Guests may have a chance to witness turtles laying eggs at night (fingers crossed).

SANGALAKI ISLAND: More turtles? Yes. As with its neighboring “big brother” Derawan (Sangalaki is only 500' across), the island is another green turtle nesting location. But here the focus is on those flappy flappy fellas. Manta rays. They frequent the area year-round at dive sites such as Manta Point, Manta Run, and the Cleaning Station (all very original names). Fun fact: the reefs of Sangalaki feature over 500 varieties of soft and hard coral (the entire Caribbean has only 67).

MARATUA ISLAND: Vertical walls with pristine coral, potentially strong currents, and the chance to see a wide variety of pelagics. Sharks — Grey reef, Leopard (Zebra), Nurse, and White tip. Rays — Eagle, Sting, and Manta. Schooling fish — barracuda, snapper, jack, and bumphead. “Unicorn subjects (often spoke about but rarely seen) — hammerheads, whale sharks and even thresher sharks. Since Maratua is 45 mi from the mainland, visibility is usually amazing (100'+).

KAKABAN ISLAND: Another island. Another unique opportunity. Hey Palau! Hey Raja! Kakaban Island has a jellyfish lake too! It is one of very few places in the world where people can swim (no scuba) with non-stinging jellyfish! Kakaban is fortunate to have the lake in the middle of the island (10-minute trek via shore) plus world-class diving on the outside. All the pelagics, schooling fish, healthy reefs, and assortment of macro critters found at the adjacent island of Maratua can also be found here.

WHALE SHARK POINT: Seems like the only thing missing from the trip’s long list of big fellas is whale sharks. Nevermind. Seasick has that covered too. This is a “learned behavior” encounter. The local fisherman use floating platforms, called ‘bagans’. They catch anchovies. Some anchovies get out of the nets. The whale sharks gather around the platforms in an attempt to feed on the escape artists. As with any wildlife encounter, it's not 100% guaranteed. And even if the “gentle giants” are present, Seasick may be forced to contend with numerous other local dive boats and liveaboards.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Note: The route and dive sites listed are examples only and are not guaranteed. All dive sites are subject to weather conditions and are at the absolute discretion of the captain and dive guides.

*Port and National Marine Park Fees of $315 per person and Fuel Surcharge of $180 per person must be paid to Seasick Productions by January 1, 2027.
These fees will be forwarded to the Gaia Love prior to arrival

FLIGHTS + TRANSIT HOTELS

SAMPLE ITINERARY AS OF MAY 10, 2025

LOS ANGELES - JAKARTA
DEPARTING: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28 • RETURNING: WEDNESDAY, MAY 12
ESTIMATED COST: $1,075

JAKARTA - TARAKAN
DEPARTING: SATURDAY, MAY 1 • RETURNING: TUESDAY, MAY 11
ESTIMATED COST: $305

RECOMMENDED HOTEL IN JAKARTA

FM7 Resort Hotel Jakarta
• Check In Friday, April 30 + Check Out Saturday, May 1 (requires additional hotel night in Tarakan on Saturday, May 1)
• Check In Tuesday, May 11 + Check Out Wednesday, May 12
• Room types: Superior (≈$45), Deluxe (≈$50), Deluxe Plus (≈$60), Premier (≈$70) and Junior Suite (≈$110)
• Reservations (fm7hotel.com): Book direct and receive complimentary airport shuttle, breakfast buffet, WiFi and use of facilities such as indoor swimming pool, hot and cold whirlpool, and sauna.

RECOMMENDED HOTEL IN TARAKAN

Swiss-Belhotel Tarakan
• Check In Saturday, May 1 + Check Out Sunday, May 2
• Tarakan hotel is not mandatory as all guests will disembark the Gaia Love in Tarakan by 10:00am (or earlier if outbound flights require)
• Room types: Superior (≈$60), Deluxe (≈$70), Grand Deluxe (≈$105) and Presidential Suite (≈$280)
• Airport transfers are not included in room rates but can be reserved directly with the hotel. Cost ≈$11 per car per way (IDR 175.000)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

DEFINITIONS: “Company” is defined as Underwater Exposures, Inc. dba Seasick Productions, incorporated in terms of the laws of California, United States of America. "Company Affiliated Parties" is defined as the Company, its directors, members, partners, employees, agents, consultants, suppliers, and contractors. “Guest” is defined as any person or persons placing a booking (whether provisional or confirmed) with the Company and who contracts with the Company for any of the Services together with his/her spouse, dependents and companions. “Services” is defined as the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services provided by the Company and the procurement by the Company of the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services by any Third-Party Contractors.

GENERAL: Price based on double occupancy group rate. Single supplement, extensions, additional services, and all other items not listed in itinerary are not included. All prices subject to change without notice. A $2,000.00 deposit per person is required with each Guest reservation. Company reserves the right, without advance notice, to make changes or cancellations, in part or in whole, as circumstances dictate. Any deposit or payment made to Company or any representative of Company shows acceptance and acknowledgement of the terms and conditions as stated herein.

CHANGES TO RESERVATIONS: Any request by Guest to amend or change a booking once it has been confirmed, may be accommodated by Company subject to availability. If Company is able to assist, a reasonable administrative fee may be charged. Any such administrative fees shall be invoiced to the Guest and must be settled as per the standard terms applicable to the booking. If the invoice is not paid within such time, Company may construe such non-payment as an act of cancellation on the part of the Guest and the provisions of the cancellation clause shall apply. All reservations, confirmed bookings, and Company’s services are non-transferable.

CANCELLATIONS TO RESERVATIONS: Refund (less cancellation fee) may be issued if reservation is cancelled four months prior to departure date and if another Guest can fill the vacancy. All authorized refunds will be assessed a $1,000.00 cancellation fee. No refund or credit will be made for Services not utilized by Guest. No cancellations shall be accepted within 30 days of trip departure.

FORCE MAJEURE: “Force Majeure Event” is defined as any event which is beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to a national strike, act of war, armed conflict, insurrection, civil commotion, terrorism or the threat of terrorism; any act of God including but not limited to epidemic, pandemic, lightning, earthquake, flooding, fire, cyclone, hurricane, typhoon, tidal wave, storm, volcanic eruption and other unusual and extreme adverse weather or environmental conditions; any event which falls within any of these categories that is suffered by Third-Party Contractors of the Company, who are involved in the receipt or provision of the Services; and or any other cause or contingency beyond the control of the Company. The Company shall not be deemed to be in breach of any of its obligations to Guest due to any Force Majeure Event. If the Company is affected by a Force Majeure Event, it may in its sole and absolute discretion, amend or cancel any of the Services or the remainder thereof, or to make any alteration in route, accommodation, transportation or arrangement in the event of the Services or any part thereof being rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable.

GUEST INSURANCE: If scuba diving is a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess a dive accident insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. If scuba diving is not a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess an international accident and medical evacuation insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. Information on dive accident insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org. In addition, Company recommends trip insurance in the event a Guest must cancel the trip. Information on trip insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org or the DiveAssure website: www.diveassure.com.

RESPONSIBILITY: Company acts only as agents for the Third-Party Contractors providing transportation, accommodations, diving and other Services. All tickets and vouchers issued constitute the sole contract between the Guest and Company. Company or its representatives shall not at any time be responsible in any way for loss, injury, or damage arising from any Force Majeure Event, act of government, theft, sickness, customs regulations, delay, cancellation error, or any cause beyond its control. Company or its representatives accepts no liability for the consequences of the personal activities of any Guest who is personally responsible for decisions concerning health, safety, fitness for diving and snorkeling, or any other circumstances beyond its control.