Best of Borneo
Cruise Dates:
August 10 – 18, 2028
August 20 – 31, 2028
Pick your cruise or do BOTH!
The Best of Borneo is one of the most exclusive and rarely offered liveaboard routes in all of Indonesia—and for good reason. This itinerary explores a remote corner of the Coral Triangle, where biodiversity thrives and crowds are nearly nonexistent. It’s a rare chance to dive pristine reefs, encounter iconic pelagics, and experience unforgettable marine life far from the typical tourist trail.
This journey takes you into East Borneo’s rich waters, home to manta rays, whale sharks, and possibly even thresher sharks and hammerheads. Vibrant reefs sprawl with massive barrel sponges and bustling hard coral gardens, while calm seas and dry skies from April to September create ideal conditions for exploring it all. Combine this epic dive route with the Arenui’s boutique luxury, and we’ve got a dive trip like no other.
What makes this region even more extraordinary? It lies within the beating heart of the Coral Triangle—home to the greatest concentration of marine biodiversity on the planet. In fact, Indonesia holds the record for the highest number of reef fish species recorded in a single area. From tiny nudibranchs to massive whale sharks, every dive is a front-row seat to nature’s finest show.
And the best part? We’re offering two itineraries for this unforgettable journey—you can join one, or go all in and experience both.
Why We Love This Trip
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Mega marine life – Whale sharks, mantas, reef sharks, and (if you’re lucky) threshers or hammerheads!
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Diverse diving – From macro critter hunts to thrilling drifts and coral-covered walls.
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Remote & uncrowded – No dive crowds here. Just you, the ocean, and untouched reefs.
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Healthy, vibrant reefs – Massive sponges, soft corals, and hard coral gardens teeming with life.
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Turtle paradise – Frequent encounters with green turtles, especially around Sangalaki.
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Jellyfish lake snorkeling – A surreal experience in Kakaban’s stingless jellyfish lake.
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Topsides to match – Hidden caves, palm-fringed islands, and sleepy fishing villages to explore.
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Boutique luxury – Enjoy all of this from the comfort of Arenui’s one-of-a-kind Phinisi liveaboard.
Best of Borneo Cruise highlights
Starting in Tarakan, this itinerary dives into nutrient-rich waters teeming with vibrant marine life. Derawan dazzles with colorful coral slopes, turtles, and schooling fish. Kakaban features dramatic walls and a unique saltwater lake filled with harmless jellyfish—ideal for snorkeling. Samama is a macro haven with pygmy seahorses, ribbon eels, and nudibranchs among soft coral and mangroves.
Maratua thrills with drift dives where sharks, eagle rays, and threshers often appear. We’ll float in the jungle-ringed saltwater cave pool at Goa Halo Tabung. The trip ends at Sangalaki, home to feeding mantas, nesting turtles, and rich coral gardens. On a great week, you can encounter Borneo’s “Big Five”: thresher sharks, hammerheads, grey reef sharks, manta rays, and whale sharks—plus a stunning variety of reef and macro life that make every dive unforgettable.
Best of Borneo And West Sulawesi Combo
Take the Best of Borneo and let’s add in a taste of West Sulawesi!
This unique expedition starts in Tarakan and ends in Palu, combining two incredible and rarely explored regions into one seamless journey. Kicking off in the deep blue off Borneo’s coast, we dive nutrient-rich waters where towering reefs rise from the depths, drawing in manta rays, reef sharks, and schooling barracuda. From the manta hotspots of Sangalaki to the jellyfish lake of Kakaban and the critter playgrounds of Derawan and Samama, each site offers something wildly different and unforgettable.
Crossing over to West Sulawesi, we enter a part of Indonesia few divers have ever seen. With almost no other liveaboards in the area, expect pristine reefs, big pelagics, and vibrant coral walls—plus a glimpse of village life, palm-fringed beaches, and stunning turquoise waters. It’s remote, it’s raw, and it’s one of the most exciting itineraries we offer.
Step Aboard the Arenui – The Boutique Liveaboard
Known as “The Boutique Liveaboard,” the Arenui is not just a dive boat—it’s an experience. This stunning traditional Phinisi combines five-star comfort with world-class diving, offering the perfect balance of adventure and luxury. Every detail on board has been thoughtfully curated, from the handcrafted Indonesian décor to the use of 70% recycled wood in its construction.
With just 16 guests and 24 crew, service is highly personalized. Cabins are spacious and beautifully appointed, and the skydeck and indoor lounge offer plenty of space to relax between dives. You’ll dine in style and enjoy a crew-to-guest ratio that ensures every need is met. The dive team includes four top-rated Indonesian divemasters and experienced western cruise directors, guiding you through some of the best dive sites in Indonesia with deep knowledge and care.
Dining Done Differently
Even in the most remote corners of Indonesia, Arenui believes you shouldn’t have to compromise on cuisine. Forget standard buffets—onboard, we’ll enjoy daily à la carte menus crafted with care and creativity. Meals are an experience in themselves, designed to keep you energized for your next dive while offering the relaxing indulgence of fine dining at sea.
Join US!
This rarely offered itinerary explores one of the Coral Triangle’s most pristine and remote regions. With very limited departures—especially before 2028—this is your chance to experience something truly special. Spots are already filling fast, so if Borneo’s untouched reefs, manta encounters, and secret critter havens are calling… now’s the time.
Option 1: Best of Borneo
Trip Dates: August 20 – 31, 2028, 9 nights
From the moment we leave Tarakan behind, we’re immersed in remote waters teeming with life—dramatic drop-offs, untouched reefs, and a stunning mix of big fish action and macro magic. This is off-the-grid diving at its finest.
This round-trip adventure starts and ends in Tarakan.
Option 2: Best of Borneo And West Sulawesi
August 20 – 31, 2028, 11 Nights
Take the Best of Borneo and let’s add in a taste of West Sulawesi!
Our journey will start and end in Tarakan and end in Palu.
Option 3: Combine both Trips!
August 10 -31,19 nights aboard the Areuni. 2 days ashore while the boat restocks.
Stay for both trips and experience the ultimate adventure!
Our journey will start and end in Tarakan and end in Palu.
Other Information
- These trip dates DO NOT include travel days, Please plan accordingly. We highly encourage you to arrive a day early. We will have a detailed travel plan once flight schedules are published,
- All surcharges, including marine, park and port fees, are subject to change at any time, and without notice.
- You need a valid passport for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay.
- DAN Insurance & Trip Insurance is required for this trip.
Photos provided and used with permission from The Arenui.
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