When asked about unique natural destinations in Indonesia, what pops into your mind first? Many travelers often think of two names: Kakaban Lake or Lenmakana Lake, both famous stingless jellyfish lakes that offer completely different experiences. Each has its own story that sparks curiosity, but have you ever wondered which one suits your travel style best?
In this article, you’ll get to know both Kakaban Lake and Lenmakana Lake more closely, complete with details about their location, access, size, atmosphere, and activities you can enjoy. So, before deciding whether to head to East Kalimantan or Raja Ampat, make sure you read through first so you don’t pick the wrong destination.
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A Brief Overview of Kakaban Lake
When you visit the Derawan Islands in East Kalimantan, don’t be surprised if the name Kakaban Lake comes up as a favorite destination. This lake is home to thousands of harmless jellyfish that you won’t find anywhere else. Having lived in isolation for thousands of years, the jellyfish in Kakaban lost their need for stingers due to the absence of natural predators, making it safe for people to swim among them.
What makes Kakaban Lake even more unique is that its water comes from a mix of rainwater and seawater seeping through coral crevices, making it a brackish body of water. This natural combination creates an ecosystem unlike most other lakes. Surrounded by lush tropical forest, the atmosphere feels cool and refreshing. So, even though reaching it takes some effort, the experience you’ll get here is truly rewarding.
A Brief Overview of Lenmakana Lake
If you travel to Raja Ampat, specifically Misool Island, you’ll find Lenmakana Lake, another iconic destination that rivals Kakaban. Also home to harmless jellyfish, this lake offers a similar experience but with an extra challenge. The jellyfish in Lenmakana Lake are harmless Mastigias papua jellyfish that have evolved without natural predators. To reach it, you’ll need to trek for about 30–40 minutes along rocky and uphill paths. From the very start, your journey already feels like an adventure.
Yet, it’s precisely because of this challenging access that Lenmakana Lake feels more peaceful and exclusive. Its size is smaller than Kakaban, but that’s what makes the atmosphere more intimate and tranquil. Lenmakana Jellyfish Lake is one of only three locations in the world known for its non-stinging jellyfish, along with Kakaban Lake and Palau. The moment you arrive at the lake’s edge, all your exhaustion fades away. It feels like a reward after the effort you’ve put into the journey.
Read more: Raja Ampat Tour Recommendations 2026: Packages, Prices, Itineraries & Tips
Kakaban Lake or Lenmakana Lake: What’s the Difference?
At first glance, both lakes are famous for their stingless jellyfish. But in reality, there are plenty of unique differences that can help you decide which one to visit. Let’s break it down.
| Aspect | Kakaban Lake | Lenmakana Lake |
| Location | Derawan, East Kalimantan. Easier and more practical to reach. | Misool, Raja Ampat. Remote and more exclusive. |
| Access | Fly to Berau → land trip to Tanjung Batu → speedboat ±1 hr. | Fly to Sorong → 4–5 hr speedboat → 30–40 min trek. |
| Size | Around 5 km², larger exploration area. | Smaller, but filled with harmless jellyfish. |
| Atmosphere | Busy during peak holidays. | Quieter, more private, and serene. |
| Activities | Swimming not allowed yet, but you can enjoy the view + smooth island hopping in Derawan. | Snorkeling with jellyfish + island hopping in Misool Raja Ampat. |
Location
If you head to East Kalimantan, Kakaban Lake should definitely be on your travel list. Located in the Derawan Archipelago, which is also known for Maratua and Sangalaki Islands, it’s relatively close to mainland Kalimantan. This makes access easier compared to other stingless jellyfish lakes in Indonesia. So, if you prefer a destination that’s not too far from major cities, Kakaban is a practical choice and a true must visit spot.
Meanwhile, Lenmakana Lake sits far in Raja Ampat, West Papua, specifically on Misool Island. Its remote location makes visiting Lenmakana jellyfish lake a bit of an adventure, requiring a long journey from Sorong by speedboat. Even though the trip takes more effort, its hidden lake setting makes the atmosphere feel more exclusive. If you’re the type who enjoys off-the-beaten-path adventures and loves exploring surrounding islands, Lenmakana will suit you perfectly.
Access
To reach Kakaban Lake, you can start by flying to Kalimarau Airport in Berau. From there, continue overland to Tanjung Batu, and then take a speedboat for about an hour to Kakaban Island. Overall, Kakaban is considered more flexible in terms of access.
On the other hand, reaching Lenmakana Lake requires extra effort. After landing in Domine Eduard Osok Airport Sorong, you’ll need a 4–5 hour speedboat ride to Misool. Once there, the journey isn’t over yet, you’ll still need to trek 30–40 minutes to get to the lake. The trip is indeed long, but if you love challenges, this journey becomes an exciting part of your holiday.
Lake Size
When it comes to size, Kakaban Lake is much larger, covering around 5 km². Its vastness allows you to explore more areas, and the number of harmless jellyfish is also plentiful. Even though swimming is not permitted at the moment, just being surrounded by nature here already feels magical.
Lenmakana Lake, on the other hand, is smaller. Yet, that’s what makes the atmosphere more personal and intimate. Because the area isn’t too wide, you’ll feel closer to the surroundings. So, if you prefer a compact but cozy spot, Lenmakana is the right choice.
Atmosphere
If you visit Kakaban Lake during the holiday season, chances are you’ll encounter many other travelers. Its popularity makes it a busy destination, so sometimes you’ll need to share space with fellow visitors curious about the jellyfish.
Lenmakana Lake, however, tends to be quieter. Since getting there is more challenging, fewer people come at the same time. So, if you prefer a calm and private vibe, Lenmakana gives you exactly that kind of experience.
Activities
At Kakaban Lake, swimming with jellyfish is not yet allowed, but you can still enjoy the scenery from the edge of the lake. The lake evolved into an entirely unique ecosystem over thousands of years, making it a fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts. The trip also pairs well with island hopping in the Derawan Islands, where you can relax on white sandy beaches or visit epic diving spots.
At Lenmakana Lake, the adventure starts even before you arrive, thanks to the thrilling trek. Once there, you can go snorkeling among harmless jellyfish, then continue by exploring the surrounding karst cliffs or beaches. Visitors are encouraged to swim gently and avoid sudden movements to protect the delicate jellyfish. On top of that, you can also enjoy island hopping in Misool Raja Ampat, making your holiday even more colorful.
Kakaban Lake or Lenmakana Lake: Which One is Right for You?
If you’re the type of traveler who prefers a practical trip, easy access, and activities like Derawan island hopping, then Kakaban Lake is the right choice. With relatively simple access, you can enjoy this unique lake without too much hassle. Plus, you can combine your visit with other nearby destinations, making your trip even more complete.
But if you’re someone who loves adventure, doesn’t mind trekking uphill, and craves a more tranquil atmosphere, then Lenmakana Lake will be perfect for you. The effort you put into reaching it adds to the exclusivity of the experience. On top of that, the untouched beauty of Raja Ampat lets you connect deeply with nature in a way that feels special.
In the end, both Kakaban Lake and Lenmakana Lake are equally amazing. It all depends on your travel style and the kind of experience you want to have.
Read more: Complete Guide to a Exploring Derawan with IndonesiaJuara Trip
Let’s Get Fun Holiday to Kakaban Lake or Lenmakana Lake with IndonesiaJuara Trip!
Whichever you choose, both Kakaban Lake and Lenmakana Lake offer experiences you won’t find anywhere else. From spotting stingless jellyfish, enjoying serene natural surroundings, to exploring nearby islands, every moment becomes a story to tell. Skipping one of them would feel like missing out on something truly special.
If you want a hassle-free journey, you can join a trusted tour with IndonesiaJuara Trip. For those curious about the Derawan Islands and Kakaban Lake, there’s a Derawan Tour package complete with exciting island hopping. Meanwhile, if you’re drawn to exploring Raja Ampat, including Lenmakana Lake and Misool’s islands, you can go for the Misool Tour package. Just pick the one that matches your travel style, and let all the details be taken care of without the stress.
