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Indonesia🇮🇩 | landmarksLabuan CerminTwo-layer water, snorkeling, Kalimantan jungle, Derawan area | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Labuan Cermin
👍 Recommendedunique site ranked #5
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 15, 2026

Cold water grips your ankles as you slide off the dock, and then you’re floating over a glowing turquoise layer with nothing beneath you but a drifting, backlit haze. That was my first minute at Labuan Cermin, in Biduk-Biduk, East Kalimantan, on the Borneo coast of Indonesia. The popular image shows a mirror-clear pool with fish hovering in midair. Reality adds a long, rough road from Berau, a ticket you pay on arrival, and weekend crowds who queue for the same dock shot. Still, the layered water is real: freshwater floats on top of saltwater, and the boundary turns light into a strange, shimmering glass. Go on a weekday, go early, bring a mask, and you get a swim that feels like nowhere else on the island.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #5 unique site in IndonesiaReasons people choose to visit here

Backpackers make time for this lake because it is one of the few places in East Kalimantan that delivers a real swim-in-the-wow experience. The two-layer water is the hook: fresh water sits above salt water, and you can feel the temperature shift as you kick through it. The cost is low, with a modest entry fee and simple food stalls nearby, so a day here will not wreck a tight budget. Getting there takes effort. Expect a long overland drive from Berau, usually 4 to 6 hours on a mix of paved and rough road, so treat it as a multi-day detour rather than a quick stop. That is exactly why it fits a broader route: pair it with Derawan and Maratua islands, the Kakaban jellyfish lake and the Biduk-Biduk coast, which has beaches, waterfalls and karst cliffs. You get crowds that thin out fast on weekdays, … read more 👉
Backpackers make time for this lake because it is one of the few places in East Kalimantan that delivers a real swim-in-the-wow experience. The two-layer water is the hook: fresh water sits above salt water, and you can feel the temperature shift as you kick through it. The cost is low, with a modest entry fee and simple food stalls nearby, so a day here will not wreck a tight budget. Getting there takes effort. Expect a long overland drive from Berau, usually 4 to 6 hours on a mix of paved and rough road, so treat it as a multi-day detour rather than a quick stop. That is exactly why it fits a broader route: pair it with Derawan and Maratua islands, the Kakaban jellyfish lake and the Biduk-Biduk coast, which has beaches, waterfalls and karst cliffs. You get crowds that thin out fast on weekdays, and a corner of Borneo most travelers skip.

💡 HighlightsWhat this place is best known for

  1. Swimming the Layered Water: The signature experience. Fresh water floats over salt water, and you can feel the temperature change and watch a shimmering haze where the layers meet.
  2. Snorkeling Over the Clear Floor: With a mask you see fish and submerged branches clearly, and the visibility is the reason the lake earned its name, Mirror Lake.
  3. The Wooden Dock and Platforms: Built for jumping and photo shots. Light reflects off the turquoise surface here, and early visits mean you can get a clean frame.
  4. Floating on a Raft or Bamboo Boat: Simple rentals let you drift over the deepest, bluest section without much effort, and you look straight down through the water.
  5. The Surrounding Forest Edge: Green jungle rings the lake, giving shade, birdsong and a pleasant change from the open coast.
  6. Biduk-Biduk
… read more 👉
  1. Swimming the Layered Water: The signature experience. Fresh water floats over salt water, and you can feel the temperature change and watch a shimmering haze where the layers meet.
  2. Snorkeling Over the Clear Floor: With a mask you see fish and submerged branches clearly, and the visibility is the reason the lake earned its name, Mirror Lake.
  3. The Wooden Dock and Platforms: Built for jumping and photo shots. Light reflects off the turquoise surface here, and early visits mean you can get a clean frame.
  4. Floating on a Raft or Bamboo Boat: Simple rentals let you drift over the deepest, bluest section without much effort, and you look straight down through the water.
  5. The Surrounding Forest Edge: Green jungle rings the lake, giving shade, birdsong and a pleasant change from the open coast.
  6. Biduk-Biduk Coastline Beyond the Lake: Nearby you find quiet beaches, karst hills and waterfalls such as Teluk Sumbang, which make the long drive more worthwhile.
I would pick the swim first. Photos flatten the effect, but kicking through the temperature change tells you exactly why people drive so far.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

  • Drier Months (roughly May to September): Best for clear, bright water and easier road travel. Days run about 24 to 32°C (75 to 90°F), with sun for roughly 12 hours.
  • Wet Season (roughly November to March): Heavy showers cloud the water, muddy the roads and cut visibility for photos. Temperatures are similar, around 23 to 31°C (73 to 88°F), and accommodation is cheaper.
  • Weekends and Indonesian Holidays: Domestic crowds peak, the dock gets busy and transport prices climb. Weekdays feel noticeably calmer.
  • Midday Light: From about 10:00 to 14:00 the sun is high and the turquoise glows brightest. Mornings are quieter.
  • Shoulder Months (April, October): Mixed weather, fewer visitors and moderate prices.
Arrive on a weekday before 10:00 to get the best light and the fewest people.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: below average for travelingFEBFebruary: below average for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: highly recommended for travelingAUGAugust: highly recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: good for travelingNOVNovember: below average for travelingDECDecember: below average for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?How to pick the right area

The best base for the lake is Biduk-Biduk itself, a small coastal town about 30 to 60 minutes from the site by motorbike or car. Homestays and simple guesthouses cluster here, and this is where most backpackers sleep. You pay roughly US$10 to 25 per night, share meals with local families and can arrange scooter rentals or a driver for the day. The vibe is quiet and safe, with the social side coming from other travelers swapping tips over fried fish and rice at warungs. If you want more nightlife and hostel dorms, stay in Tanjung Redeb, the main town of Berau, about 4 to 6 hours away. It has more … read more 👉
The best base for the lake is Biduk-Biduk itself, a small coastal town about 30 to 60 minutes from the site by motorbike or car. Homestays and simple guesthouses cluster here, and this is where most backpackers sleep. You pay roughly US$10 to 25 per night, share meals with local families and can arrange scooter rentals or a driver for the day. The vibe is quiet and safe, with the social side coming from other travelers swapping tips over fried fish and rice at warungs. If you want more nightlife and hostel dorms, stay in Tanjung Redeb, the main town of Berau, about 4 to 6 hours away. It has more food options, ATMs and onward transport to Derawan. Many travelers overnight there before or after the lake. A third option is to combine the lake with the Derawan islands, where homestays on Derawan Island are the strongest social scene in the region, with snorkeling groups gathering at dusk. Book ahead on weekends and holidays, since the small number of rooms in Biduk-Biduk fill quickly.
Best hostels in Indonesia


Best quality hotels in Indonesia

👛 Costs (as of 15 October 2026)Typical daily expenses

A day at Labuan Cermin typically costs US$25 to 50 including entry, food and local transport, though getting to Biduk-Biduk adds more. The table below shows typical ranges.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entry ticketUS$1 to 3Paid at the gate, with a small extra charge for cameras or weekends in some seasons.
Raft or boat rentalUS$2 to 5Short bamboo raft rides are priced per person or per session.
Snorkel gearUS$2 to 4Basic masks are rented on site; bring your own for better fit.
HomestayUS$10 to 25Simple rooms in Biduk-Biduk, often with fan and shared bath.
FoodUS$3 to 8Rice, fish and noodles at warungs; fewer options near the lake.
Motorbike or driverUS$8 to 30Scooter rental is cheapest; a private car with driver costs more.
Transport from BerauUS$15 to 50Shared or private car for the 4 to 6 hour
… read more 👉
A day at Labuan Cermin typically costs US$25 to 50 including entry, food and local transport, though getting to Biduk-Biduk adds more. The table below shows typical ranges.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entry ticketUS$1 to 3Paid at the gate, with a small extra charge for cameras or weekends in some seasons.
Raft or boat rentalUS$2 to 5Short bamboo raft rides are priced per person or per session.
Snorkel gearUS$2 to 4Basic masks are rented on site; bring your own for better fit.
HomestayUS$10 to 25Simple rooms in Biduk-Biduk, often with fan and shared bath.
FoodUS$3 to 8Rice, fish and noodles at warungs; fewer options near the lake.
Motorbike or driverUS$8 to 30Scooter rental is cheapest; a private car with driver costs more.
Transport from BerauUS$15 to 50Shared or private car for the 4 to 6 hour drive.
Cash is best, since ATMs are scarce outside Tanjung Redeb.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

FAQFrequently asked questions about Labuan Cermin

Labuan Cermin, also called Mirror Lake, is a two-layer lake near Biduk-Biduk in Berau regency, East Kalimantan. Fresh water floats over salt water, which makes the surface look crystal clear and turquoise. Entry is cheap, usually US$1 to 3, and you can swim, snorkel and ride simple rafts.
Plan on 2 to 4 hours at the lake itself, which is enough for swimming, photos and lunch. Because the road from Berau takes 4 to 6 hours each way, most travelers spend at least one night in Biduk-Biduk. A two-day trip is the practical minimum, and three days lets you add nearby beaches and waterfalls.
Fly to Berau (Kalimarau Airport, Tanjung Redeb), then travel by car about 4 to 6 hours to Biduk-Biduk, with the lake roughly 30 to 60 minutes beyond by road. Private cars or drivers cost around US$40 to 80, while shared options are cheaper but less frequent. Rent a motorbike in Biduk-Biduk for about US$8 to 12 per day to reach the lake.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Indonesian landmarks near Labuan Cermin

Explore more nearby:

  • Prambanan—Shiva spire, Hindu reliefs, Ramayana ballet, Yogyakarta plain| 1352 km away
  • Sikidang Crater—Sulfur vents, Dieng Plateau, boiling mud, highland chill| 1355 km away
  • Borobudur—Nine stacked platforms, 504 Buddha statues, sunrise from Setumbu Hill, Central Java| 1362 km away

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We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on visiting Labuan Cermin

Swimming through that glassy layered water is the reason to go. The temperature shift is odd, cool and surprisingly addictive, and it beats any photo you have seen. The drawback is the journey. Berau to Biduk-Biduk takes hours on rough road, and weekends bring crowds on the dock. Go midweek, pack a mask and snacks, and you will leave glad you made the trip.

✈️ When did I visit Indonesia?
As part of my 1.5 year travel around the world trip, I visited Indonesia twice (and it was worth it): first in September 2015 and a bit later again in January and February 2016.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Indonesia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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