Danau Labuan Cermin, Berau, Indonesia: Where Two Waters Meet in a Hidden Mirror

There are places that make you stop talking for a moment because the scenery already says everything. For me, Danau Labuan Cermin was one of those places.

Located in Labuan Kelambu Village, Biduk-Biduk, Berau, East Kalimantan, the lake is famous for its incredibly clear water and its unusual two-layer system. The upper layer is fresh water from the surrounding karst springs, while the deeper layer contains salt water connected to the sea. The two layers remain separated because of their different densities, creating what locals and travelers often call the “Two-Taste Lake.”

The journey itself is part of the experience. From Tanjung Redeb, the capital of Berau Regency, the road to Biduk-Biduk takes around six to seven hours. It is a long ride, but the scenery gradually changes from inland landscapes to tropical forests and the beautiful eastern coastline of Kalimantan. Once in Biduk-Biduk, I would continue to the local lakeside area and take a small boat toward Labuan Cermin. The boat ride generally takes around 10–15 minutes.

The Moment the Lake Looks Like a Mirror

As the boat moves closer, the green-blue water becomes almost unreal.

The lake is surrounded by dense trees and limestone landscapes, creating a peaceful atmosphere far removed from the noise of the city. On a clear day, the water is so transparent that the bottom of the lake can be seen from the surface. Wooden boats can even appear as if they are floating in mid-air.

Swimming, Snorkeling & Seeing the Two Layers

The most memorable experience is getting into the water.

Swimming and snorkeling allow visitors to appreciate the remarkable clarity of Labuan Cermin. The lake reaches roughly four to five meters in depth, and the difference between the freshwater surface and saltwater underneath is part of what makes the experience so unusual. Visitors can also explore the underwater scenery, including submerged tree roots and fish moving through the clear water.

I would recommend taking time to simply float, listen to the water, and look around. Labuan Cermin is not the kind of destination that needs a packed itinerary. Sometimes the best travel experience is just being quiet in a beautiful place.

Biduk-Biduk Beyond the Lake

What makes this journey even more special is the coastal character of Biduk-Biduk itself.

The road through the area offers glimpses of tropical greenery and the coastline, while the village atmosphere gives travelers a chance to experience a quieter side of East Kalimantan. After exploring the lake, I would take time to enjoy a simple local meal especially fresh seafood and other Indonesian dishes commonly found in coastal communities.

Rather than looking for a polished tourist experience, I would choose a small local place, talk politely with residents, and let the destination introduce itself through its food, scenery, and everyday rhythm.

Best Time to Visit

For the clearest views, visiting around mid-morning to early afternoon is ideal because stronger sunlight can illuminate the water and make the famous mirror-like effect more visible. The drier months are generally preferable for the long journey and outdoor activities, although weather conditions can still change in tropical East Kalimantan.

Practical Travel Tips

• Getting there: Travel from Tanjung Redeb to Biduk-Biduk by car or other local road transport. The journey takes approximately 6–7 hours.

• Local transport: From the Biduk-Biduk area, continue by a small local boat to Labuan Cermin, usually around 10–15 minutes.

• Entrance and boat costs: Recent sources report different local rates depending on the operator, group size, and services. Recent reporting places boat rental around Rp100,000–Rp400,000 per group, while entrance fees have been reported around Rp10,000 for domestic visitors. Confirm the current rate locally before travelling.

• Main spots: The crystal-clear lake surface, underwater scenery, surrounding forest, boat viewpoint, and swimming/snorkeling area.

• What to bring: Swimwear, towel, waterproof phone pouch, sunscreen, drinking water, and cash.

• Respect local culture: Follow instructions from local boat operators, avoid littering, do not damage vegetation or underwater features, and ask permission before photographing local residents.

• Travel responsibly: Keep noise low and leave the lake exactly as you found it. The quiet atmosphere is one of Labuan Cermin's greatest treasures.

Danau Labuan Cermin reminded me that extraordinary places do not always need dramatic landscapes or complicated adventures. Sometimes, all it takes is a small boat, a quiet forest, and water so clear that the boundary between sky, boat, and lake seems to disappear.

For a traveler willing to make the long journey to Biduk-Biduk, Labuan Cermin offers something difficult to photograph completely the feeling of standing somewhere nature has managed to remain wonderfully untouched.