Maratua Island at Derawan Archipel
Maratua Island is the biggest in the Derawan archipelago, covering an area of 2,400 hectares, and it is definitely the most beautiful island in the group. Its long stretches of white sandy beaches, lined with palm trees, make it a fantastic place for relaxation and leisure trip, after visiting the dense jungles or experiencing the rich cultural heritage of Kalimantan.
Maratua is home to two villages inhabited by the Bajau tribe, who are also known as the seafaring people. The island also features a small lake, several caves, and a mangrove forest, which add to its natural diversity and make it stand out from the other islands in the archipelago. Maratua is known for its extensive coral reefs, which make it an ideal spot for a variety of water activities such as canoeing, water skiing, and scuba diving. The island is also famously called Sandalwood Island, and it can be reached by boat or by air from Tanjung Redep in Berau. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of resorts and guesthouses built on the island, reflecting the growing popularity of tourism in this beautiful location.
Derawan Archipel
Derawan Archipelago covers a total land area of 40,000 hectares and is recognized as a nature reserve that showcases stunning natural landscapes and picturesque beaches. The area is home to several rare species of plants and animals, including the scaled turtle, the belimbing turtle, and the sea cow. The island is inhabited by the Bajau people, who have lived there for generations. The surrounding seas are known as sea gardens, offering breathtaking views and vibrant marine life. The coastal forests are a habitat for various sea birds, iguanas, and swallows. Additionally, there are caves that are home to a diverse range of crab species. The waters around Derawan are perfect for a variety of water activities such as swimming, fishing, and scuba diving, making it an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts. Nearby, you can also find other notable attractions such as Kakaban Island, which is famous for its Jelly Fish lake, and Sangalaki Turtle Island, which is known for its turtle population.
Nabucco Island Resort
On the west side of East Kalimantan, The Indonesian Part of the world’s third largest island, called "Borneo", you can find a clear blue lagoon of paradise. Extra divers as the owner of the Nabucco, Nunukan and Virgin Cocoa resort islands, has developed exclusive dive resorts at private islands, which are located in the atol of Maratua island.
Nabucco’s Resort Dive Centre can serve you to several dive locations within 30 minutes distance. The closest dive place is Big Fish Country, that connects the lagoon to the outer reef, where chevron barracuda, various sharks, spotted eagle rays, big groupers, bumphead parrotfish and schooling trevallies can be found.
Diving programs to Sangalaki or Kakaban Islands give you the occasion to swim with elegant mantas. Sangalaki houses also a Turtle Foundation that ensures to lay their eggs as a future safeguard, with your visit you help donate survival and have the opportunity to learn more about the Turtles and the Foundations work.
Diving around Kakaban is thrilling with at the Barracuda Point and the colourful wall of Gorganian Forrest.Kakaban Island has a saltwater lake inside where jellyfish can be explored.
