Maratua Island is one of 31 islands located in Derawan archipelago, Berau District, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Island derived from the word "in-laws" is rich in natural beauty, especially the wealth of the sea and the coast.

HOW TO GET THERE

Make to this island access is not difficult kok. Simply search the morning flight to Tarakan (Juwata International Airport). Kalo from Jakarta only about 3.5 hours. If you've continued to use land transportation to the port of Tengkayu not too far from the airport. From here we will use the speed boat and directly to Maratua Island. The journey is taken about 3 hours, but if the big wave can be 4-5 hours. Usually the waves will be bigger if more days later also. So it is time to be not so easy. But, our fatigue will be paid when it comes to the island.

MARATUA PARADISE RESORT

The only ocean-top resort at the same time there is a deck on Maratua Island. So, access from the island must use the boat that ngelaluin this resort. The sea area is a very clear turquoise blue. Because there is no electricity and the TV is so quiet, perfect getaway!

ROOMS

There are two options, water villa located above the sea. Each villa has a balcony and from here we can see directly the sea animals (fish, turtles, jellyfish, etc) are always seliweran under the room. Or the beach chalet, the rooms are right on the beach. Behind the beach chalet there are some villages that can be used as accommodation options for those who have a limited budget.

BEST SPOT

One of the best spots in the resort is the lobby resto. The lobby is furnished with wooden chairs and tables facing the ocean where to the sunset. In this lobby there are also stairs that go straight to the sea, kalo sea water again not too high, resort guests can swim directly plunge into the sea turquoise!

THE BEAUTY OF MARATUA

Coral reefs in Maratua are still well preserved. There are at least 21 diving points. Among them Turtle Traffic, where turtles from around the world gather and Big Fish Country. Very beautiful, this place so popular holiday spot people including Prince William.

ISLAND HOPING

Pas go holidays to the archipelago, one of the agenda must be island hoping. In addition to Maratua, do not forget also to Derawan Island, Sangalaki Island, and Kakaban Island. All three of these can be reached using a speed boat.

DERAWAN ISLAND

From Maratua to Derawan the journey is about 1 hour. Try to feel the snorkeling here, if lucky we can hold a huge green turtle under the sea of ​​the island. In the area of ​​Derawan village many selling souvenirs, because in other islands do not sell souvenirs so make sure to bring some cash here and buy some for memories. Ten minutes from Derawan we play to Pulau Gusung, the island that appears when the sea is receding.

SANGALAKI ISLAND

About 2 hours from Maratua Island. This island is the largest turtle breeding ground in Asia. We can see the process of turtle nesting, play as turtle (baby turtle) and release those who instinct to the sea. Sangalaki is also famous for Manta Rays. If we are lucky enough, we can swim with Manta Panta fish around the beautiful island of Sangalaki.

KAKABAN ISLANDS

Kakaban island is surrounded by a kind of coral wall in which there is a lake that contains thousands of stingless jellyfish (non-stinging jellyfish). Reportedly this species is only 2 in the world, and we are lucky to have one here in Indonesia. Before we get to the lake of jellyfish, we have to trekking up and down the stairs are quite steep. Oiya, we are required to be very careful in moving, we also can not use frog shoes because jellyfish is very easy to tear. Kakaban there is also a lagoon, to see it we can ask local guide for help.

NABUCCO ISLAND

Still one area with Maratua or 15 minute ride. This beautiful and serene island is quite exclusive, the rate of stay at Nabucco Island Resort is more than Rp1 million / night. There is a mini library and rate diving not far from the resort.

View of interest :

Maratua: Best resort, snorkel, diving, turtle traffic.

Derawan: Green Turtle, snorkle, diving.

Sangalaki: Conservation of turtles, manta fish

Kakaban: Lake stingless Jellyfish, best snorkel point.

Nabucco: exclusive private resort.

Best time to visit :

March - June: Due to the calm waves, Manta fish likely to meet

August: high session for foreign tourists

December: high session for local tourists

Self arrange trip (budget) :

Ticket plane PP: Jakarta - Tarakan Rp 2 million / pax.
Fee taxi: Juwata Airport - Tengkayu Port Rp 150 thousand / pax.

Rent speedboat Tangkayu-Maratua (include Island Hopping to Kakaban, Derawan, Sangalaki, Nabucco, etc): Rp 7 million / 5 person / 4 days atay ± 14 million / 14 person / 4 days. Tips: good price and route agreed from the beginning.

Lodging in Maratua:

Non air conditioning homestay: ± 300 thousand

Homestay air conditioning: ± 400 thousand.

Maratua paradise resort: ± 700 thousand ++
All include meals and prices are subject to change

*ther costs:"

Rent of snorkeling equipment + fin: Rp 50 ribu - Rp. 100 thousand / day.
Entry Island Kakaban: Rp. 20 thousand / person.
Entry Nabucco Island: Rp. 150 thousand / person

Tips

The more the merrier and the cheaper it will be.
If you take a tour, make sure they have travel insurance, research their service from people's experience. Try Kakaba Trip tour service (kakaban.co.id)

Pick very early mornidg flight.
Signal in Maratua there is only Telkomsel provider.

Siapin that enough cash, ATM only in Berau / Tarakan and very limited.
Lots of snorkeling and diving kit rental in Maratua, but better if have your own.
The weather there is rapidly changing, but mostly like summer.

Observe the departure time. Pas wet season the possibility of waves will be higher and the travel time can be longer and island hopping agenda can be late.

Electricity in Maratua make genset and can only be flame at 18.00-05.00. So, do not forget to charge the camera and HP battery at night or take portable charger.

Bring your tumbler, here we are designed to drink from tumbler itself to prevent the existence of plastic waste.

No food sellers on the speed board so bring our easy snacks to prevent hunger.
Always throw garbage in place. If you do not have it stored and take it to the inn to be dumped in the trash.

For those who can not swim, do not be afraid. We can still enjoy this eco-trips because each ship usually nyediain life vest enough to use.

For the frugal accommodation, behind the beach chalet there are some kampong that inhabited about 3000 Banjau tribe who some nyewain home for Because livelihood in this area most of the fishermen, food that is prepared in the form of seafood catches. Yummy!

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