Maratua Island in Berau, East Kalimantan, is an exotic destination with natural beauty, floating cottages, and an underwater paradise that offers an unforgettable holiday experience.
Maratua Island is one of the leading tourist destinations in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan. Known as a “hidden paradise,” this island lures tourists with its crystal clear waters, rich marine ecosystem, and beautiful floating cottages.
As the outermost island of Indonesia that borders directly with Malaysia and the Philippines, Maratua Island is also a strategic location that shows the beauty of the archipelago to the international world.
The Attraction of Maratua Island
Maratua Island offers a combination of natural charm, local culture, and diverse recreational activities. Here are the main attractions that make Maratua Island a favorite destination:
1. Clear Waters and Rich Marine Ecosystem
The waters around Maratua Island have a stunning clear blue color, allowing visitors to see directly to the seabed filled with underwater life.
The island is famous for its very healthy coral reef ecosystem, complete with various species of ornamental fish, turtles, and other marine life. The underwater life in Maratua is often referred to as a paradise for divers and snorkelers.
2. Iconic Floating Cottage
One of the main attractions of Maratua Island is the row of cottages built on the sea. These cottages are connected by wooden bridges that serve as walkways, creating stunning views that are perfect as photo backdrops.
This design allows guests to enjoy sea views directly from their room’s balcony.
3. Best Sunset and Sunrise Spots
Maratua Island is the perfect location to enjoy the beauty of the sunrise and sunset. The beach directly facing the horizon provides a spectacular view that is often targeted by photographers and travelers.
4. Natural and protected nature
Maratua Island is known for its pristine and natural environment. The local population, most of whom are from the Bajo Tribe, maintain the island’s ecosystem well. These conservation efforts make Maratua Island one of the destinations that maintains its beauty despite being a popular tourist destination.
Location and Access to Maratua Island
Maratua Island is located in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, and is surrounded by small islands such as Sidau Island, Semut Island, Sangalan Island, and Nunukan Island.
With a land area of 384.36 km² and waters of 3,735.18 km², the island is home to around 3,000 indigenous Bajo people divided into four villages.
From Berau City, tourists can go to Maratua Island by speedboat. The trip from Tanjung Redeb (capital of Berau Regency) takes about 1 hour. Speedboat rentals usually range from Rp1.3 million per voyage.
Maratua Island has a small airstrip that can be accessed by flights from Samarinda using a Cessna type aircraft. Currently, there are direct commercial flights from Samarinda to Maratua Island.
From Jakarta, travelers can fly to Kalimarau Airport in Berau for around Rp2.7 million, then continue their journey to the island.
Interesting Activities on Maratua Island
Maratua Island offers a variety of interesting activities for tourists, from nature exploration to underwater experiences. Here are some activities that can be done:
1. Snorkeling and Diving
Maratua Island is a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. With snorkeling equipment, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the underwater without having to dive too deep. For those who want to explore deeper, diving is a very interesting option.
Maratua has popular diving spots such as Turtle Traffic, where tourists can see green turtles swimming freely.
2. Photo Hunting in Beautiful Spots
For those who love photography, Maratua Island is the perfect place to hunt for pictures.
Spots such as the wooden bridge leading to the cottage, the white sand beach, and the blue sea are ideal backdrops for capturing moments. Sunrise and sunset on this island also offer stunning colors.
3. Interact with Local People
Maratua Island is inhabited by the Bajo Tribe who have unique culture and traditions. Interacting with local people can be a valuable experience, especially if you want to know more about the lives of coastal communities and their local wisdom.
4. Explore the Surrounding Islands
The small islands around Maratua, such as Kakaban Island and Derawan Island, are also worth exploring. Kakaban Island is famous for its lake of non-stinging jellyfish, while Derawan Island offers an equally amazing diving experience.
Facilities on Maratua Island
As a popular tourist destination, Maratua Island has been equipped with various adequate facilities to ensure visitor comfort.
1. Resort and Cottage
Maratua Island has a variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxury resorts to more affordable lodgings. Examples of popular resorts are:
- Noah Maratua Resort: A luxury resort located above the sea, offering facilities such as air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant, and direct sea views. Prices per night range from IDR 2 million to IDR 4 million.
- Arasatu Villas & Sanctuary: Presenting a premium experience with a unique design that provides privacy and comfort.
For budget travelers, there are also accommodations priced at IDR 500,000 to IDR 600,000 per night, which include facilities such as air-conditioned rooms, three meals a day, and access to the beach area.
2. Snorkeling and diving equipment rental
Maratua Island has many snorkeling and diving equipment rental providers. Tourists who do not have their own equipment need not worry because the equipment is available at affordable prices.
3. Local Restaurants and Warungs
fresh seafood that is a favorite of tourists. Typical dishes such as grilled fish, crab soup, and seafood fried rice are often the choices.
Tips for Visiting Maratua Island
- Prepare a Sufficient Budget: Maratua Island is a premium destination, so the cost of travel, accommodation, and activities is relatively higher compared to other tourist locations.
- Bring a Camera: The natural beauty of Maratua is too good to miss without documentation. Make sure your camera or phone is ready to capture the moment.
- Check Weather Conditions: Travel to Maratua Island is greatly influenced by weather conditions. The dry season is usually the best time to visit.
- Avoid Plastic Waste: To maintain cleanliness and environmental sustainability, avoid bringing or leaving plastic waste on the island.
Maratua Island is the perfect tourist destination for those who want to enjoy the beauty of nature and the underwater world.
With crystal clear waters, rich marine ecosystems, floating cottages and complete facilities, this island offers an unforgettable holiday experience.
As one of Indonesia’s outermost islands, Maratua is also a symbol of the natural and cultural richness of the archipelago. If you are looking for a tropical paradise to explore, Derawan Island is an option not to be missed.
