Maratua
Island is one of island among four famous islands in Derawan Archipelago. The
three islands are Derawan Island, Sangalaki Island, and Kakaban Island. Because
each of the islands has beautiful panorama, they are well-known as Paradise
Island. Maratua Island itself is comparable to other islands because Maratua
has incredible underwater life and so popular for professional divers around
the globe. They consider underwater life of the island become one of hidden
paradise for divers.
Most
of visitors who come to Maratua Island love to snorkel and dive. So, it’s not
surprising if the island becomes one of favorite spot for diving and snorkeling
around Derawan Archipelago. And as a Paradise Island, you can enjoy and want to
stay longer to explore the area that has sharp and pointed shape at the south
of Tarakan City.
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| Picture Pksberau.com |
Location
Administratively,
Maratua Island is located at Maratua sub-district, Berau Regency, East
Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. The island is adjacent to Malaysia and
Philippine. To reach the island, it will take more time. If you start your
journey from Balikpapan City, you can take a flight to Tanjung Redeb, the
capital of Berau Regency. Then, continue your trip by renting a speedboat to
Maratua Island and it takes around 3 – 4 hours.
However,
if you like to through Tanjung Batu or the capital of Derawan Island, you have
to take a land transportation which takes 2 hours from Tanjung Redeb. Then,
take a speedboat for about 30 minutes. Along the way, you will be attracted by
stunning panorama, like blue ocean, green scenery, and attractive birds.
Actually,
there are many resorts with international class around Maratua Island. They offer the cottage right on the water and
united to the beauty of the island. Thus, the visitor can enjoy marine life
right on the deck. However, mostly tourist will stay in Maratua Paradise
Resort.
But,
if you like to be a backpacker, you can stay in the guesthouse and live with
local resident. They offer their rooms at home with affordable cost. And if you
like to stay in Balikpapan, you can choose hotels or villa, like Swiss-Belhotel
Balikpapan, Ibis Balikpapan, favehotel MT. Haryono – Balikpapan, Aston
Balikpapan Hotel & Residence, Swiss-Belinn Balikpapan, The New Vilabeta
Resort.
Activities
Maratua
Island is one of marine destination in East Kalimantan. The beauty of natural
scenery will fondle you because you can do many water sports. Underwater life
has crystal water with exotic panorama, especially when sunset. The stretch of
the coastline and white sand are like the guardian of the island.
Snorkeling
and diving are the main attraction in Maratua Island. To support these
activities, there are some dive operators to provide the equipment of diving
and snorkeling. Only by diving for about five meters, you can enjoy the
panorama of underwater. The marine life here are various, like cuttlefish,
ghostpipe fish, bluering octopue, pigmy seahorses, ribbon eels, scorpion
fishes, barracuda, white tip sharks, hammerhead sharks, and many more.
Although
Maratua is a small island, but it has around 21 popular diving spots. Each spots
offer different experience, challenging, beauty, and diversity. They are Second
Channel Shark City, Midnight Snapper Run, Sea Wall, Sea Wall Garden, Big Fish
Country, Small Fish Country, Leo Point, Turtle Paradise, Divers Delight,
Batfish Alley, Mid Reef, Turtle Traffic, Fusilier Paradise, Lumanlang, Maratua
Reef, and many more.
Turtle Traffic is a spot that are
fulfilled by green turtle. Their age can be hundred years old and most of them
swim in the deep of water while searching food. Maratua Island itself is the
most favorite place for turtle to lay eggs and feeding. Thus, it’s not
surprising if Maratua well-known as the Turtle Capital of Indonesia.
Besides
that, you also can play with jellyfish freely and safely because they don’t
have sting. This is can be unforgettable moment because you can swim so close
with them and even touch them with your bare hands. Yes, this is one of
uniqueness of Maratua Island and it won’t be easy to find this kind of spot. Just
have fun and ask your friend to take your pictures as you diving or snorkeling.
After
you satisfy exploring underwater life at Maratua Island, next you can sit and
relax at the coastline while enjoying the breeze. Waiting the sunset can be
interesting activity because you will witness the silhouette at the west. Don’t
forget to capture the picture because it can be incredible picture you have in
Maratua because the gradation of colors and the background of the sun is so
amazing.
