Maratua
is one of the famous and wonderful islands of Derawan Archipelago located in
East Kalimantan of Indonesia. The other three are Kakaban Island, Derawan
Island, and Singalaki Island. It is an island shaped almost similar to the
letter U and is fringed with rocky walls and coral reefs. Maratua Island, which
covers 384 squares of kilometers of sandy white beaches and mangrove forests is
the home to the largest population of coral species after Raja Ampat, West
Papua.
Although relatively
considered as small, Maratua Island has over 20 diving and snorkeling spots
which offer scenic view. There are some rent shops to provide the
equipment of diving and snorkeling. Only by diving for about five meters, you
can enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the underwater. The inhabitants here are
various, like cuttlefish, ghost-pipe fish, blue-ring octopus, pigmy seahorses,
ribbon eels, scorpion fishes, barracuda, white tip sharks, hammerhead sharks,
and many more.
To
reach the island you only need to start the journey from Balikpapan by taking a
flight to Tanjung Redeb. Then, continue the trip by renting a speedboat to
Maratua Island which takes about 3-4 hours.
It is quiet easy to find a place to
stay at Maratua Island; from traditional chalets to modern water villas, all are provided to fill the
needs of the visitors.
