Maratua: Indonesia’s Hidden Gem That Rivals Bali’s Beauty

Pratasaba Resort is located on Maratua Island, East Kalimantan. This resort is a great choice for staying on the island. Photo credit: Eremespe.

Tucked away in the turquoise waters of the Sulawesi Sea, this remote island is a sanctuary of untouched beauty, far from the crowds of Bali. Here, powdery white sand melts into a horizon of endless blue, while swaying palms whisper secrets carried by the tropical breeze. 

Time slows in Maratua, where overwater bungalows perch above crystal-clear lagoons, and the only interruptions come from the occasional sea turtle gliding through the shallows. 

Maratua is not just another beach destination —it’s nature at its purest, a place where the modern world feels like a distant memory.

A Tropical Paradise on the Edge of Borneo

But the true magic of Maratua lies beneath the waves. Known for its dazzling marine biodiversity, the island is a haven for divers seeking encounters with green sea turtles, reef sharks, and the hypnotic ballet of manta rays. 

The charm and allure of Maratua: just as stunning as Bali, yet still relatively undiscovered. Photo credit: Eremespe.

The coral gardens here are among the most pristine in Southeast Asia, teeming with schools of iridescent fish that weave through a living kaleidoscope of color. For those who prefer to stay above water, kayaking through the island’s mangrove forests or watching a fiery sunset paint the sky over the Sulawesi Sea is equally mesmerizing. 

Reaching Maratua takes effort—flights, boat rides, and a willingness to journey beyond the usual tourist trail—but those who make it are rewarded with a paradise that remains one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets.

Maratua, a remote island off the coast of Indonesian Borneo, remains one of the last frontiers of unspoiled tropical beauty. While Bali has long dominated the global travel scene, Maratua quietly enchants those lucky enough to reach its shores. 

Imagine endless stretches of powdery white beaches, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and waters so clear they seem almost unreal. This hidden jewel of the Derawan Archipelago is a place where time slows, and nature thrives, untouched by the rapid march of modernization.

Diving into an Underwater Wonderland

For scuba divers and marine enthusiasts, Maratua is a living dream. The island's waters teem with a stunning variety of marine life, offering some of the best diving experiences in Southeast Asia. 

At sites like Turtle Traffic and Big Fish Country, divers can glide alongside majestic green sea turtles, encounter elusive reef sharks, and marvel at the sheer abundance of marine biodiversity. 

Vibrant coral gardens stretch as far as the eye can see, providing a mesmerizing backdrop for manta rays, barracudas, and schools of shimmering fish. The island’s remoteness ensures that its reefs remain pristine —untouched by the overcrowding and environmental degradation that plague more commercialized dive spots.

Getting There: The Journey to Paradise

Reaching Maratua is an adventure in itself, adding to its allure. 

The journey begins with a flight to Kalimarau Airport in Berau, East Kalimantan, followed by a speedboat ride across the aquamarine waters of the Sulawesi Sea.

 Unlike the well-trodden tourist paths leading to Bali, getting to Maratua requires patience—but those who make the effort are rewarded with an island paradise unspoiled by mass tourism. The relative inaccessibility serves as a natural filter, preserving Maratua’s untouched charm for those seeking an authentic escape from the chaos of modern life.

Maratua offers a range of accommodations that seamlessly blend comfort with the island’s raw beauty. From cozy guesthouses run by friendly locals to luxurious overwater bungalows perched above the serene blue waters, there’s something for every traveler. 

At the renowned Maratua Paradise Resort, guests wake up to the rhythmic sounds of waves lapping against stilts and step straight from their private decks into the crystal-clear sea. With hammocks swaying on wooden porches and sunset views that defy description, staying on Maratua feels like inhabiting a dream.

Local Culture & Unique Experiences

Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, Maratua is home to the Bajau people, often called "sea nomads." For generations, these skilled fishermen have lived in harmony with the ocean, crafting their homes on stilts above the water and navigating the tides with a knowledge passed down through centuries. 

Visitors can step into their world —exploring stilted villages, sharing stories over freshly grilled seafood, and even trying their hand at traditional handline fishing. The island’s remoteness has allowed the Bajau culture to flourish, offering travelers an experience that is as enriching as it is unforgettable.

Activities Beyond Diving

While diving is undoubtedly Maratua’s biggest draw, the island offers plenty of other experiences for those who prefer to stay above the water. Hidden caves and limestone formations provide a playground for explorers, while the island’s untouched beaches offer solitude and relaxation. 

The charm of Maratua: its crystal-clear waters are as pure as glass. Some go diving, while others play with the fish. Photo credit: Eremespe.

Sunsets here are legendary —fiery displays of gold, orange, and pink stretching endlessly across the horizon. 

Kayaking through the winding mangrove forests reveals a different side of the island, where the only sounds are the gentle paddling of oars and the occasional call of a tropical bird. Whether you seek adventure or serenity, Maratua offers an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left its shores.

Best Time to Visit & Travel Tips

The best time to visit Maratua is during the dry season, from April to October, when the weather is sunny, and the sea conditions are ideal for diving and snorkeling. Avoid the rainy season from November to March, as heavy rains can limit outdoor activities and affect boat transfers.

Travel Tips:

1. Bring enough cash, as ATMs are scarce on the island.
2. Pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine ecosystem.
3. Respect the local culture and environment by minimizing waste and avoiding single-use plastics.
4. Book accommodations and boat transfers in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
5. Learn a few basic Bahasa Indonesia phrases to communicate better with locals.

Why Maratua Should Be on Your Travel List

As Bali continues to draw millions of visitors, destinations like Maratua stand as a reminder of Indonesia’s vast and varied beauty. This is a place where nature reigns supreme, where the ocean’s rhythm dictates life’s pace, and where the modern world feels a million miles away.

For those seeking a tropical paradise untouched by the hands of mass tourism, Maratua is not just a destination—it’s an invitation to rediscover the magic of the natural world.

-- Masri Sareb Putra