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- Maratua Atoll Coral Gardens: The island sits inside a massive atoll with pristine coral formations in the lagoon. Snorkeling directly from shore reaches healthy hard and soft corals, with schools of reef fish and occasional sea turtles. No boat needed for entry-level exploration.
- Paal Island (Pulau Paal): A small island within the atoll, a 15-minute boat ride away, known for white sand and calm lagoon water. Local fishermen base themselves here, and the lack of permanent tourism infrastructure keeps it quiet and authentic.
- Kakaban Island: Famous for its landlocked saltwater lake filled with millions of stingless jellyfish. A 30-minute boat ride from Maratua, it's a surreal swim through harmless creatures. The lake's isolation created a unique ecosystem found nowhere else in Indonesia.
- Derawan
- Maratua Atoll Coral Gardens: The island sits inside a massive atoll with pristine coral formations in the lagoon. Snorkeling directly from shore reaches healthy hard and soft corals, with schools of reef fish and occasional sea turtles. No boat needed for entry-level exploration.
- Paal Island (Pulau Paal): A small island within the atoll, a 15-minute boat ride away, known for white sand and calm lagoon water. Local fishermen base themselves here, and the lack of permanent tourism infrastructure keeps it quiet and authentic.
- Kakaban Island: Famous for its landlocked saltwater lake filled with millions of stingless jellyfish. A 30-minute boat ride from Maratua, it's a surreal swim through harmless creatures. The lake's isolation created a unique ecosystem found nowhere else in Indonesia.
- Derawan Island: The closest major island (45 minutes by boat), home to a sea turtle conservation center and nesting beaches. Turtles come ashore year-round, and the center offers genuine insight into local conservation efforts without the circus of larger facilities.
- Sangalaki Island: Another nearby atoll island (1 hour by boat) with excellent house reef diving and a quieter vibe than Derawan. Manta rays appear seasonally, and the island has minimal development, making it feel remote despite easy access.
- Maratua's House Reef: The coral wall drops steeply just offshore from the main settlement. Divers and snorkelers encounter barracuda, grouper, and occasional sharks in clear water. Entry is straightforward from the beach, making it accessible to all skill levels.
- Tanjung Batu (Rocky Point): A local fishing spot on Maratua's eastern shore, less visited by tourists. The rocky outcrops create interesting snorkeling terrain, and you'll see working fishermen rather than tour groups. Sunrise here is quiet and unrushed.
- Maratua Lagoon Mangrove Edges: The shallow mangrove areas on the lagoon's perimeter host juvenile fish, rays, and occasional dolphins. Local guides know the best spots, and exploring by small boat or kayak feels intimate and off the typical tourist circuit.
- Nabire Beach (Pantai Nabire): A long, sandy beach on Maratua's western side with calm lagoon water. It's where locals swim and relax, not a tourist beach, making it a genuine window into island life without the resort atmosphere.
- Maratua's Night Dive Sites: Several reef sections come alive after dark with nocturnal species, bioluminescent plankton, and hunting behavior. Local dive operators run these regularly, and the experience reveals an entirely different reef ecosystem from daytime visits.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.