Maratua Islan Barau Kalimantan Timur

     Derawan Islands does offer a lot of charm especially the beauty of the underwater. Blue waters and green hills stretch around the island. That's the reason why most tourists call it heaven on the eastern tip of Borneo. Derawan Islands has 4 famous islands, namely Sangalaki Island, Kakaban Island, Derawan Island and Maratua Island which borders directly with Malaysia and the Philippines. Although located the most out of the position of Indonesia, but Maratua Island is still entered Berau district, East Kalimantan.

     When viewed on the map, Maratua Island is very unique U inverted letter, so it always invites the curiosity of tourists who want to explore it from end to end. Clean white sand extends widely, blending with the crystal clear sea water. Maratua's beauty is increasingly visible with the marine biota is so rich and make the eyes wide-eyed to see it.

     Maratua Island consists of several small islands and one main island by the name of Maratua. The other small islands are scattered within Maratua Bay. Small islands are scattered, among others, Sidau Island, Semut Island, Andongabu Island, Sangalan Island, Bulingisan Island, Nisakoh Island, Bakungan Island, Nunukan Island and Pulau Pabahanan. Unlike the uninhabited Kakaban Island, Maratua Island is inhabited approximately 3,168 inhabitants. Most of the inhabitants who live in Maratua are Bajo tribes whose main livelihood as fishermen.

Biggest Green Turtle Habitat in Indonesia
     In addition to its natural beauty, Maratua beach is also the largest Green turtle nesting location in Indonesia. Animals whose age reaches hundreds of years is seen a lot of swimming in Maratua marine depth while looking for food. Maratua is indeed one of the areas in Indonesia which is a favorite of turtles to lay eggs and foraging. Of the large number of turtles that stop to this island, Maratua even touted as Turtle Capital of Indonesia.    

View from Near the Stingrays Swimming 
     If ever seen the stingrays swim majestically in Sea World, then in Maratua tourists can see directly in the habitat, can even interact with fish that has a fin span up to 2 meters. Manta point location in Maratua most often found on the island Sangalaki which is about 2 hours from Maratua. At the spot of the dive, visitors can see a very beautiful manta ray. 

     The most famous diving points in the region are Channel Entrance, Coral Gardens, Town, Sandy Ridge, Manta Run, Manta Point, Sherwood Forest, Manta Parade, Manta Avenue, Ridge, Light house and The Rockies. At the point of the dive there are dozens to dozens of giant stingrays are seen to swim with grace. In fact, if lucky, the elegance of this giant animal can be recorded only by doing snorkeling. Had not met with manta rays one, the beauty of coral reefs would make a click amazed. In addition, Sangalaki is also known as the island where turtles lay their eggs.

     There are many things that can be done during the trip to Maratua, a clear snorkeling activity, diving to island hopping will be so amazing when done in Maratua. One more, the charm of Indonesia in the eastern tip of Borneo, Maratua, worthy of the next tour agenda included.