A Morning of Adventure in Derawan
EviindrawantoCom As the sun rose over the horizon casting a golden glow across the waters of Derawan Fisheries Cottages I found myself standing at the edge of the dock ready for an unforgettable day The air was crisp and the sky stretched endlessly in shades of blue and white This serene setting felt like a slice of paradise and I couldnt wait to explore what lay ahead
Todays itinerary included a visit to Pulau Maratua a hidden gem nestled within the Gugus Derawan archipelago With my snorkeling gear packed and my heart full of anticipation I joined a group of fellow travelers each eager to experience the wonders of this untouched island
The Allure of Pulau Maratua
Pulau Maratua is the most remote island in Indonesia located in the Sulawesi Sea and bordering Malaysia It is part of Berau Regency in East Kalimantan Known for its breathtaking natural beauty it is one of the 31 islands that make up the Gugus Derawan Alongside Pulau Sangalaki Pulau Kakaban and Pulau Derawan itself Pulau Maratua stands out as one of the most picturesque
As we set sail from the Water Villa Derawan Fisheries Cottages the view was nothing short of mesmerizing The ocean displayed a gradient of blue and green with houses resorts fishermen and rows of coconut trees lining the coastline It was as if we had stepped into a different world one where nature reigned supreme
A Meeting with Natures Playful Friends
One of the highlights of our journey was encountering the playful dolphins of Derawan As we sailed towards Pulau Maratua we were treated to an unexpected spectacle A group of wild dolphins leapt gracefully beside our boat their movements synchronized as they swam alongside us It was as if they were welcoming us to their home
The dolphins were drawn to the sounds of our boat and even the crews attempts to create noise with the ships walls only added to the excitement Two dolphins came closer followed by more pairs creating a lively atmosphere that filled the boat with laughter and awe
Unfortunately due to a technical glitch I wasnt able to capture the moment on camera My GoPros memory card which had a capacity of 64 GB was full before the action could be recorded This taught me a valuable lesson about checking equipment before embarking on any adventure
A Glimpse of Paradise at Maratua Paradise Resort
Upon arrival at Maratua Paradise Resort I was struck by the sheer beauty of the place The resort named after its stunning surroundings offered panoramic views of the ocean and sky The white sand dotted with seagrass and the lush greenery of coconut palms and mangroves created a perfect contrast against the azure waters
The resort is a luxury hotel that caters to international tourists offering a unique blend of comfort and natural beauty As I wandered through the resort I saw foreign tourists sipping coffee and enjoying the serene environment It was evident that this place was a favorite among those seeking tranquility and adventure
Exploring the Surrounding Islands
Maratua is not just one island but a collection of smaller islands including Sidau Pulau Semut Pulau Andongabu Pulau Sangalan and others Despite its size the island is home to around 3168 people mostly from the Bajo tribe whose livelihoods depend on fishing
The surrounding waters are rich in marine life with fringing reefs teeming with colorful fish and vibrant coral formations Snorkeling in these waters offers an incredible experience as the clarity of the water allows for a glimpse into a world beneath the surface
A Journey Through Nature
After taking some photos and soaking in the scenery we continued our journey to Pulau Kakaban another must visit destination in the area The trip to Maratua was not just a vacation but a journey through natures wonders where every moment was filled with discovery and awe
For those interested in experiencing this adventure Harry Gunawan the owner of Derawan Fisheries can arrange tours and accommodations His expertise and passion for the region make him an ideal guide for travelers seeking an authentic experience
In conclusion Maratua Island in East Kalimantan is a true paradise offering a unique blend of natural beauty cultural richness and thrilling adventures Whether youre snorkeling in crystal clear waters or simply basking in the serenity of the surroundings a visit to Maratua is an experience that will leave a lasting impression
