If your idea of an island holiday involves more than just a beautiful beach, Maratua Island deserves a spot on your radar. Part of the Derawan Archipelago in East Kalimantan, this remote island is surrounded by turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and some of Indonesia's richest marine life.

Getting there takes more planning than other popular Indonesian islands, but that's also part of the appeal. Once you arrive, the slower pace, uncrowded coastline, and incredible underwater scenery make Maratua feel like a world away from everyday life.

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Maratua Island is located in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, and is one of the main islands in the Derawan Archipelago. It sits in the Sulawesi Sea, close to the border between Indonesia and Malaysia.

For Malaysian travellers, getting to Maratua usually involves a combination of flight, road transfer, and boat ride.

A common route is to fly to Kalimarau Airport in Berau, travel by road to the harbour area around Tanjung Redeb or Tanjung Batu, and continue by speedboat to Maratua.

The exact route and transfer time can vary depending on your accommodation and boat arrangement, so it's worth coordinating the transfers with your resort or tour operator before arriving.

While the journey may take longer than a typical island getaway, it rewards you with something that's increasingly difficult to find, a tropical destination that still feels genuinely remote.

Maratua isn't about ticking off dozens of attractions. Its charm lies in the experiences that come with being surrounded by nature, clear water, and a quieter way of life.

Maratua's coastline is the kind of scenery that makes you want to put your phone away and simply look around. Crystal-clear water surrounds stretches of white sand, while traditional wooden houses and small fishing communities add character to the island.

You can start the day with an ocean view, spend the afternoon swimming or snorkelling, and end it watching the colours change across the horizon.

The waters around Maratua are one of its biggest draws. Coral reefs, sea turtles, colourful fish, and other marine life make the area particularly appealing to snorkellers and divers.

You don't necessarily need to be an experienced diver to enjoy it. Several areas around the island offer accessible snorkelling, while experienced divers can explore deeper sites and encounter a wider range of marine species.

For Malaysians who already enjoy island destinations such as Sabah or Langkawi, Maratua offers an opportunity to experience a much more remote underwater environment.

One of the most memorable experiences in the Derawan Archipelago is a trip to Kakaban Island, home to its famous jellyfish lake.

The lake is known for its population of stingless jellyfish, allowing visitors to swim alongside them in a unique natural environment. It's unlike the typical snorkelling excursion and makes Kakaban a popular addition to a Maratua itinerary.

Because the lake is a delicate ecosystem, visitors should follow local guidelines and avoid touching or disturbing the jellyfish.

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Maratua is a destination in its own right, but its location also makes it an excellent base for exploring nearby islands.

Depending on sea conditions and your tour arrangement, you can venture towards Kakaban, Sangalaki, and Derawan, each offering a different experience.

If you're travelling all the way to this part of East Kalimantan, setting aside a day for island hopping can make the journey feel even more worthwhile.

Not every reason to visit Maratua needs to involve an excursion.

Part of the experience is simply having fewer distractions. There are no sprawling shopping malls or busy entertainment districts competing for your attention. Instead, days can revolve around swimming, eating seafood, reading by the water, and watching the sea change colour throughout the day.

For travellers who spend most of their holidays moving between attractions, Maratua offers something different, it is permission to slow down.

For a quick island escape, three days and two nights can give you enough time to experience Maratua and fit in a snorkelling or island-hopping excursion.

If you're making the journey from Malaysia, however, four to five days is more comfortable. You'll have more time to explore nearby islands such as Kakaban and Sangalaki without turning the trip into a race against the clock.

It also gives you something that's easy to overlook when planning a time to do absolutely nothing.

Maratua's remote location is part of its charm, but it also means you should prepare a little more carefully than you would for a typical beach holiday.

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Some holidays are memorable because of how much you manage to see. Maratua works differently. The boat ride across open water, the first glimpse of its turquoise lagoon, a turtle appearing beneath your snorkel, and an afternoon with nowhere to be can become the moments you remember most.

When you're ready to start planning your Indonesian island adventure, Traveloka can help you arrange the journey in one place. Book your flights from Malaysia to Indonesia, find accommodation for your stay, and discover attractions and experiences to add to your itinerary. As the #1 All-in-one Travel App in Southeast Asia, Traveloka also offers Best Price Guarantee and 24/7 Customer Support to make planning easier. T&Cs apply.

For more ideas beyond Maratua, explore destination guides, travel inspiration, and practical holiday tips on Traveloka Explore before your next trip.