What To Do In Maratua Island Besides Diving?

Friday, 30 Oct 2026

What to Do in Maratua Island Besides Diving?

Mention Maratua Island and scuba diving is often the first thing that comes to mind. With tropical waters, coral reefs, and diverse marine life, this remote island in East Kalimantan has earned a reputation as one of Indonesia’s fascinating marine destinations.

But what if you do not dive?

The good news is that there are plenty of things to do in Maratua Island besides diving. From snorkeling in clear lagoons and exploring neighboring islands to canoeing, fishing, discovering coastal life, and simply enjoying an unhurried day by the sea, Maratua offers much more than experiences beneath the surface.

Whether you are a non-diver, traveling with a diver, planning a romantic escape, or simply looking for a quieter alternative to Indonesia’s busier destinations, here are some of the best ways to experience Maratua.

2. Go Island Hopping Around the Derawan Archipelago

Maratua is only one part of the wider Derawan Archipelago, making island hopping one of the most rewarding ways to spend your holiday.

Depending on your chosen itinerary and local conditions, excursions can introduce you to neighboring destinations such as Kakaban and Sangalaki, each offering a different perspective on the natural character of this part of East Kalimantan.

Kakaban is famous for its unusual marine lake, while Sangalaki is an important habitat for sea turtles and is also known for marine wildlife in its surrounding waters. Wildlife sightings should always be treated as a possibility rather than a guarantee, as encounters depend on natural conditions.

Sienna Resort currently offers island-hopping experiences that include snorkeling, sand-dune excursions, and trips centered around some of the Derawan Archipelago’s best-known attractions.

For travelers who want more variety than spending every day on one beach, island hopping can easily become a highlight of a Maratua vacation.

3. Discover the Unique Environment of Kakaban

One of the most talked-about excursions around the Derawan Archipelago is a visit to Kakaban Island.

Kakaban is particularly known for its marine lake and unusual ecosystem. It offers non-divers another opportunity to experience something that feels completely different from a conventional beach holiday.

Because Kakaban is an environmentally sensitive destination, access and permitted activities can change according to conservation requirements. Indonesia’s tourism authority notes that access to the lake has previously been restricted to allow its ecosystem to recover.

For that reason, always check current conditions with your resort or local tour operator before planning a visit.

The changing rules are also a useful reminder that exploring Maratua and its neighboring islands should always go hand in hand with respecting the ecosystems that make them special.

4. Paddle Across the Water by Canoe

Not every island adventure needs a speedboat.

For something much slower, take a canoe onto the calm waters around Sienna Resort and experience Maratua from a different perspective.

Canoeing lets you glide quietly along the coastline and across clear shallows while taking in the surrounding greenery and tropical seascape. Around

Sienna Resort, canoeing is offered as one of the ways guests can explore the island environment from the surface.

There is no need to rush. Paddle for a while, stop to admire the scenery, and simply enjoy being somewhere where traffic, crowded streets, and busy schedules feel very far away.

For couples, canoeing can be a particularly peaceful way to share time together. For other travelers, it is simply a chance to enjoy the water without diving beneath it.

6. Enjoy Maratua’s Beaches and Tropical Scenery

Sometimes, the best answer to what to do in Maratua Island is surprisingly simple: do less.

Walk along the shore. Find a quiet place overlooking the sea. Take photographs. Read beside the water. Or spend an afternoon enjoying the breeze without checking the time.

Maratua’s appeal is closely connected to its tropical landscapes, including beaches, lagoons, coral environments, and clear surrounding waters.

At Sienna Resort, guests are surrounded by turquoise water, tropical greenery, beach scenery, and ocean views. The resort also features a sunset beach, giving you another reason to leave part of your itinerary deliberately empty.

After all, an island holiday does not have to be filled with activities from morning until evening.