Bali may be the first destination that comes to mind when travelers dream of an Indonesian island holiday. Its beaches and culture are famous worldwide. Yet Indonesia is an archipelago of extraordinary variety, and some of its most memorable escapes lie beyond the most familiar routes.On Maratua Island, in East Kalimantan’s Derawan Archipelago, the rhythm feels different. Turquoise water, coral reefs, tropical greenery, and quiet coastlines create a setting made for travelers who want to slow down. Here, Sienna Resort Maratua offers a peaceful private island escape where days can move naturally between relaxation and adventure.

For many divers, choosing the right destination involves more than finding a list of impressive dive sites. A memorable diving holiday should bring together exciting underwater experiences, comfortable accommodation, convenient dive facilities, beautiful surroundings, and enough time to relax between adventures.Maratua Island offers all of these elements in one remote tropical setting.Located in the Derawan Archipelago of East Kalimantan, Indonesia, Maratua is surrounded by turquoise waters and a diverse marine environment. The wider Derawan island chain sits within the Coral Triangle and is known for colorful reefs, green sea turtles, rays, schooling fish, and other marine life. More than 20 dive spots are found around Maratua, giving visiting divers plenty to explore over several days.For travelers considering a scuba diving resort holiday in Indonesia, here is why Maratua deserves a closer look.

Indonesia is a dream destination for divers, with thousands of islands, warm tropical waters, colourful reefs, and marine encounters that can turn an ordinary holiday into an unforgettable underwater adventure. Yet when planning a scuba escape, the question is not simply where to dive. It is also where to stay, how easily you can reach the dive sites, and whether your entire journey feels relaxed from the moment you arrive.That is why choosing one of the right PADI dive resorts in Indonesia matters.For travellers looking beyond the busiest dive destinations, Maratua Island offers something special: a remote island atmosphere, beautiful beaches, memorable marine life, and access to some of the Derawan Archipelago’s most exciting underwater environments. At Sienna Resort Maratua, guests can combine a tropical stay with guided diving, snorkeling, island experiences, and the comfort of a resort designed around the rhythm of the sea.

A great dive holiday should feel simple from the moment you arrive. Instead of organising accommodation, dive boats, equipment, guides, and daily activities separately, you can stay somewhere designed around the sea and spend more time enjoying it.So, what is a PADI Dive Resort?A PADI Dive Resort is a dive operation created for travelling scuba divers and snorkellers. It typically combines guided diving, scuba instruction, snorkelling excursions, equipment rental, and water activities with accommodation at—or close to—a resort destination. For guests, it offers an easier way to plan a dive holiday, whether you are trying scuba diving for the first time or returning for another unforgettable underwater adventure.At Sienna Resort Maratua, we believe a dive holiday should be as relaxing above the surface as it is exciting below it. Our private island setting brings together comfortable accommodation, a PADI dive centre, guided dive experiences, snorkelling opportunities, and the natural beauty of Maratua Island.

Maratua Island is the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave. Located in East Kalimantan’s spectacular Derawan Archipelago, this remote Indonesian island invites divers to exchange crowded schedules for clear blue water, quiet beaches, and days shaped by the rhythm of the sea.For many travelers, a diving holiday is about finding extraordinary underwater encounters. In Maratua, those encounters come with something more: a true sense of escape. One day may bring graceful sea turtles drifting above coral gardens the next could lead to a thrilling current dive surrounded by schooling fish and pelagic life. Between dives, there are peaceful boat rides, turquoise lagoons, and sunset moments that make every day feel unhurried.Here are ten reasons why Maratua Island deserves a place on your diving bucket list.

A stay in Maratua is about more than choosing a room. It is about deciding how you want to experience each island morning, sunset, and quiet moment between adventures. At Sienna Resort, guests can choose between the spacious Sangalaki Villa, the sunset-facing Kakaban Villa, and the intimate Sidau Cottage.Each accommodation has its own character. Some are designed for families and groups who appreciate extra room to spread out. Others are made for couples, friends, or independent travellers who want an easy-going island base close to the beach. Whether your Maratua holiday is centred on diving, snorkelling, island hopping, or simply slowing down by the sea, this guide will help you choose the stay that suits you best.

Maratua is one of the most beautiful island destinations in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Surrounded by the Derawan Archipelago, this tropical island is known for clear blue water, peaceful beaches, coral reefs, sea turtles, and unforgettable underwater views. For first-time visitors, Maratua snorkeling is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the island’s marine beauty without needing a diving certification.The best part is that snorkeling in Maratua Island can be as relaxed or adventurous as you want it to be. Some areas are suitable for calm reef exploration, while nearby islands such as Kakaban and Sangalaki offer unique marine experiences for travelers who want to join a guided boat trip. Maratua is also home to several recognized snorkeling and diving areas, including Jetty, Turtle Traffic, Mid Reef, Eel Garden, Hanging Garden, Cabbage Garden, and The Channel.

Maratua is one of those rare island destinations where the journey feels just as special as the arrival. Located in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, and surrounded by the wider Derawan Archipelago, Maratua is known for clear turquoise water, coral reefs, turtles, diving spots, and peaceful tropical scenery. For many travelers planning a marine adventure, one question often comes first: can you swim with whale sharks in Maratua?The answer is yes, travelers may have the opportunity to swim or snorkel with whale sharks during a Maratua holiday. However, this is a natural wildlife experience, not a guaranteed attraction. Sightings depend on season, sea conditions, local reports, and boat arrangements. For guests staying at Sienna Resort Maratua, a whale shark trip can become one of the most memorable highlights of an island escape, especially when combined with snorkeling, diving, island hopping, and relaxing resort moments.

Crystal-clear water, powerful ocean currents, and the electric flash of silver as a barracuda tornado forms beneath you. Welcome to Big Fish Country Maratua, one of Indonesia’s most thrilling pelagic dive destinations. Located within the spectacular Maratua Atoll in East Kalimantan, this world-class dive region has earned its name for a reason.For divers seeking sharks, schooling barracuda, giant trevally, and dramatic drift dives, Big Fish Country Maratua delivers unforgettable underwater action. Even better, many of the best dive sites are located just minutes from Sienna Resort Maratua, giving guests front-row access to some of the most exciting diving in Indonesia.

The first light of dawn stretches across turquoise waters, the horizon glowing softly over the Celebes Sea. A gentle breeze carries the scent of salt and freedom. This is not just another morning in Indonesia. This is the beginning of a fishing trip with Sienna Resort Maratua — an experience designed for true ocean lovers seeking both adventure and refined comfort.Located on the pristine shores of Maratua Island in East Kalimantan, within the spectacular Derawan Islands archipelago, Sienna Resort Maratua offers more than a tropical escape. It offers a deeper connection to the sea. For travelers who feel most alive surrounded by open water, a private fishing journey here becomes a highlight of their stay.