Arrivals & Departures

Getting to Maratua

Maratua is remote — and that is exactly the point. Our team coordinates your transfers in advance so that all you have to do is show up.

All boat transfers and overnight stays are arranged before you leave home. Our team will be in touch ahead of your arrival to confirm every detail. The routes below explain what to expect at each step.

Sometimes you'll encounter a pod of bottlenose dolphins.
Sometimes you’ll encounter a pod of bottlenose dolphins.

Please note that all boat transfers are subject to sea and weather conditions.

Travel map.
Travel map.

Arrivals

There are two main routes to Maratua Dive Resort. Choose the one that best fits your origin.

Route 1: Via Tanjung Redeb (Kalimarau Airport)

The most direct route for travelers flying in from Jakarta, Surabaya, or Balikpapan.

Approaching Maratua Island.
Approaching Maratua Island.

The Journey:

  1. Fly to Tanjung Redeb, Berau (Kalimarau Airport).
  2. Meet your coordinator: As you exit the arrival hall, our resort coordinator will be waiting with a placard displaying your name. They will take care of everything from this point.
  3. Transfer to the tourist pier (approx. 20 minutes by road).
  4. Boat: A 3-hour ride to the resort — the first 1.5 hours navigating the river out to sea, then 1.5 hours across the open water of the Celebes Sea.
  5. Arrive at our private resort jetty in Maratua.

The open water stretch is a highlight for many guests — the Celebes Sea on a clear day is a preview of what is waiting below the surface.

Critical Timing:

  • Aim to arrive at Tanjung Redeb by 2:30 PM. This ensures you have time for a same-day boat transfer to the resort.
  • Late arrivals: If your flight lands after 2:30 PM, you will stay overnight in Tanjung Redeb and continue to Maratua the following morning. We will arrange your accommodation.

Route 2: Via Tarakan (From East Malaysia)

For travelers crossing from Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia.

Typical ferry that goes between Tawau and Tarakan.
Typical ferry that goes between Tawau and Tarakan.

The Journey:

  1. Ferry from Tawau, Malaysia to Tarakan (approx. 4 hours).
  2. Meet your coordinator: Our local partner in Tarakan will meet you at the jetty and arrange your overnight stay in the city.
  3. Speedboat (next morning): Your coordinator will transfer you to the departure jetty for an early morning speedboat to the resort (approx. 3 hours).
  4. Arrive at our private resort jetty in Maratua.

Along this route you will cruise past Pulau Panjang and Pulau Derawan, and catch a glimpse of Pulau Sangalaki on the horizon — islands you may be diving around before the week is out.

Timing Infographic.

Departures

Keep the following in mind when booking your outbound travel.

Departing through Tanjung Redeb

  • Book your outbound flight for 11:00 AM or later. This allows enough time for the morning boat transfer from the resort to the pier.
  • Early flights: If your flight departs before 11:00 AM, check out of the resort a day early and overnight in Tanjung Redeb.

Departing through Tarakan

  • Depart the resort in the morning, arrive in Tarakan, and overnight in the city. Catch your ferry back to Tawau the following day.

Have questions about transfers or need help planning your journey? Get in touch with us before booking your travel.