Combination trip Nabucco & Nunukan Island – Maratua Atoll
Travel period
Features
Starting at
Island hopping in the Maratua Atoll at Extra Divers
Combine two amazing islands in the Maratua Atoll.
During this vacation you will completely relax as you are really in the middle of nature.
During the day you will make the most beautiful dives and in the afternoon and evening you can read a book, take a walk on the island, go bird watching or have drinks in the bar.
You don’t have to worry about your meals either, because you stay on both islands on a full board basis.
Diving in the Maratua Atoll
The diving in the Maratua Atoll is nothing short of spectacular. Thanks to the powerful currents, there is an abundance of food, resulting in an amazing variety of marine life. At Nabucco Island you can expect large schools of barracuda, various reef fish, sharks and manta rays. But the highlight is “The Channel” or“Big Fish Country,” one of the best dive sites in Borneo. Here you can not only admire large marine life, but also discover beautiful macro life. Diving at Nunukan Island Resort is equally fantastic and easy. You begin your adventure right on the resort’s house reef, where a steep wall offers new impressions every meter you dive. Whether you choose a gentle dive along the entire length of the reef or a boat dive to dive sites such as Sangalakki, Kakaban or Muaras.
Stay at Nunukan and Nabucco Island
The Nunukan Island Resort, offers the perfect balance of relaxation in beach bungalows and fantastic diving. Located at the southern tip of the Maratua Atoll on the island of Bakungan, this is a paradise for divers, peace seekers and nature lovers looking for an authentic island experience. The accommodation is built with materials typical of the environment and uses solar energy for hot water, thus respecting nature.
The Nabucco Island Resort is a small, intimate resort built harmoniously among the existing flora, without cutting down a single palm tree. The resort is committed to sustainability with a water treatment plant and rainwater harvesting. Here you can enjoy rare coconut crabs, lizards, kingfishers and more, all in a beautiful, eco-friendly environment.
Best travel time for a diving vacation to Maratua Atoll in Indonesia
The best time to go on diving vacation to Kalimantan-Borneo is between May and November – then there is the least chance of rain. Diving is possible year-round, although visibility can sometimes be more limited during the rainy season from October to January. The water temperature remains constant around 27 degrees, while the air temperature is usually around 31 degrees. Thresher sharks are seen year-round and manta rays between August and the end of the year….
Turtles on Nunukan Island
Between June and September, sea turtles lay their eggs in the sands of Nunukan. These eggs then hatch about 60 days later. So are you going to Nunukan between June and November? Then you may be experiencing this up close and personal.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for Maratua Atoll – Indonesia
Throughout the year, the water temperature is between 27℃ & 28℃. A 3mm full wetsuit will then suffice in most cases.
Still have vacation days left?
Then attach a few days of Borneo Jungle to this trip.
In the jungle of Borneo you will find wild Orang-Utans, which is of course very special.
We can arrange for you to be picked up in Berau by our jungle partner and taken into the jungle.
Feel free to ask us about the possibilities!
This is possible from 2 extra nights for US$ 510
but you can also make a whole week of it and explore much more nature & culture above water.
This trip will run as a group tour in October 2024, including a visit to the Orang Utans!
Click HERE for more information.
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 | The journey to Balikpapan
This diving vacation begins with a flight to Balikpapan.
From Europe there is a favorable connection where you can fly via Singapore directly to Balikpapan.
Because of the time difference, you often arrive at Balikpapan a day later.
Upon arrival you will stay one night at the Four Points by Sheraton, just recovering from the trip.
Day 3 | Flight to Berau and transfer to Nunukan Island
Today is the day! You will take a short flight from Balikpapan to Berau. From there you will be taken to the boat that will take you to the beautiful Nunukan Island Resort. This will be your home for the next 5 nights.
After checking in, take your time to unpack your gear and meet the friendly people at the dive center. You will have every opportunity to relax and explore the island at your own pace. If you feel like it, you can also book a relaxing massage or do some snorkeling around the jetty to get your first glimpse of Maratua’s underwater world.
Day 4 | Diving on the house reef at Nunukan Island
Diving on the house reef of Nunukan is downright amazing and that is why you will make no less than 3 dives there today.
So we nje also get back to our diving equipment…. You may be thinking, “Why would I do three dives in the same place?” But the variety and vastness of the house reef are so impressive that it’s just a must! You have the option of reaching the house reef by boat and can choose where you want to descend around the island. After your dive, a short “shuttle” is waiting for you to take you back to the pristine, pearly white sand beach.
Day 5 | Day trip to Sangalaki & Kakaban
Today another 3 dives are scheduled. This time at the Sangalaki and Kakaban dive sites. These are both islands that are about a 45-minute boat ride away from Nunukan. Sangalaki is known for its rich marine life, including manta rays that float elegantly through the water. Kakaban offers a unique opportunity to swim AND snorkel in Jellyfish Lake, where you will be surrounded by “friendly” jellyfish. You reach this Jellyfish Lake after a short hike. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a rare thresher shark in the sea around Kakaban.
* This day trip requires a minimum number of participants of 4, with 2 people it is still possible but there is a surcharge of US$ 82 (total) to cover the cost of fuel etc.
Day 6 | Half-day trip to Muaras
Today, two exciting dives are scheduled at Muaras Atoll, where you will have the chance to spot thresher sharks. This unique shark species is known for its slender, striped appearance and is often seen at depths between 30 and 70 meters. Fox sharks are peaceful creatures, so an encounter with them is really cool. Observing their movements and unique characteristics is truly an experience you don’t want to miss
* This trip requires a minimum number of participants of 4, with 2 people it is still possible but a surcharge of US$ 41 (total) applies to cover the cost of fuel etc.
Day 8 & 9 | Local diving at Nunukan and transfer to Nabucco Island
On Day 8, two more beautiful dives on Nunukan’s house reef are scheduled, followed by a relaxing afternoon. If you just can’t get enough of diving, you even have the option of booking an additional dive. Nunukan’s house reef offers a wealth of biodiversity, ranging from tiny macro-wonders to schools of colorful fish and vibrant coral gardens. The underwater walls are decorated with both soft and hard coral, and the varied topography includes walls, canyons, caves and areas of reddish plate-like algae.
On Day 9, at your leisure, after breakfast, head by boat to our next accommodation Nabucco Island. It is about a 20-minute boat ride to the north. Arriving in Nabuccco, check in and in the afternoon take a dive somewhere near Nabucco Island. The real action begins again tomorrow.
Day 10 to 13 - Diving around Nabucco
The next 4 days are completely devoted to diving at Nabucco and the Maratua Atoll. Led by Martin and Friska, several boat dives per day are offered, to as many as 25 different dive sites. In small groups of up to 6 divers per guide, you can fully experience the diversity of the underwater world here. You’ll discover everything from tiny, spectacular sea creatures to impressive reef channels with powerful currents, where sharks and manta rays swim majestically.
One of the absolute highlights is “Big Fish Country,” a reef channel with strong currents that is only a five-minute boat ride from Nabucco. This spot is known for its large schools of barracudas and sharks and is especially spectacular during rising tides.
Day 14 | Return to Berau
After 11 days of island hopping, varied diving and relaxing with your feet in the white sand, this fantastic diving vacation unfortunately comes to an end. By speedboat you will be taken from Nabucco to the mainland.
Here you get on the plane to Balikpapan.
Arriving in Balikpapan you will sleep one more night at the Four Points by Sheraton before flying back home.
Extend your vacation with a jungle visit! This is the time to extend your vacation with a few more days of land excursions.
For example, book the 3 day Berau Jungle Tour.
During this tour you sleep one night with the Dayak tribe, who will tell you all about their culture during a visit.
You then continue your journey by boat across the river deep into the jungle where special encounters with orang-utans await you.
You can book this extension for about US$ 510 per person.
Day 15 & 16 | Return home
Today you will board the plane back home.
Given the flight duration and time differences, you will either arrive the same day or a day later.
Of course, we will sort all this out for you.
The dive resorts on this dive vacation
The stay and surroundings
Nunukan Island Resort
The Nunukan Island Resort, opened in August 2008, offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure on an enchanting island on the east coast of Kalimantan, located on the southern tip of the Maratua Atoll on Bakungan Island. This resort is ideal for divers, peace seekers and nature lovers looking for a unique nature experience in stylish accommodation. With 22 comfortable and spacious bungalows right on the white sandy beach, equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, a safe, minibar, mosquito net and a terrace with a deck chair for relaxation, the resort offers comfort and beautiful sea views. You can opt for half board or full board with delicious meals at the restaurant, which serves both Asian and European delicacies. At EWDR, we have selected full board by default. The resort also features a dive center, an Internet corner, a small store and Wi-Fi for guests. The resort’s unique design is inspired by its surroundings, and solar energy is used to heat water.
Nabucco Island Resort
Located on a remote island near Kalimantan, Nabucco Island Resort offers an idyllic retreat with 18 rooms in 12 bungalows, including oceanfront and garden view options. These eco-friendly accommodations are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, refrigerator and terraces with sun beds. The resort offers half or full board with a variety of options, including a la carte breakfast and 3 & 4-course dinners featuring local and international dishes. Guests can enjoy activities such as beach volleyball, snorkeling, and scuba diving, while relaxation is offered with massages and a unique sunset bar. Payment can be made in euros and dollars, and free Wi-Fi is available downtown.
Travel costs
What is included
This dive vacation to Nunukan Island Resort & Nabucco Island Resort is available from US$ 2.569 per person based on two people in one room. This price does not include flights. The supplement for a single room is approx. US$ 515 p.p.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about this diving vacation to Indonesia? Get in touch with us!
Included in this diving trip, from US$ 2.569 p.p.
- 5 Nights in a Double Room - Nunukan
- 5 Nights in a Seaview Room - Nabucco
- Full board stay at Nunukan & Nabucco (breakfast, 3-course lunch, 4-course dinner)
- Dive package consisting of 10 dives Nunukan
- Day trip Sangalaki/Kakaban supplement*.
- Day trip Muaras supplement*.
- Dive package consisting of 10 dives Nabucco
- Return transfers Berau - Nabucco/Nunukan
- Stay at Four Points by Sheraton on day 2 & day 14
- VZR, Calamity Fund & Administration fee
* For the day trips, there is a minimum number of participants of 4 people.
Are there 2 of you?
Then it is still possible to go only there is a surcharge for Sangalaki/Kakaban US$ 82 (total) and for Muaras US$ 41 (total).
Excluding
- Flight Europe - Singapore from US$ 824 p.p.
- Flight Singapore - Balikpapan from US$ 206 p.p.
- Flight Balikpapan - Berau from US$ 206 p.p.
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe.
However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide.
Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Upgrade single occupancy ±US$ 515
Email this diving vacation
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Frequently asked questions about this diving vacation
Diving in Maratua, Nabucco and Nunukan general information
Both resorts offer boat dives.
At Nunukan you dive on the beautiful house reef or take trips to places like Sangalaki, Kakaban or Muaras.
At Nabucco, you dive around Maratua and Nabucco itself.
Nunukan: Most of them less than 5 minutes. Sangalaki/Kakaban about 45 minutes.
Nabucco: More than 20 local dive sites near the Maratua atoll can be reached within 5 to 20 minutes from the island. To reach Kakaban/Sangalaki (day trip), the boat ride takes about 45 to 60 minutes.
Extra Divers offers 3 dives per day, usually single dives where you return after each dive, sometimes half-day trips (2 dives) and day trips (3 dives), plus early morning dives, twilight dives and night dives on request.
Yes, you can do this at both resorts.
At Nunukan, they do.
Yes, several SSI diving courses are offered. You can learn to dive or specialize here. During this group trip, however, this is less suitable.
For both resorts, the diving school is on-site.
Diving equipment
DIN with INT inserts available
Yes, these cost wpcs_price value=4] per day
Yes this costs US$ 7 per tank
Yes, this costs wpcs_price value=28] per day.
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