Maratua - Extra Divers Nunukan Island Resort

Extra Divers Nunukan Island Resort is situated off the east coast of Kalimantan, positioned at the southern tip of the Maratua Atoll on Bakungan Kecil Island. Since opening in August 2008, the resort has operated with a philosophy of environmental harmony, utilizing solar power for hot water and locally sourced materials for its construction.

The resort is connected to the neighbouring Virgin Cocoa Island by a nearly kilometre-long jetty. For those arriving from the mainland, the journey involves a flight to Berau followed by a 3-hour speedboat transfer. The boat departs Berau on specific days, typically Saturdays and Wednesdays for arrivals, and Tuesdays and Fridays for departures.

The on-site Extra Divers dive centre is designed to integrate seamlessly with the resort's eco-friendly approach. The facility provides a welcoming reception and a small shop for divers' needs.

While specific instructor counts and languages are not detailed, the centre is part of the established Extra Divers network. The resort's commitment to sustainability includes a move towards hydroponic food production on-site to reduce the environmental footprint of the island.

The dive centre provides access to the surrounding reef systems with all the necessary shore-based facilities. The resort features a reception and shop to assist with dive logistics.

Accommodation is provided in standalone beachfront bungalows, which include air conditioning and private terraces. For those looking to relax between dives, the bungalows offer sun loungers and a semi-open bathroom with sea views.

The reefs around Maratua are home to a diverse array of large pelagics and reef fish. You can expect to see various species of sharks, including Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), Grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus), and Nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum). Larger visitors such as Hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini), Leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata), and various Eagle ray (Aetobatus) species are also part of the local ecosystem.

Schooling fish are a constant presence, with many species of Jack (Carangidae), Tuna (Thunnus), and Trevally moving through the water column. You will also encounter various rays, including devil rays and giant stingrays, alongside sea turtles (Cheloniidae) and large reef fish like Humphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon) and Triggerfish (Balistidae).

The structural beauty of the reefs is provided by a mix of Hard coral (Scleractinia) and Soft coral (Alcyonacea), including various Sea fan (Gorgoniidae) species. These habitats support a wide range of colourful reef life, from Butterflyfish (Chaetodon) and Parrotfish (Calotomus) to various species of Cuttlefish (Sepiidae).

For those interested in macro life, the area offers significant variety. Divers can search for Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), Pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti), Frogfish (Antennarius), and various Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) or Stonefish (Synanceia). Ribbon eels and Harlequin shrimps also inhabit the crevices of the reef.