Private White Sand Beach & Stunning Ocean Views on your Doorstep

Snorkeling, stunning villas, and island adventures on a paradise island

a deck with chairs and a body of water in the background

MARATUA GUESTHOUSE

Ocean View Villas offer sweeping vistas of the expansive Celebes Sea

Maratua Guesthouse offers 4 standards of villas, catering to diverse preferences and budgets.

Premium Ocean View Villas boast spectacular views from spacious balconies.
Standard Ocean View Villas offer gorgeous views of the Celebes Sea.
Lake View Villas sit on our salt water lake with the jungle as a backdrop.
Jungle View Villas face the virgin forest, home to our own orchestra of native birds.

All villas feature air-conditioning, fans, premium beds with all cotton linens, hot water showers, porcelain toilets & sinks, closets, shelves, charging plugs, and comfortable balconies furnished with lounge chairs.

Snorkel with Rare Whale Sharks

The whale shark is the largest fish in the ocean, yet these magnificent gentle giants feed only on plankton - making them completely safe to snorkel alongside. The Celebes Sea off the coast of Kalimantan is one of the few places in the world where whale shark encounters are reliably possible, and our expert boat captains have years of experience finding them near the fishing village of Talisayan.

The best time to encounter whale sharks is during the darker phase of the lunar cycle, away from the full moon, when they are drawn closer to shore following the plankton blooms that gather in the darkness.

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a group of stingrays swimming in the water

Snorkel with Majestic Manta Rays

Off the coast of Sangalaki Island, graceful manta rays congregate in the warm blue waters of the Celebes Sea, gliding effortlessly through the current in one of the most reliable manta ray snorkeling spots in all of Southeast Asia. Our skilled boat captains know exactly where to find them, giving you the best possible chance of an unforgettable encounter with these elegant giants of the sea.

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Snorkel with Reef Sharks on Maratua's North Shore

The northern reef of Maratua Island is one of the most thrilling and accessible shark snorkeling experiences you'll find anywhere. Blacktip reef sharks patrol the shallows alongside vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish - close enough to observe in crystal-clear water, yet completely safe for snorkelers of all experience levels. This is wild nature at its most spectacular, right on our doorstep.

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Snorkel with Stingless Jellyfish

Kakaban Island contains one of the natural wonders of the world - an ancient landlocked saltwater lake of prehistoric origin, home to four species of stingless jellyfish. Cut off from the open ocean for millions of years, these jellyfish evolved in complete isolation and never developed the need to sting. Swimming among them is one of the most surreal and magical wildlife experiences on Earth, and it is just one day trip away from Maratua Guesthouse.

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Explore Maratua Island by Motorbike

Maratua Island is made for exploring at your own pace. Rent one of our scooters for just $10 USD per day and discover the island's hidden beaches, fishing villages, and jungle tracks whenever the mood takes you. Fuel is available locally. Whether you head north to watch the sunset from the tip of the island or south to find your own quiet stretch of white sand, two wheels are the best way to experience Maratua beyond the water.

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