Nabucco Island Resort, Derawan, Sangalaki and Maratua
A remote ‘back to nature’ resort perfectly positioned to explore Maratua’s exhilarating diving
per person, half board
Overview
- Back-to-nature atmosphere with rustic decor and minimal distractions
- Dive some of Borneo’s most least-known dive sites - in Maratua Atoll
- Plenty of fun for land lovers with cooking classes, village tours, spa services, and above-water exploration in the island’s rainforest
- Straightforward and easy to understand half and full board options and flexible diving packages to suit every travel style
Located on an idyllic private island inside Maratua's protected lagoon, the remote Nabucco Resort is a perfect choice for divers looking for an adventurous, yet relaxing holiday. This secluded and tranquil retreat into nature offers all the comforts of home, with rustic yet perfectly appointed bungalows, delicious chef-prepared meals, and soothing spa services. Plus, the freedom to explore the island at your own pace, both above and below its sparkling turquoise waters. Unwind, unplug, and enjoy the incredible diving offered throughout the islands of the Derawan Archipelago.
Rooms
Garden room
1 x King bed, sleeps 2
Air conditioning, Ensuite bathroom, Breakfast...from $69 /night
Waterfront bungalow
1 x King bed, sleeps 2
Air conditioning, Ensuite bathroom, Breakfast...from $102 /night
Nabucco suite
1 x King bed, sleeps 2
Air conditioning, Ensuite bathroom, Breakfast...from $124 /night
Resort checklist
Meal plans:
- Half Board
- Full Board
Diving in Derawan, Sangalaki and Maratua
Whale sharkNot frequently
SharksFrom February to December
Leopard sharkNot frequently
Thresher sharkNot frequently
Manta RaysFrom March to December
TurtlesFrom February to December
BarracudaFrom February to December
Bumphead parrotfishNot frequently
TrevallyFrom February to December
Exotic cuttlefishNot frequently
Rare OctopusFrom November to December
The Derawan Islands have something to offer every diver - from ‘muck’ and critters, to mantas, turtles and sharks. The islands' mix of different habitats combined with the currents that flow between the Java and Celebes Seas, have produced the perfect conditions for an extraordinary number of species - and some exhilarating diving.
Derawan diving
The shallow reefs around Derawan and closer to the mainland might have lower visibility, but they offer divers plenty of sought after critters. Seahorses, flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus and ghost pipefish are all often found on Derawan’s dive sites. Also nearby are whale sharks that gather around fishing platforms known as bagans.
Sangalaki diving
Further away from the mainland, the visibility improves and the diving switches to bigger animals! Sangalaki’s diving highlights include well-known manta ray congregations but the island is also a great place to go diving with friendly broadclub cuttlefish. Visitors to Sangalaki will also love diving the beautiful reefs and wonderful macro life, or encountering the many turtles which nest on the island.
Kakaban diving
Kakaban’s diving features sharp drop-offs and strong currents. Several dive sites are well known for shark sightings, especially of leopard sharks, grey reef sharks and the occasional hammerhead. Diving among Kakaban’s sea fans is also a great opportunity to search for pygmy seahorses.
The interior of Kakaban hides something a little different. Visitors will find an isolated, brackish lake filled with stingless jellyfish, unusual gobies and even sea snakes. Divers can carry their tanks through the jungle, or simply grab snorkels and masks, and spend an hour or two drifting through clouds of jellyfish.
Maratua diving
Maratua’s diving is dominated by currents and big schools of fish. At the mouth of the eastern channel divers will find one of the largest schools of barracuda they ever likely to see! Diving around Maratua Island is ideal if you are into shark spotting, and eagle rays and bumphead parrotfish can also often be seen.
