Green Nirvana Resort, Derawan, Sangalaki and Maratua
Dive with mantas and sharks from this eco-conscious, family-friendly resort nestled in paradise
per person, full board
Overview
Well known for its warm hospitality and friendliness, Green Nirvana Resort on Maratua Island offers a memorable family-friendly getaway in the Derawan Archipelago. Set on an idyllic beach backed by dense tropical forest, it’s the perfect eco-friendly resort for guests of all ages. Whether you’re looking for world-class diving with sharks and mantas, lazy sunset cocktails, delicious earth-to-table dining, or simply a relaxing holiday, Green Nirvana has it all.
- Dive Maratua’s prolific reefs and channels, home to sharks and schools of fish
- Explore nearby Sangalaki and Kakaban on day tripsÂ
- Savour a delicious, sustainable earth-to-table dining experience
- Relax in natural surroundings at a sustainable, eco-friendly resort full of Indonesian character
Rooms
Talun bungalow
1 x king bed, sleeps 2
Air conditioning, Ensuite bathroom, TV...from $280 /night
Sannai villa
1 x king bed, sleeps 2
Air conditioning, Ensuite bathroom, TV...from $311 /night
Resort checklist
Meal plans:
- Breakfast
- Full Board
Diving in Derawan, Sangalaki and Maratua
Reef sharksFrom March to December
Whale sharksFrom March to June and From September to December
Leopard sharksFrom March to December
Manta raysFrom March to December
Marine turtlesFrom March to December
BarracudaFrom March to December
Bumphead parrotfishFrom March to December
TrevallyFrom March to December
Plentiful reef lifeFrom March to December
Jellyfish lakesFrom March 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.
