Maratua Island, Kalimantan, Indonesia

5Steve N 5:00 PM Jan 23, 2016

Searching for Manta - A Day at Maratua Island
Having visited over sixty countries the memories can have a tendency to merge a little but some are so profound that they stay with you for life. Swimming with Mantas off of Sangalaki Island off of eastern Borneo was just such a memory. The Island was an hour or so straight out into the blue from Maratua Guest House where we were staying with our hosts Jun and Anna. Our boatman suddenly stopped the speedboat, stood up and pointed excitedly yelling “Manta”. Gingerly sliding over the side I’m thinking “Manta? – there aren’t any Manta here, what is he talking about?” And with that a huge dark shape literally ‘flew’ up from the deep seemingly between my legs. It must have been ten feet across and before my heart could recover three of his mates followed in quick succession. They obviously were not afraid of me in the slightest, sometimes coming within touching distance. In fact they seemed positively friendly if somewhat intent upon scooping up great mouthfuls of plankton between the two horn shaped fins protruding from either side of their mouth. The largest we saw at more than 12 feet across moved majestically almost effortlessly. It was immediately apparent that some had tails and some didn’t but we were reassured that they did not use their tails to sting. It wasn’t just some chance encounter there were literally dozens and dozens of them all playing follow the leader and not even bothering to alter course to give us a wider berth. We rejoined the speedboat several times and watched for their tell-tale triangular fins above the surface but also the wings which break the surface regularly as they glide past. The encounter lasted for more than an hour and as we became more accustomed to their nature the gopro shots we got were simply magic. The speedboat returned via Sangalaki and then to an area of Maratua where Green Turtles can readily be seen in the sparklingly clear waters at depths of just several meters or so. These have very clear and distinctive markings and a surprising turn of speed. They come in to graze in the evening on the sea grass but can often also be found near ‘The Wall’ which is the edge of the coral forming Maratua Island. It drops away so suddenly that the transition from amazing coral to clear bottomless blue sea can be a little disorienting. I have snorkelled in many places around the globe but this has to be my favourite place of all. Jun and Anna our friendly hosts were there to greet us as always upon our return, anxious to know what we’ve seen. We sat and ate their amazing food as we watched the beautiful sunset chatting to the other guests about their experiences. A truly magical day.

5Sugeng2508 5:00 PM Aug 28, 2019

Company Outing trip-Derawan Island
Splendid view of beach resort with diving spots surrounding the island a worth 3 hours plus super speed boats. A great trip trully. Resorts have all divers need.