Your Next Getaway? Discover Overwater Villas at Arasatu, Maratua Island

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Your Next Getaway? An Overwater Villa in Indonesia’s Maratua Island

By PORTALTO Editor

21 May 2025

There’s something quietly surreal about waking up above the sea. The rhythmic sound of waves beneath your villa. The morning sun casting a golden shimmer across endless turquoise. And that deep, tranquil stillness — the kind you only find in places untouched by noise, rush, or routine.

A Hidden Gem in East Borneo, Far from the Usual Escape

Maratua Island, tucked off the coast of East Borneo, is one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets. A place where time stretches, the air feels lighter, and nature takes the spotlight. Here, the luxury isn’t loud — it’s subtle, intentional. No beach clubs. No crowds. Just you, the sea, and the sense that you’ve stepped into a dream only a few ever get to live.

Anchored above the shallow blues of the Celebes Sea, Arasatu Villas & Sanctuary blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Wooden pathways curve gently over the water, leading to overwater villas where the days melt into warm sunrises, slow swims, and golden-hour sunsets. This isn’t just a vacation — it’s a retreat from the world.

If you’ve ever longed for a destination that feels completely removed — but still offers comfort, ease, and thoughtful service — Arasatu is the kind of place you’ll want to escape to, again and again.

[Photo: Arasatu Villas & Sanctuary]

Inside Arasatu Villas & Sanctuary

More than just a place to stay, Arasatu is a full sensory experience. This all-inclusive hideaway is built on the cultural and natural richness of Borneo, offering a soulful blend of traditional charm and laid-back luxury. Inspired by the seafaring Bajau culture, the villas float above the sea as if suspended between worlds. Arasatu offers two types of accommodations:

[Photo: Arasatu Villas & Sanctuary]

Sea View Villa
A serene escape overlooking the sea. With a private sun deck, cozy daybeds, a stargazing skylight, and a spacious interior, this villa promises the perfect balance between indoor comfort and outdoor bliss.

[Photo: Arasatu Villas & Sanctuary]

Floating Villa
Built directly over water, this is the ultimate overwater experience. It features a large deck with sun loungers, an over-the-water hammock for two, a private ladder to the sea, and a generously sized daybed — ideal for lounging as the waves drift below.

Inside the rooms, you’ll find thoughtful touches like an automatic glass window that slides open to reveal the sky above, creating a seamless blend between your indoor cocoon and the natural world outside.

Dining with a View

No island experience is complete without a feast — and Arasatu delivers on that front too.

Samamea Restaurant
Expect locally-inspired dishes and international flavors served with sweeping sea views. Whether you’re having breakfast or a candle-lit dinner, the horizon is always on the menu.
The Bar at Samamea
Just steps from your villa, this laid-back seaside bar is the perfect spot for a tropical cocktail, a cold beer, or a glass of wine as the sun sets over the Celebes Sea.

Getting There: A Journey Worth Taking

Reaching Arasatu requires a little effort — but the reward is a slice of paradise.

Arasatu sits on Maratua Atoll, just off the coast of East Kalimantan. You have two options:

By Air:

Fly into Samarinda, Berau, or Tarakan, then catch a SUSI Air charter flight to Maratua. From the airstrip, Arasatu staff will pick you up and escort you to the property.
By Sea:

From Berau Regency, book a 3-hour speedboat directly to Maratua. Prior reservations are required.

Need help? The Arasatu multilingual team can arrange everything from transfers to full itineraries.

What to Do in 4 Days Around Arasatu Villas
Our personal experience staying at Arasatu and exploring nearby hidden gems.

Day 1: Arrival & Slow Beginnings

Arrive at Arasatu and settle into your overwater villa. Dip your feet into the water, sip a welcome drink, and let your senses adjust to the slower rhythm. As the sun sets, head to the communal deck for golden hour, followed by dinner under the stars.

Day 2: Ocean Adventures & Island Secrets

After breakfast, set out for a full-day trip to Kakaban and Sangalaki Islands. Snorkel above pristine reefs, and if you’re lucky, spot graceful manta rays. Kakaban is famous for its stingless jellyfish lake — an otherworldly swim you won’t forget. Return to Arasatu in the afternoon for a sunset soak and seafood dinner.

Day 3: Into the Wild Blue

Begin the morning with a short trip to Halo Tabung Cave, a dramatic sinkhole surrounded by rugged limestone. Later, unwind at the villa — maybe a mid-day nap in the hammock, or snorkeling from your private stairs. In the evening, toast your final night with cocktails and uninterrupted views of the Milky Way.

Day 4: Goodbye, For Now

Wake early for one last sunrise. Enjoy a slow breakfast before your departure. For those not ready to leave, you can extend your stay for the ultimate East Kalimantan experience:

Optional Add-On: Island Hopping to Hidden Gems

Extend your stay and explore more of East Borneo’s untouched beauty:

Whale Shark Sighting in Talisayan

Best seen between September and December, these gentle giants gather near fishing platforms off the coast. Bring an underwater camera, fins, and reef-safe sunscreen.
Labuan Cermin

A magical two-layer lake where salt and freshwater never mix. Clear on top, turquoise below — it’s a surreal swim.
Manimbora Island

Often dubbed the “Little Maldives of Indonesia,” Manimbora boasts white sandbanks and shallow turquoise waters perfect for drone shots.

The Kind of Luxury You’ll Crave Again

Arasatu isn’t about grand lobbies or infinity pools. It’s about feeling like the world is paused — just for a moment — and you’ve found your own secret corner of it. It’s about floating between sea and sky, waking up in the middle of nowhere (in the best way), and leaving with a heart full of saltwater memories.

If you’ve been searching for an overwater villa in Indonesia that feels remote yet rewarding — this is it.

Plan your visit

Arasatu Villas & Sanctuary
Website | Google Maps

When to Visit

The best time to visit Arasatu is during the dry season: April to October. For whale shark encounters, plan your trip during the new moon, although there is still a chance of encountering them at other times of the month.