Nunukan Island Resort
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About
5.0
#1 of 3 hotels in Maratua AtollLocation
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Small Island, big paradise
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Property amenities
Free internet
Pool / beach towels
Bar / lounge
Beach
Diving
Taxi service
Foot massage
Gift shop
Public wifi
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Outdoor dining area
Wine / champagne
Snorkeling
Full body massage
Hand massage
Head massage
Massage
Neck massage
Mosquito net
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
First aid kit
Umbrella
Laundry service
Washing machine
Ironing service
Room features
Air conditioning
Private beach
Private balcony
Safe
Minibar
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
German
Location
Berau, Maratua Atoll Indonesia
1 Attraction
within 10 kilometers
286Reviews11Q+A13Room tips
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Traveler rating
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Detailed Reviews
Nunukan Island Resort is just amazing! We spent one week there and had the island for ourselves!
The experience is unforgettable, not only because of the beautiful surroundings but also because of the exceptional service and staff.
The bungalows have beach and sea view, are clean and waking up every morning in paradise is just amazing. Fresh food with good vegetarian options is served.
The diving center has good equipment, trustworthy guides and the house reef offers spectacular scenery and wildlife. Also, the day trip to Sangalaki was a great experience and well organized - we saw over 20 dolphins!
We highly recommend the Nunukan Island Resort! We were warmly welcomed by the local staff and the manager Beat who leads this resort caring a lot about his guests and employees which made us feel like home.
Thanks for everything!
The experience is unforgettable, not only because of the beautiful surroundings but also because of the exceptional service and staff.
The bungalows have beach and sea view, are clean and waking up every morning in paradise is just amazing. Fresh food with good vegetarian options is served.
The diving center has good equipment, trustworthy guides and the house reef offers spectacular scenery and wildlife. Also, the day trip to Sangalaki was a great experience and well organized - we saw over 20 dolphins!
We highly recommend the Nunukan Island Resort! We were warmly welcomed by the local staff and the manager Beat who leads this resort caring a lot about his guests and employees which made us feel like home.
Thanks for everything!
Read more
Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Beat Waefler, Geschäftsführer at Nunukan Island Resort
Responded Jul 24, 2022
Thanks a lot Irina to your reply We are so happy to had you guys here as our guests. We wish you and Remo safe travels for the rest of your holidays and we cross fingers that all your dreams come true. Beat and Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beat and his team are doing a fantastic job at Nunukan! The island is really remote, and it’s a hazzle to get there 3 hours in a small boat from Berau. All the staff is taking good care of you and things are well maintained.
The nature is absolutely wonderful 🪸, it is truly a beautiful paradise 🐠. We are two divers and two snorkelers, and both diving and snorkeling is extremely beautiful, and there are so many sites pretty close by. The corals 🪸 are outstanding as is the variety and abundance of fish 🐡. And there are all sizes and kinds of sea animals, from the tiniest creature to large sharks. Eg we saw leopard sharks and a whale shark - and millions of other things 🦈. The diving and snorkelling here is absolutely a 5 star experience. Our dive guide, Noflin, was good but could be more active in communicating and showing the divers stuff during dives. The dive boats are really nice and well maintained, strong motors, and with a roof providing shade.
The accommodation is really nice, there is a ‘row’ of around 20 huts along the white, sandy beach. At low tide the water retracts many hundred meters. It’s wonderful to sit at the terrace and watch the scenery. Well functioning air con.
The food is ok, but of very varying quality. The only fish they have is jack fish, which tastes like mackerel. The tofu dishes don’t taste good. Tempeh is sometimes good, often not. The home made fruit juices most often are quite tasteless / watery.
The diving and snorkelling is why you should come here, and Nunukan has my warmest recommendations! 🏝
The nature is absolutely wonderful 🪸, it is truly a beautiful paradise 🐠. We are two divers and two snorkelers, and both diving and snorkeling is extremely beautiful, and there are so many sites pretty close by. The corals 🪸 are outstanding as is the variety and abundance of fish 🐡. And there are all sizes and kinds of sea animals, from the tiniest creature to large sharks. Eg we saw leopard sharks and a whale shark - and millions of other things 🦈. The diving and snorkelling here is absolutely a 5 star experience. Our dive guide, Noflin, was good but could be more active in communicating and showing the divers stuff during dives. The dive boats are really nice and well maintained, strong motors, and with a roof providing shade.
The accommodation is really nice, there is a ‘row’ of around 20 huts along the white, sandy beach. At low tide the water retracts many hundred meters. It’s wonderful to sit at the terrace and watch the scenery. Well functioning air con.
The food is ok, but of very varying quality. The only fish they have is jack fish, which tastes like mackerel. The tofu dishes don’t taste good. Tempeh is sometimes good, often not. The home made fruit juices most often are quite tasteless / watery.
The diving and snorkelling is why you should come here, and Nunukan has my warmest recommendations! 🏝
Read more
Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Beat Waefler, Geschäftsführer at Nunukan Island Resort
Responded Aug 16, 2022
We would like to say a big thank you to your family for staying here in paradise and really appreciate your feedback here on Trip Advisor. Me and my team wish you a great end to the European summer and we look forward to seeing you when the time comes to say again,....welcome to paradise
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Everything is exactly as per the webpage, and many previous reviews. Only better. Manager Beat’s communication is excellent and honest including his advice re transit and accomodation in Berau pre or post. A recent reviewer said “surrender to Beat’s planning skills”. I agree.
For a night or two in Berau pre Nunukan, Hotel Palmy Exclusive is very good excluding inability to book well in advance - Beat took care of that. Hotel Bumi Segah also ok, especially for a meal in their 11th floor international restaurant (beer only).
Beat’s airport pickup & 3 hour speedboat transfers excellent.
We had noted no in-room tea & coffee facilities, in discussion with Beat before arrival, he arranged us a kettle & we brought our own tea & coffee, how fantastic to enjoy on our verandah rather than always walk to restaurant for same.
And we brought plenty of insect repellent & a can of insect knockdown spray - both a good idea I think.
The indoor outdoor bungalows are superb - we had #18 - fabulous - nil generator noise for us - higher numbers would have a slightly longer walk to & from restaurant. #1-7 or so would be closer to staff areas and generator.
Excellent wifi & air conditioning.
We just snorkelled once a day, rested, read, relaxed & enjoyed. We thought the snorkelling was the best anywhere (even better than Great Barrier Reef in Australia). Those who scuba said marvellous also. A snorkel in the jellyfish lake was interesting - but if offered, I would skip the turtle excursion.
Johannes (catering manager?) and all staff and equipment fabulous.
Restaurant and bar food and beverage options fabulous for carnivores, vegetarians & those who like beer, spirits and wine! We elected the half board option, the breakfast & dinners are generous in size, and we never sought lunch!
Beverage prices good too considering remoteness & tax eg wine from Australia, South Africa & Chile E43-48 a bottle. The 3 reds were very satisfactory. I would ask Beat to try to source a young crisp dry white.
Thus our house tab for snorkelling, soft drink, one bottle wine each night and a few sundries averaged E100 per day. I paid E500 midway by WISE (easy, set it up before you leave home) and we brought sufficient IDR & US$ in cash for the rest - AU$ hard for them to manage apparently.
So in the words of the late Australian music guru, Molly Meldrum, “do yourself a favour”. Just do it.
For a night or two in Berau pre Nunukan, Hotel Palmy Exclusive is very good excluding inability to book well in advance - Beat took care of that. Hotel Bumi Segah also ok, especially for a meal in their 11th floor international restaurant (beer only).
Beat’s airport pickup & 3 hour speedboat transfers excellent.
We had noted no in-room tea & coffee facilities, in discussion with Beat before arrival, he arranged us a kettle & we brought our own tea & coffee, how fantastic to enjoy on our verandah rather than always walk to restaurant for same.
And we brought plenty of insect repellent & a can of insect knockdown spray - both a good idea I think.
The indoor outdoor bungalows are superb - we had #18 - fabulous - nil generator noise for us - higher numbers would have a slightly longer walk to & from restaurant. #1-7 or so would be closer to staff areas and generator.
Excellent wifi & air conditioning.
We just snorkelled once a day, rested, read, relaxed & enjoyed. We thought the snorkelling was the best anywhere (even better than Great Barrier Reef in Australia). Those who scuba said marvellous also. A snorkel in the jellyfish lake was interesting - but if offered, I would skip the turtle excursion.
Johannes (catering manager?) and all staff and equipment fabulous.
Restaurant and bar food and beverage options fabulous for carnivores, vegetarians & those who like beer, spirits and wine! We elected the half board option, the breakfast & dinners are generous in size, and we never sought lunch!
Beverage prices good too considering remoteness & tax eg wine from Australia, South Africa & Chile E43-48 a bottle. The 3 reds were very satisfactory. I would ask Beat to try to source a young crisp dry white.
Thus our house tab for snorkelling, soft drink, one bottle wine each night and a few sundries averaged E100 per day. I paid E500 midway by WISE (easy, set it up before you leave home) and we brought sufficient IDR & US$ in cash for the rest - AU$ hard for them to manage apparently.
So in the words of the late Australian music guru, Molly Meldrum, “do yourself a favour”. Just do it.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Beat Waefler, Geschäftsführer at Nunukan Island Resort
Responded Aug 11, 2024
Thank you so much, Jonathan, for the great review! We’re delighted that you and your wife enjoyed our place. Wishing you safe travels and many more happy returns—just be sure to leave a little room in your suitcase to bring a crispy dry white wine :-) Beat and team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Nunukan Island Resort was the perfect base for a week of diving around the Maratua Atoll. The staff were incredibly helpful and the accommodations perfectly. The food was well prepared, and the beer was always cold, which is something divers insist on having! There wasn't a hitch the whole week, which is incredible considering how remote this resort is from the mainland. This is definitely a 'divers resort' as there is not much else on the island other than the resort and it is very remote. A big thanks to Beat for all of his organizing and helping to ensure that we were well taken care of!
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Beat Waefler, Geschäftsführer at Nunukan Island Resort
Responded Nov 12, 2023
Thanks Rob for the great review and thanks, that you and your lovely wife where part of the group. Hope, to see you again anytime soon. Beat and team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We spent a beautiful vacation on Nabucco and the Nunukan five days each diving with Extradivers. Despite some minor changes in our travel itinerary due to the rapidly evolving Covid pandemic, we were fortunate to be able to have our weeks of relaxation.
Both islands are just amazing, and the diving is top-class; very well organized centers and easy to put in 3 and some days even four dives a day.
The sea-side bungalows are magnificent and sunsets stunning.
Beat, Silvia and their team make your stay so relaxing!
PS- Do not miss out having a massage on Nunukan..
Both islands are just amazing, and the diving is top-class; very well organized centers and easy to put in 3 and some days even four dives a day.
The sea-side bungalows are magnificent and sunsets stunning.
Beat, Silvia and their team make your stay so relaxing!
PS- Do not miss out having a massage on Nunukan..
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Date of stay: March 2020
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nunukan, Manager at Nunukan Island Resort
Responded May 21, 2020
Thanks a lot for your reply here in Trip Advisor. We would be happy to see you soon, back in Paradise Beat, Silvia and Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Room was nice and cool. Shower, electricity, room service... everything worked perfectly. Diving facilities were great and all the gears were carried to the boat and back to dive center by the staff. Going back soon :)
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Date of stay: March 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nunukan, Manager at Nunukan Island Resort
Responded May 21, 2020
Thanks Sami to spend your holiday with us. You are always welcome to visit us again in Paradise Beat, Silvia and Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I went to Nunukan with my Buddy Sister for diving - everything perfect! Nice big clean bungalow, very good and professional service in housekeeping, restaurant and diving center. Excellent food and a cozy sundowner bar. Beat and his crew are very friendly and help you with everything. The dive sites are unspoiled and the guides do a great job. Snorkeling in jellyfish lake is also an experience you should not miss. Go see this paradise!
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Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Beat Waefler, Geschäftsführer at Nunukan Island Resort
Responded May 18, 2023
Thanks Elke to your feedback and also in the name of my staff thanks again to spend your holidays with us, we were happy to be your host.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
We had two very nice chalets with view of the neighboring island. Beat and all his team were very caring. Food was excellent!
The true reason to come here were of course the dive sites: Already the various house reef sites offer a stunning variety of marine life, which we enjoyed not only from scuba but also from snorkeling perspective - just let a turtle be your guide to show you the reef...
The scuba dives were all lead by the guides from the dive center. They introduced us to each dive site with a briefing and pointed out the small and big things we encountered during our dives. Our highlight was the day trip to Pulau Kakaban (snorkeling in the jellyfish lake) and especially the Manta Point site near Sangalaki. Yes, the name kept it's promise! ;) Another wonderful experience there was a curious eagle ray that came very close to us.
Difficult to leave after 10 days in paradise...
The true reason to come here were of course the dive sites: Already the various house reef sites offer a stunning variety of marine life, which we enjoyed not only from scuba but also from snorkeling perspective - just let a turtle be your guide to show you the reef...
The scuba dives were all lead by the guides from the dive center. They introduced us to each dive site with a briefing and pointed out the small and big things we encountered during our dives. Our highlight was the day trip to Pulau Kakaban (snorkeling in the jellyfish lake) and especially the Manta Point site near Sangalaki. Yes, the name kept it's promise! ;) Another wonderful experience there was a curious eagle ray that came very close to us.
Difficult to leave after 10 days in paradise...
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Date of stay: September 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Beat Waefler, Geschäftsführer at Nunukan Island Resort
Responded Sep 28, 2022
Thank you Ralf for your Feedback and for your decision to stay at our paradise for your holidays. We would be happy to see you again anytime soon....... Best wishes from all of us...Beat and Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
We had a fantastic diving trip with 16 ppl from HK south china diving club. The staff are professional and the place is clean and very well managed. We appreciate the Environmental awareness by the resort operator. Diving arrangement was safe and we really enjoyed every moment.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: Prepare for 3 hour boat ride from muddy water to blue water
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Beat Waefler, Geschäftsführer at Nunukan Island Resort
Responded Oct 15, 2023
Thanks a lot Cath for your review. Was a pleasure having you here.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sixteen people from my dive club (including a couple of non-diving partners) spent a week at Nunukan Island Resort, and enjoyed it thoroughly.
The staff are warm and welcoming (especially Johannes and Aires in the dining room), the food is plentiful and tasty, and the diving wonderful. Unlike some resorts in the area, Nunukan Island Resort has Wi-Fi (though it can be patchy) and serves beer and wine.
Maratua is a three-hour speedboat ride from Berau and is in the middle of nowhere, so pack accordingly.
Recommended!
The staff are warm and welcoming (especially Johannes and Aires in the dining room), the food is plentiful and tasty, and the diving wonderful. Unlike some resorts in the area, Nunukan Island Resort has Wi-Fi (though it can be patchy) and serves beer and wine.
Maratua is a three-hour speedboat ride from Berau and is in the middle of nowhere, so pack accordingly.
Recommended!
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Beat Waefler, Geschäftsführer at Nunukan Island Resort
Responded Oct 8, 2023
Thanks a lot Chris for your feedback. It was a big pleasure to have you guys here for a week and we hope, that some of you will find the way again anytime soon. Best regards from me and my team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello,
Currently, there are flights from Balikpapan to Maratua, however, the priority is given to local residents! Only if there are seats still available, can tourists reserve a seat on the plane! I understand that there are plans to add additional flights, including from Berau (BEJ) airport to Maratua. I don't know when this service will begin!
I believe the use of the swimming pool at Virgin Cocoa, is reserved for Virgin Cocoa guests only!
There is no Wifi in the rooms but in public area like bar, restaurant, shop and dive center...
DreamDiscoverTravel asked a question Feb 2017
London, United Kingdom168 contributions21 helpful votesHi in lonely planet I read you can take a speed boat from tawau to nunukan - is this true if so do you know how often they depart?
Hi there, unfortunately there is no speed boat from Tawau to Nunukan Island Resort. Maybe Lonely planet writes about the village called "Nunukan" which is next to the malaysian border? Sometimes these two destinations with the same name get mixed up!
To reach our Island Resort you should go from Tawau to Tarakan or Berau - from there we can organise a transfer boat for you! We are looking forward to your visit!
Hello Rita
From Berau we have arrival boat to Nunukan every Wednesday and Saturday. Departure days from our Paradise are Tuesdays and Saturdays. It takes 2 to 3 hours.
You can find Nunukan Island Resort's Site in the web and there you will find all necessary informations and contact details.
We are looking forward to hear from you......
Hi Esther
Of course you can swim between the dives in the sea.
If we do diving around the island then we come back after every dive. On trips we do surface interval on the boat anyway.
If there is high tide, you can swim also directly from your bungalow.
There is also the possibility to swim (snorkel) right in the front of the jetty if the currents are not to strong...
"If the mantas are playing on the surface at Manta Point, I strongly recommend dropping in to snorkel beside them - unforgettable experience!"Read full review
"Prepare for the 3 hour speed boat ride out; some inconvenience, but more than compensated, soon forgotten about after arrivak"Read full review
"Get into Berau the night before your boat pick up as the flights can be a little unreliable from Balikpapan. "Read full review
LOCATION
IndonesiaKalimantanMaratua Atoll
NUMBER OF ROOMS
22
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingNUNUKAN ISLAND RESORT - UPDATED 2024 Hotel Reviews (Maratua Atoll, Indonesia) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Nunukan Island Resort
Which popular attractions are close to Nunukan Island Resort?
Nearby attractions include Derawan Archipelago (7.9 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Nunukan Island Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and laundry service.
Which room amenities are available at Nunukan Island Resort?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a mosquito net.
What food & drink options are available at Nunukan Island Resort?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at Nunukan Island Resort?
Yes, laundry service and a washing machine are offered to guests.
Does Nunukan Island Resort have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.