ADVENTURE MERABU | Merabu Village, Berau District, East Kalimantan 9D8N Merabu – Maratua Tour with Ary S. Suhandi

Early morning flight to Berau (4.45 AM – 08.15 AM) by Batik Air. Berau is one hour ahead of Jakarta. Upon arrival at Kalimarau Berau Airport, guests will be picked up and continue to the restaurant for breakfast. After breakfast, drive to Merabu Village via Merasa (approx. 2 hours 30 minutes), with a stopover in Merasa. Greeted by local people and lunch. After lunch, boating and a trip to visit an ancient burial cave of the Dayak Kenyah tribe and a rehabilitation site to save East Kalimantan terrestrial biodiversity. Continue drive to Merabu Village, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. Upon arrival, greeted by the local community and introduction to the homestay host.

Breakfast and morning briefing before the trip. Trekking to Beloyot Cave, which is somewhat secluded and surrounded by striking landscapes. Guests will see prehistoric wall hand-paintings that have been there for thousands of years. While trekking through the forest, learn about the biodiversity encountered along the way — birds, primates, fungus, and various medicinal plants. The people of Merabu are known as experts in making traditional medicine. Snacks, tea time, and lunch are served during the trek. In the afternoon, the group heads back to Merabu Village. Dinner at the traditional village hall, followed by stories and discussion with the local community group.

Breakfast, briefing, and preparation for today’s trip to Nyadeng spring lake. The day starts with boating via ketinting (traditional wooden boat) to Nyadeng dock — bring a dry bag for electronics, as the route passes beautiful community forests, birds, and karst rocks. On arrival, trekking continues along the boardwalk that the Merabu community and local government built to Nyadeng Lake, minimizing impact on the surrounding forest. Trekking into the tropical forest for about 45 minutes while learning about the natural environment en route to Nyadeng Lake. On arrival at the lake, the group splits into two teams: Team One climbs Ketepu Hill to reach the summit and view the karst landscape; Team Two stays at Nyadeng, visits a short cave close to the lake, and joins a local cooking class with the women’s group (if possible). Afterward, Team One rejoins Team Two for swimming, coffee, tea, and an early lunch. After lunch, trek and boat back to the village, then pack and depart for the approximately 5-hour drive back to Berau. On arrival in Berau, dinner at a sky restaurant, followed by rest at Bumi Segah Hotel.

After breakfast, briefing and preparation for today’s island-hopping trip by speedboat. First stop is Sangalaki Island — the “Island of Turtles” — for snorkeling on its beautiful coral reef, with a chance of spotting manta rays. The trip then continues to Kakaban Island, exploring and snorkeling with the stingless jellyfish (subject to the site being open to visitors). Proceed to Maratua Island and check in at Pratasaba Resort. Sunset view and barbecue dinner. The Derawan Archipelago in Indonesia is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. Snorkeling reveals abundant underwater biodiversity and vibrant coral gardens; the waters around Sangalaki are known for frequent manta ray sightings, while Kakaban Island hosts several endemic marine species, including stingless jellyfish that exist in only a few locations in Indonesia.

After breakfast, briefing and preparation for today’s boat trip around Maratua before lunch, then heading to Kaniungan Island afterward. First stop is Halo Tabung Cave, formed from karst rock with a downward, conical basin about 25 meters deep — a chance to test your courage by jumping into the clear blue water. Afterward, visit Teluk Harapan Village for lunch prepared by the local community at the local food court. After lunch, boat to Kaniungan Island at Sulaiman Bay. On arrival, room distribution and rest, followed by coffee/tea time while enjoying the sunset.

After breakfast, transfer to a local boat to reach Labuan Cermin Lake and enjoy its clear, dual salt-fresh water. Head to a local restaurant in Biduk-Biduk for lunch. Boat to Sulaiman Bay and explore the Blue Mangroves of Sigending by boat. Return to Kaniungan Island and enjoy afternoon tea, coffee, and sunset.

After breakfast, head to Talisayan by boat, watching for whale sharks from the boat (or swimming with them). Continue boating to Tanjung Redeb town. Transfer to a restaurant, change clothes, and have lunch. Head to the airport for the flight to Jakarta (ETD 15:40). On arrival in Jakarta, transfer to the hotel in town.

Breakfast and free time until check-out, then transfer to Jakarta airport for the return flight, Departures and farewell