Virgin Cocoa Resort

How To Get There

Located at the southern end of the Maratua Atoll,Virgin Cocoa Resort provides airport transfers for guests at an additional surcharge. The journey from the nearest airport to the resort takes approximately three hours.

Dive Overview

Kalimantan, the Indonesian portion of Borneo, is a divers paradise, offering an exceptional underwater experience. The region is renowned for its diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs, which create a mesmerizing underwater landscape. Dive sites around the Maratua Atoll, Sangalaki, and Kakaban Island are particularly popular, featuring encounters with manta rays, sea turtles, and a myriad of colorful fish species. The clear waters and healthy coral systems make for excellent visibility and photography opportunities.

Learn more about the Best Dive Sites in Indonesia.

Accommodation Overview

The resort features 18 luxurious bungalows, each covering approximately 70m of living space, constructed with carefully selected sustainable materials. These bungalows come fully equipped with amenities such as a bathroom with shower/WC, premium toiletries, hairdryer, air conditioning, ceiling fan, safe, electric kettle with purified water, and a terrace with sunbeds. Deluxe Bungalowalso offer a lounge on the terrace, hammocks, a coffee machine, and WIFI. All bungalows boast perfect ocean views, with Superior Bungalow facing Nunukan Island and Deluxe Bungalowoverlooking the lagoon and stunning sunsets.

Superior Bungalow (L) &Deluxe Bungalow (R)

Room Amenities

• Air Conditioning
• Fan
• En Suite Bathroom
• Hot Water Shower
• Balcony or Terrace
• Ocean view
• Towels
• Toiletries
• Laundry Service
• Daily Housekeeping
• Tea/Coffee Making Facilities
• Safe
• Mini Bar
• Wifi (free)

Food & Drinks

Virgin Cocoa Resort emphasizes market-fresh, seasonal ingredients and balanced dishes, promoting the philosophy of a healthy mind in a healthy body. The kitchen team crafts delicious daily creations, with ingredients sourced from the island or local markets. Guests can also enjoy a variety of dishes at our live food gallery, where meals are prepared in front of their eyes, allowing for personalized requests.

The ambiance at the restaurant is inviting and vibrant, with the option to dine at various locations across the island, including the privacy of your bungalow suite terrace. The atmosphere is enhanced by the stunning natural surroundings, offering a serene and romantic dining experience. The focus on health-conscious and local Indonesian specialties ensures a memorable culinary journey in a beautiful tropical setting.

Guests can also relax at the pool bar, located in the middle of the island. Perfect of those looking for a quick drink after a dive or a walk, the bartender is ready and available.

Dive Information

Kalimantan

Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo, is a diving haven renowned for its unparalleled underwater biodiversity, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters. The region's dive sites are celebrated for their pristine conditions and the sheer variety of marine life they host, making it a sought-after destination for divers worldwide. Maratua Atoll stands out with its steep coral-covered walls and strong currents, attracting large schools of barracuda, trevally, and reef sharks, offering thrilling drift dives. Sangalaki Island is famous for its manta ray sightings, where these majestic creatures frequent cleaning stations, accompanied by healthy coral gardens and numerous green and hawksbill turtles. Meanwhile, Kakaban Island provides a unique experience with its non-stinging jellyfish lake, offering a surreal dive among thousands of jellyfish, along with vibrant reefs teeming with diverse marine life.

The Derawan Archipelago, including Maratua, Sangalaki, and Kakaban, is a hotspot for macro photography enthusiasts, showcasing tiny, fascinating creatures like pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and mimic octopuses. Night dives here reveal nocturnal species and bioluminescent plankton, adding another dimension to the underwater exploration.

Kalimantan offers excellent diving conditions year-round, with the best visibility and calmest seas from March to October. Water temperatures ranging from 27C to 30C create a comfortable environment for extended dives, catering to all experience levels with a mix of shallow coral gardens and deep wall dives.

Extra Divers Dive Center Overview

Located directly on the jetty of the picturesque lighthouse island, Extra Divers Virgin Cocoa, offers a premier diving experience with comprehensive facilities including a reception area, drying and equipment rooms, rental gear, and wash basins. The dive center is fully equipped with essential safety devices such as oxygen tanks and emergency kits. Medical services are available in Berau, and a decompression chamber is located in Balikpapan. All divemasters and instructors are trained in first aid, ensuring a safe and secure diving environment.

Guests dive directly on the impressive house reef and can explore renowned sites such as Mantapoint Sangalaki, the jellyfish lake near Kakaban, and the Big Fish Country canal. Extra Divers Virgin Cocoa also offers half-day and full-day tours to cater to various interests, from macro photography to large schools of fish and vibrant coral formations.

Dive Center Facilities

• Nitrox
• Equipment Rental
• DIN Tanks
• Courses Available

Practical Information

• Electricity: 220 V
• Time zone: UTC+8
• Languages: Englisch, German, French and Bahasa Indonesia
• Accept credit card?: No