Maratua Island aerial view

Maratua Island · East Kalimantan · Indonesia

Where Freshwater
Meets the Ocean

Hidden within Maratua Island lies a rare natural wonder — a vast freshwater lake surrounded by tropical forests, limestone caves, and crystal-clear seas.

Goa Gumantung freshwater lake
23.6 Hectares of Natural Land

Discover
Goa Gumantung

Goa Gumantung is an emerging eco-tourism destination located on Maratua Island, East Kalimantan. Surrounded by tropical forests, calm waters, and natural cave formations, the area offers visitors an authentic island experience with a character that is rare within the Indonesian archipelago.

With an estimated 25-hectare freshwater lake, natural limestone caves, and marine ecosystems nearby, Goa Gumantung is one of the archipelago's rare undiscovered natural assets with meaningful potential for sustainable eco-tourism development.

Freshwater Lake
Limestone Caves
Tropical Forest
Marine Life
Explore Activities
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Total Area (est.)

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Freshwater Lake (est.)

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Lake Length (est.)

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Max. Depth (est.)

Maratua Island

Prime Location

What Makes Goa Gumantung
Unique?

  • Freshwater lake hidden inside a tropical island
  • Estimated depth of up to ±40 meters
  • Strategic location on Maratua Island — a known diving destination
  • Natural cave system connected to the lake formation
  • Bordered by marine and coral reef ecosystems
  • ±23.6 hectares of private, titled land — rarely available at this scale

How Big Is
Goa Gumantung?

± 23.6 Hectares
33 Football Fields

Approximately ±236,000 m² total — including the freshwater lake, cave formations, tropical forest, and coastal access.

Goa Gumantung cave entrance
The cave entrance — natural limestone formations

The Story of
Goa Gumantung

The Name

The name Goa Gumantung — meaning "the hanging cave" in the local tongue — speaks to the dramatic limestone formations that define this place. The cave's entrance appears suspended above the forest floor, its mouth framed by ancient stalactites that have formed over thousands of years.

The People

For generations, the Bajau Laut people of Maratua have known this landscape intimately. The freshwater lake was historically a source of clean water and a place of quiet refuge. Local elders speak of the lake as a living presence — fed by unseen springs deep within the island's limestone heart.

The Lake

What makes Goa Gumantung geologically remarkable is the coexistence of a deep freshwater lake and a saltwater marine environment within the same island system. This rare juxtaposition — freshwater above, ocean surrounding — gives the site a character found in very few places in the archipelago.

Today

The land remains largely as nature left it. No major development has altered its landscape. That unchanged quality is both its greatest asset and its most compelling story for conservation-minded investors and eco-tourism developers.

Activities &
Experiences

From serene lake paddling to cave exploration — Goa Gumantung offers a range of experiences set within an unspoiled natural landscape.

Canoeing
Water

Canoeing

Explore the calm, freshwater lake by traditional canoe. A peaceful journey through an unspoiled natural landscape.

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Kayaking
Adventure

Kayaking

Paddle through hidden waterways and discover the quieter corners of Goa Gumantung's natural landscape.

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Swimming
Leisure

Swimming

Enjoy a refreshing swim in the freshwater lake, surrounded by the lush tropical forest of Maratua Island.

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Cave Exploration
Exploration

Cave Exploration

Venture into the natural limestone formations of Goa Gumantung and witness the cave's remarkable geological character.

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Snorkeling
Marine

Snorkeling

Explore the rich coral ecosystems of Maratua's surrounding waters, just minutes from the freshwater lake.

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Nature Trekking
Trekking

Nature Trekking

Walk through tropical forest trails and discover the diverse flora and fauna of East Kalimantan's island landscape.

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Photography
Creative

Photography

Capture striking scenery at every turn — sunrise over the lake, cave silhouettes, and the rich colours of coastal life.

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Nature &
Wildlife

Goa Gumantung sits at the intersection of four distinct ecosystems, each supporting its own community of life.

🌳

Tropical Forest Ecosystem

  • Dense lowland rainforest canopy
  • Native tropical bird species
  • Forest mammals and reptiles
  • Rich insect and flora diversity
💧

Freshwater Lake Habitat

  • Unique freshwater fish species
  • Aquatic invertebrates
  • Natural spring-fed water system
  • Potential anchialine ecosystem features
🪸

Coral Reef Ecosystem

  • Hard and soft coral formations
  • Diverse reef fish species
  • Sea turtle presence (green & hawksbill)
  • Manta ray sightings in surrounding waters
🌊

Marine Biodiversity

  • Rich pelagic fish populations
  • Cephalopod and crustacean species
  • Dugong habitat in the broader area
  • Whale shark seasonal presence

Wildlife observations are based on general Maratua Island ecosystem data. A site-specific biodiversity survey is recommended as part of formal development planning.

Tropical sunset

Watch the sun disappear
beyond the horizon

Surrounded by untouched tropical nature, the sunset at Goa Gumantung is a quiet, unhurried moment — the kind that reminds you why some places are worth protecting.

Why Visit
Goa Gumantung

Unique Freshwater Lake

An estimated 25-hectare freshwater lake — a rare natural formation that gives Goa Gumantung a distinctive character in the region.

Untouched Nature

A pristine landscape where limestone cave formations, dense rainforest, and vibrant coral ecosystems exist in close proximity.

Diverse Activities

From canoeing and cave exploration to jungle trekking and snorkeling — a range of nature-based activities in one location.

Emerging Eco Tourism

A sustainable development initiative designed to protect Maratua's natural heritage while creating meaningful visitor experiences.

Today &
Tomorrow

Goa Gumantung is at an early stage — which means the opportunity to shape its future is still open.

Today

What Exists Now

Natural assets, intact and undeveloped — ready to be shaped by the right vision.

  • Natural Freshwater Lake (±25 Ha)
  • Cave System — Goa Gumantung
  • Tropical Forest (±23.6 Ha total)
  • Canoeing & Lake Swimming
  • Forest Trekking Potential
  • Coastal Snorkeling Access
Development
Opportunity
Tomorrow

What Could Be Built

A phased development plan focused on eco-tourism and sustainable infrastructure.

  • Eco Lodge & Glamping Area
  • Restaurant & Open-Air Café
  • Viewing Decks & Walkways
  • Dive Center & Water Hub
  • Event & Retreat Space
  • Conservation & Research Zone

Site Map
Kawasan Goa Gumantung

An illustrative overview of the ±23.6 Ha site, showing the lake, cave, and planned development zones.

Freshwater Lake ±25 Ha · ±40 m deep
🌳 Conservation Forest
🦅 Forest Trail
🏔️ Cave Entrance
🏕️ Future Glamping
🏠 Future Eco Lodge
🛶 Canoe Launch
👀 Viewing Deck
Future Café
🤿 Dive Center
N
±23.6 Ha Total
Natural / Conservation Future Development Activity Zone Geological Feature

Illustrative plan — marker positions are approximate. Formal masterplan subject to detailed survey and development planning.

Future Development
Vision

Goa Gumantung is positioned as one of Maratua Island's emerging eco-tourism assets. The development vision focuses on sustainable growth that works with nature, not against it.

Phase 1

Eco Lodge

Boutique eco-accommodation nestled within the forest, offering guests immersive stays in harmony with the natural environment.

Phase 1

Glamping Area

Glamping sites overlooking the freshwater lake — a comfortable camping experience with views of untouched nature.

Phase 2

Restaurant & Café

Open-air dining with local seafood and Indonesian cuisine, set against the backdrop of the tropical lake and forest.

Phase 2

Viewing Deck

Elevated deck structures offering panoramic views across the freshwater lake, forest canopy, and Maratua coastline.

Phase 2

Diving Center

A planned dive facility offering guided dives and courses for visitors looking to explore Maratua's rich underwater ecosystems.

Phase 3

Water Activity Hub

Central hub for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and guided lake tours — the operational heart of water activities.

Phase 3

Event Space

Open-air event venue for private gatherings, corporate retreats, and eco-cultural experiences set in nature.

Ongoing

Conservation Area

Dedicated zones protecting the endemic flora, fauna, and marine biodiversity of Maratua Island for future generations.

Investment backdrop

Investment
Opportunity

Goa Gumantung presents a rare opportunity to participate in the development of one of Maratua Island's most promising eco-tourism destinations — at an early stage, on strategically valuable land, with significant natural assets already in place.

Strategic Location

Situated on Maratua Island, a known diving and nature tourism destination in East Kalimantan, with growing visitor interest from national and international markets.

Large Land Ownership

Approximately ±23.6 hectares of titled land, providing full development rights and long-term asset security for investors and development partners.

Freshwater Lake Asset

An estimated 25-hectare freshwater lake — a rare natural asset that adds significant character and appeal to the site's long-term development potential.

Tourism Growth Potential

Indonesia's nature and eco-tourism sector shows consistent growth. Maratua's relative remoteness and limited existing development create a meaningful window of opportunity for early participants.

Sustainable Development

Aligned with global eco-tourism trends and Indonesia's national sustainability agenda, with potential access to green investment frameworks.

Location &
Access

Getting to Goa Gumantung

01

Flight to Berau

Fly into Kalimarau Airport, Berau (BEJ) from Jakarta, Balikpapan, or Makassar. Daily flights available with multiple airlines.

02

Boat to Maratua

Take a speedboat from Tanjung Batu port to Maratua Island. Journey takes approximately 2–3 hours across the Sulawesi Sea.

03

Local Transfer

From Maratua's main village, reach Goa Gumantung by motorbike or local jeep. Guided transfers available upon request.

Arrange Transfer

Contact
Us

Whether you're planning a visit or exploring investment opportunities, we'd love to hear from you.

We typically respond within 24 hours.

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