A Million Marine Tourism on the Pesisir Selatan

Silhouettes on the Carocok Beach.
(Photo by Mulkan Ikram)

Perhaps not many know about Pesisir Selatan, a small district in southern of Minangkabau, West Sumatra. So far, people only know about Padang and Bukittinggi as a tourist destination in West Sumatra. Though the Pesisir Selatan District also has many interesting attractions.

Pesisir Selatan District extends Indian Ocean coast, from border of Padang to border of West Sumatra Province with Bengkulu Province. In the coastal areas along the 234 kilometers, do not be surprised if the white sandy beaches a mainstay tourism in the Pesisir Selatan District.

There are beaches rocky reefs great in Koto XI Tarusan Sub-District, called Batu Kalang Beach. The beach is in the Mandeh region (Mandeh Resort), which is being developed by the central government in a national marine conservation projects.

A tourist on the top of hills in the Mandeh region, with views
of the Tarusan Bay.
(Photo by Banu Desta Rini)

Mandeh region can be reached only about 1 hour from the Padang City. From the top of the hills in the Mandeh region, looks Tarusan Bay like fishing hook. Around the Tarusan Bay, dozens lined up a very exotic island. Most of these islands are uninhabited. From this Mandeh region, saw a group of islands in the Tarusan Bay like being in Raja Ampat, Papua.

In the Tarusan Bay there are also ship wreck belongs of the Dutch colonial to colonialists first. The ship is Boelongan, which sank in 1942 due to being attacked by air by Japanese soldiers. Now, the location of the sinking Boelongan ship a famous diving spot in West Sumatra.

The islands in the Tarusan Bay also very interesting to explore, because a variety of colorful fish and coral reefs. It is suitable for underwater activities, such as snorkeling and diving.

Among these islands, the most famous of course is Cubadak Island. The island is managed by an Italian citizen, Mr. Nanni had a dozen years. Mr Nanni build a resort with a natural atmosphere on the island. Every year, many foreign tourists who vacation on the Cubadak Island, at a cost of Rp 1,000,000/people for one night. To achieve this, through a small pier in Nagari Carocok Anau. About Cubadak Island can also be read here.

In addition, there Pagang Island which also has a number of bungalows. In contrast to the resort of Cubadak Island a fairly complete amenities, bungalows on the Pagang Island was built potluck. The rent is still quite affordable for local tourists, only Rp 250,000/night. About Pagang Island can also be seen here.

Marak Island with blue and clear sea water.
(Photo by Om Ade)

Then, there Marak Island at the center of conservation of gibbons (siamang, species of monkey) since 2003. The location for the rehabilitation of endangered species is managed by the Kalaweit of France. In addition, there are many other wildlife that can be found on the Marak Island. See also Marak Island here.

All three islands have white sandy beaches. Underwater scenery is also very beautiful, no less when compared to Wakatobi in Sulawesi or Raja Ampat in Papua. Most tourists who come to the site are foreign tourists, especially on the Cubadak Island. They were on vacation for weeks, just for snorkeling and diving.

Not far from Mandeh region, do not forget to also stop by the Nagari Sungai Pinang. Villages located on the seafront Tarusan Bay is also very beautiful. There is a beach house called Ricky's Beach House is being developed partner Ricky and Anne there, through www.authenticsumatra.com. To stay there, just enough to pay for Rp 200,000/night.

From Nagari Sungai Pinang, is also very close to the Pagang Island and Marak Island, only about 1 hour to rent a fishing boat. Boat rental costs are also relatively inexpensive if from Nagari Sungai Pinang, only about Rp 200,000/day. Compared to renting a speed boat from the Muaro Pier or Bungus Port in Padang, which could reach Rp 1,000,000/day.

Besides Cubadak Island, Pagang Island and Marak Island, there are many exotic islands in the Pesisir Selatan District. There are a total of 57 islands in this area, 10 islands of which still has no name. One of them again there Penyu Island and Karabak Island in Sutera Sub-District. Both the islands being a location of the turtle conservation. It's about a 1.5 hour journey by sea from Panasahan Pier in Painan.

Painan is the capital of the Pesisir Selatan District. Located about 2 hours by road from the Padang City, the capital of West Sumatra Province. In Painan there are also exotic and interesting marine attractions.

Above of the Cingkuak Island, with background Carocok Beach and
Batu Kareta Island in the distance.
(Photo by Alfa Noranda/Nofend deMarola)

There Cingkuak Island, which is the first time the Portuguese entry into the coastal areas of West Sumatra. As their heritage, there is a former Portuguese fort buildings on the island. To reach this island, by hiring a fishing boat from the Carocok Beach, at a cost of Rp 10,000/people. If staying overnight on the Cingkuak Island, there is absolutely no cottage or bungalow. Just can set up a tent there, around the coast.

Not far from the Cingkuak Island, there Batu Kareta Island is connected by a wooden bridge to the Carocok Beach on the edge of Painan City. According Okezone.com, Carocok Beach is a duplicate of the Genting Island Beach in Malaysia. If you see the beauty, no wonder if the Carocok Beach likened to Genting Island Beach.

Before leaving, do not forget to also stop to the top of Langkisau Hill. The location is not far from the Carocok Beach. From the top of the hill will be seen views of the Painan Bay and Painan City from above. What's the top of Langkisau Hill also very interesting to wait for sunset with friends and enjoy the sport of paragliding.

There are many other attractions in the Pesisir Selatan District. There is a root bridge, waterfalls, historical and cultural, and culinary tours. In the next opportunity, we will discuss further on in the Pesisir Selatan.

* This story can also be read here