Enjoy the beauty of Mandeh Island in West Sumatra with panoramic views of the island clusters, exciting activities such as snorkeling, water sports, and the stunning charm of the underwater world.
Mandeh Island, located in the Tarusan Bay area of West Sumatra, is an increasingly popular tourist destination.
Known as the “Raja Ampat of West Sumatra”, Mandeh Island offers a panoramic view of a cluster of beautiful small islands with clear sea water and a variety of exciting marine tourism activities.
To reach this island, tourists must use a tour boat from the local port. In addition, visitors can choose tour packages with various routes to explore more of the surrounding islands.
Attractions & Uniqueness of Mandeh Island
As part of the Minangkabau tradition, Mandeh Island has an important meaning. In Minangkabau language, “Mandeh” means mother, reflecting the island’s important position as the mother of the archipelago in the region.
The island has been widely known as a tourist destination since the early 2000s and has developed into a favorite destination for tourists.
Here are some of the attractions of Mandeh Island that make it a must-visit tourist destination:
1. The Beauty of the Island Cluster
Mandeh Island offers a stunning view of a cluster of small islands. This row of islands is surrounded by clear sea water, creating a landscape similar to Raja Ampat.
This island is also surrounded by high hills which provide spectacular views of the open sea. Tourists can climb these hills and enjoy the eye-pleasing panorama from a height.
Every corner of this island offers calming natural beauty, from the expanse of large rocks on the beach to the vast blue ocean. This place is perfect for a vacation with family, friends, or couples, especially for those who want to enjoy a tropical atmosphere.
2. Exciting Marine Activities
Mandeh Island is also known for its beautiful underwater scenery. Tourists can participate in various activities such as snorkeling and diving to explore the rich marine life.
The well-preserved coral reefs are home to various marine biota, including clownfish (Nemo) and other marine species.
During snorkeling or diving activities, you can watch schools of fish swimming freely around you, creating an unforgettable diving experience.
Apart from snorkeling, visitors can also take underwater photos to capture moments with the natural beauty of Mandeh Island’s underwater world.
3. Island Hopping
One of the most exciting activities on Mandeh Island is island hopping, which is traveling from one island to another using a boat.
Visitors can visit several islands around Mandeh Island, such as Cubadak Island, Sironjong Island, Setan Island, and many more. Each island offers its own charm and characteristics, from white sandy beaches to challenging cliff jumping spots.
Sironjong Island, for example, is famous for its 15-meter high cliffs that are a favorite spot for cliff jumping enthusiasts. For those who prefer to relax, Cubadak Island offers a quiet beach atmosphere with soft white sand.
4. Water Sports on Devil’s Island
Devil Island is the center of various water sport activities in the Mandeh Island area. Here, visitors can enjoy water games such as banana boats or donut boats at affordable prices.
The exciting sensation of this water game adds to the excitement of a holiday on this island, especially for those of you who are on holiday with friends or family.
5. Exotic Mangrove Forest
Mandeh Island also has a mangrove forest area of 389 hectares. This forest is home to various species of marine fauna and is an important place for the local ecosystem.
Apart from functioning as a conservation area, this mangrove forest is also an interesting natural tourist attraction for visitors who want to explore the natural beauty more deeply.
6. Fresh Water Baths in Sei Gemuruh
After a day exploring the beach and ocean, tourists can refresh themselves by bathing in the Sei Gemuruh freshwater baths. Located around the Mandeh Island area, Sei Gemuruh provides cool and fresh water, perfect for relaxing after activities at sea.
In addition, there is a small waterfall at this location which adds to the beauty of this place as a place to rest and relax.
7. Historic Floating House
One of the unique attractions on Mandeh Island is the floating house that sits on the wreck of a Dutch colonial ship, MV Boelongan, which sank in 1942 due to an attack by the Japanese army.
This floating house is an interesting spot for tourists who want to see historical relics while enjoying the sea atmosphere.
Location and Accessibility of Mandeh Island
Mandeh Island is located in Koto XI Tarusan District, Pesisir Selatan, West Sumatra. From Padang City, the journey to Mandeh Island can be taken by land or sea.
If choosing the land route, tourists can reach this location in about 1 to 1.5 hours driving. Another alternative is the sea route, where visitors can rent a boat from Bungus Harbor or Teluk Bayur.
Access to Mandeh Island is now easier with the supporting infrastructure, so tourists can choose the route that best suits their needs.
Tourist Facilities and Entrance Fees
Tourists do not need to worry about facilities on Mandeh Island. In this area, various facilities are available such as homestays, cottages, parking areas, food stalls, and water sports facilities.
Some islands also provide camping grounds for those of you who want to experience spending the night on an island.
Mandeh Island is open every day and is accessible at all times. Entry to this area is generally free, but visitors need to pay additional fees for certain rides or activities, such as snorkeling, boat rental, or water sports.
With all its attractions, Mandeh Island is the perfect choice for those of you looking for a different and adventurous holiday experience. From natural beauty to exciting activities, Pagang Island is ready to present an unforgettable travel experience.
