Mandeh Island on the South Coast offers a stunning exotic island with a cluster of small islands, coral reefs, and exciting activities such as snorkeling, diving, and mangrove forest trekking.
Mandeh Island, located in Koto XI Tarusan District, Pesisir Selatan, West Sumatra, is known as the “Raja Ampat of West Sumatra” because of the view of the cluster of small islands that adorn its bay.
The natural beauty and wealth of marine tourism in this area make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in West Sumatra. With a mix of green hills, clear sea water, and stunning small islands, Mandeh Island is a hidden paradise that is a shame to miss.
Tourist Attractions of Mandeh Island
Mandeh Island offers a combination of natural green hills with beautiful bays surrounded by small islands, creating a stunning view that is a treat for the eyes. This area is known for its fine white sand and clear blue sea water which is the reflection of the sky.
From the top of Mandeh Hill, tourists can enjoy the view of the cluster of islands such as Taraju Island, Sutan Island, Sironjong Besar Island, Sironjong Ketek Island, and Marak Island which surround the bay. Each island has its own uniqueness which is interesting to explore.
In the Mandeh area, visitors can rent a boat to go around the islands, including to Kapo-Kapo Village, a small village located in this tourist area. Here, you will find the beauty of the beach decorated with white sand and crystal clear water, suitable for various beach activities.
Fun Activities on Mandeh Island
The Mandeh Island tourist area offers various interesting activities for visitors, from relaxing on the beach to exploring the beauty of the underwater world.
1. Snorkeling and Diving
One of the main tourist attractions on Mandeh Island is its underwater beauty. Here, there is an area of 70 hectares of well-maintained coral reefs, inhabited by various types of tropical fish and other marine life.
One of the best snorkeling spots is around Sutan Island, which is only a 15-minute boat ride from the main beach. In addition to enjoying the colorful coral reefs, visitors can also see the wreck of the MV Boelongan ship that sank in this area, making it an interesting diving spot.
2. Thundering Waterfall
For those of you who love nature adventures, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Gemuruh Waterfall located on Cubadak Island, one of the islands around Mandeh.
To reach this waterfall, visitors must explore the mangrove forest for 15 minutes by boat. Along the way, you will be treated to a view of the calm and enchanting mangrove forest, before arriving at the refreshing waterfall.
3. Picnic and Play on the Beach
The beaches on Mandeh Island are ideal for family picnics, playing in the water, or simply relaxing under the shade of the coconut trees. The natural atmosphere with beautiful sea views makes it the perfect place to spend time with your loved ones.
4. Water rides
Mandeh Island also provides various water rides such as jet skis, banana boats, and kayaks. This activity is perfect for tourists who are looking for more excitement while on vacation here.
5. Exploring the Mangrove Forest
In addition to enjoying the beauty of the beach and underwater, Mandeh Island also has a vast mangrove forest, reaching around 389 hectares.
This mangrove ecosystem is inhabited by various marine biota, including clownfish (Nemo) which are often seen while snorkeling or diving.
Exploring the mangrove forest by boat is one of the fun activities, where visitors can feel the tranquility of nature while enjoying the beauty of the preserved ecosystem.
However, when doing activities in marine areas such as snorkeling or diving, visitors need to be careful not to damage the coral reefs. Stepping on or breaking coral can damage fragile marine ecosystems. As tourists, we also have a responsibility to preserve nature.
Route to Mandeh Island
Mandeh Island is about 70 kilometers from Padang City. There are two options to reach this tourist area, namely by land or sea.
1. Land Route
Visitors can use private cars or car rental services from Padang to Mandeh Island with a travel time of about 1 to 1.5 hours. There are three land routes to choose from:
- Passing Tarusan Market via Carocok Intersection.
- Via Bungus to the Nyalo River.
- 5km gentle coastal path through Caroco, offering beautiful views along the way.
2. Sea Route
If choosing the sea route, tourists can take a ship or boat from Muara Padang Harbor, Tarusan Bay, or Bungus Harbor. Each route offers spectacular views of the bay, making the journey to Mandeh Island even more enjoyable.
Facilities in the Mandeh Island Tourism Area
Mandeh Island has been equipped with various adequate facilities for visitor comfort. From homestays to cottages are available in this area at varying prices.
In addition, there are also public facilities such as toilets, prayer rooms, parking areas, food stalls, gazebos, and camping areas. For those of you who want to stay overnight, homestays in Kapo-Kapo Village are a popular choice for tourists who want to experience local life.
Mandeh Island is a marine tourism destination that offers a variety of natural beauty and exciting activities that are suitable for families and nature lovers.
With panoramic views of islands, white sandy beaches, and extraordinary underwater riches, Mandeh Island is worthy of being one of the must-visit destinations when visiting West Sumatra.
Whether you come to relax on the beach, explore the small islands, or enjoy the underwater beauty, Mandeh Hill promises an unforgettable holiday experience.