Discover the charm of Mandeh Island on the South Coast, from beautiful hill views to snorkeling in clear waters, this destination offers a stunning nature getaway and exciting activities.
Mandeh Island, located in Koto XI Tarusan District, Pesisir Selatan Regency, West Sumatra, is often dubbed the “Raja Ampat of Sumatra.” The stunning natural beauty, with a cluster of small islands surrounded by green hills, makes it a favorite tourist destination in this area.
During a vacation on Mandeh Island, you will be presented with a natural landscape that spoils the eyes, a stretch of white sand, and clear sea water. Not only that, Mandeh Island also offers various exciting activities that can be enjoyed by tourists.
Here is a complete summary of Mandeh Island’s tourist attractions, accessibility, and fun activities you can do during your visit.
The Beauty of the Landscape on Mandeh Island
Mandeh Island offers incredibly beautiful natural views, especially when you are at the top of Mandeh Hill. From this height, you can see a cluster of islands surrounding a bay with calm water, creating a view similar to Raja Ampat.
Each small island in this area has its own charm, and you can explore them by boat. Clean white sand and clear blue sea water make every corner of Mandeh Island worth capturing.
Location and Accessibility to Mandeh Island
Mandeh Island is about 70 kilometers from Padang City, and can be reached by land or sea. The land trip from Padang to Mandeh Island takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. There are several routes you can choose, one of which is via Tarusan Market and along Simpang Carocok.
Another alternative is via the Nyalo River or along the sloping coastline for 12.5 km . If you choose to travel by sea, you can take a boat from Bungus Harbor, Gaung, Teluk Bayur, or from Muara Padang Harbor and Teluk Tarusan. Both options offer a pleasant experience, both enjoying the scenery from land and sea.
Mandeh Island Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
Mandeh Island tourist attraction is open to the public all day, every day of the week. You can visit anytime, and the place usually gets more crowded during weekends or holiday seasons.
Interestingly, most of the tourist areas on Mandeh Island do not charge an entrance fee, unless you want to enjoy certain rides or rent equipment for special activities such as snorkeling, boat rental, or trying other water rides.
Fun Activities on Mandeh Island
Mandeh Island is known as a paradise for water sports lovers. You can try snorkeling or diving in its clear waters filled with colorful coral reefs and tropical fish, including clownfish or “Nemo.”
For those of you who are trying snorkeling for the first time, don’t worry, because there are local guides ready to help you explore the underwater beauty of Mandeh Island. Apart from snorkeling, Mandeh Island also offers thrilling experiences such as cliff jumping, where you can jump from a safe cliff with the guidance of a local instructor.
For those of you who prefer land activities, trekking to the top of Mandeh Hill is the right choice. From the top of this hill, you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the entire cluster of islands and bays that surround Mandeh Island.
Mangrove Forests and Marine Ecosystems
In addition to the beauty of the waters, the Mandeh Island tourist area is also equipped with a 389-hectare mangrove forest which is home to a variety of marine biota. You can explore the mangrove ecosystem while observing the surrounding marine life.
Make sure to maintain the cleanliness and sustainability of coral reefs and other marine ecosystems during your activities, because we all have an important role in protecting this natural beauty.
Accommodation on Mandeh Island
Mandeh Island offers a variety of accommodation options for tourists, from simple homestays to more exclusive cottages. Although there are no starred hotels yet, homestays in this area offer a comfortable accommodation experience with friendly service and affordable prices.
One of the popular accommodations in this area is Labuan Sunday, which is located at the foot of the hills with views directly overlooking the sea. The design of this accommodation is classic in style with a predominance of wood materials, creating a warm atmosphere that blends in with the surrounding nature.
For tourists who come in groups, some accommodations offer facilities for gathering, such as areas for barbecues or bonfires. The quiet night atmosphere with a sky full of stars makes the experience of staying on Mandeh Island even more memorable.
Mandeh Island is a must-visit tourist destination when you are in West Sumatra. The stunning natural beauty, rich underwater ecosystem, and various exciting activities that can be done make Mandeh Island the right choice for a family vacation, honeymoon, or just a moment to escape from the routine.
Don’t forget to maintain the cleanliness and sustainability of the environment during your visit so that the beauty of Mandeh Hill is maintained for the next generation to enjoy.
