Mandeh Island on the South Coast offers beauty similar to Raja Ampat, with clusters of small islands, white sandy beaches, and exciting activities such as snorkeling, diving, and mangrove forest trekking.
Located in Koto XI Tarusan District, Pesisir Selatan, West Sumatra, Mandeh Island is often referred to as the “Raja Ampat of West Sumatra.”
This area is famous for the beauty of the cluster of small islands that adorn the bay, making it one of the favorite marine tourism destinations in West Sumatra.
With a combination of green hills, clear sea water, and white sandy beaches, Mandeh Island presents a hidden paradise that is a shame to miss. Find out more about the beauty of Mandeh Island and the fun activities you can do there .
Tourist Attractions & Charms of Mandeh Island
Mandeh Island is known for its perfect combination of natural green hills and bays dotted with small islands, creating a stunning view. Soft white sand and clear sea water add to the charm of this area.
From the top of Mandeh Hill, you can see a panorama of a cluster of islands such as Taraju Island, Sutan Island, Sironjong Besar Island, Sironjong Ketek Island, and Marak Island that surround the bay. Each island has its own charm and uniqueness, making it interesting to explore.
In this area, tourists can rent a boat to go around and visit various small islands, including Kapo-Kapo Village, which is one of the traditional villages located in the middle of the island cluster.
The beaches are very attractive with charming white sand and clear sea water, making it an ideal place for various beach activities.
Various Fun Activities on Mandeh Island
Mandeh Island is not only a place to enjoy natural scenery, but also offers a variety of exciting activities that are suitable for tourists of all ages .
1. Snorkeling and Diving
One of the main attractions of Mandeh Island is its underwater beauty. This area has around 70 hectares of coral reefs that are still well-maintained and inhabited by various types of tropical fish and other marine biota.
One of the best spots for snorkeling is around Sutan Island, which can be reached in 15 minutes by boat from the main beach.
In addition to enjoying the beauty of the colorful coral reefs, you can also dive to see the wreck of the MV Boelongan ship that sank in this area, making it an interesting diving spot for divers.
2. Thundering Waterfall
For nature lovers, don’t miss a visit to Gemuruh Waterfall located on Cubadak Island. To reach this waterfall, you have to travel through the mangrove forest for about 15 minutes by boat.
Along the way, you will be treated to beautiful and peaceful views of the mangrove forest, until you finally arrive at the refreshing waterfall. Gemuruh Waterfall is the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.
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 coconut trees. With a natural atmosphere and beautiful sea views, you can enjoy quality time with your loved ones in a peaceful atmosphere.
4. Water rides
Mandeh Island also offers a variety of fun water rides, such as jet skis, banana boats, and kayaks. For those of you who want to feel more adrenaline, this activity is perfect to add to the excitement of your vacation.
5. Exploring the Mangrove Forest
Not only the sea and beaches, Mandeh Island also has a vast mangrove forest, reaching around 389 hectares. This mangrove ecosystem is home to various marine biota, including clownfish (Nemo) which are often seen while snorkeling or diving.
Traveling through the mangrove forest by boat is a calm and refreshing experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the natural ecosystem.
However, while doing activities at sea, it is important to always be careful not to damage the coral reefs. As tourists, we have a responsibility to preserve the environment. Be sure not to step on or break the coral, as this can damage the fragile marine ecosystem.
Route to Mandeh Island
Mandeh Island is about 70 kilometers from Padang City, and there are two options to get there : land route and sea route.
1. Land Route
You can use a private car or rent a car from Padang to Mandeh Island. The trip takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, and there are three main routes to choose from:
- Through Tarusan Market and Carocok Intersection.
- Via Bungus to the Nyalo River.
- 5 km gentle coastal path that provides stunning views along the way.
2. Sea Route
If you choose the sea route, you can take a ship or boat from Muara Padang Harbor, Tarusan Bay, or Bungus Harbor. This sea journey also offers stunning views of the bay, making the journey to Mandeh Island even more impressive.
Facilities in the Mandeh Island Tourism Area
As an integrated tourist destination, Mandeh Island has been equipped with various facilities that support visitor comfort. Accommodation options available include homestays and cottages at varying prices.
In addition, there are public facilities such as toilets, prayer rooms, parking areas, food stalls, gazebos, and camping areas.
Homestays in Kapo-Kapo Village are also a favorite choice for tourists who want to experience the local atmosphere while enjoying the stunning natural scenery.
Mandeh Island is a stunning marine tourism destination, with stunning natural beauty and a variety of exciting activities suitable for all ages.
A cluster of small islands, white sandy beaches, and extraordinary underwater riches make Mandeh Island worthy of being a major tourist destination in West Sumatra.
Whether you want to relax, explore the island, or enjoy the underwater beauty, Mandeh Hill promises an unforgettable holiday experience.
