Discover various marine tourism in West Sumatra, which offers an unforgettable holiday experience with natural beauty and exciting activities such as snorkeling.
Indonesia has many beautiful islands, and West Sumatra is one of the provinces that offers extraordinary beach and island destinations. This province not only has Padang as a beach tourism center, but also many hidden islands and beaches waiting to be explored.
If you are a nature lover or are looking for the perfect destination for a vacation, here are the 10 most beautiful beaches and islands in West Sumatra that you must visit.
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1. Mandeh Island
Mandeh Island is often dubbed as the “Raja Ampat of West Sumatra” because of its stunning natural beauty. Located in the waters of Carocok Painan Bay, the Mandeh area is not only famous for its white sand beaches, but also for the many small islands around it that can be explored through island hopping.
Each island in this area offers its own charm. For example, on Devil Island, you can enjoy the excitement of playing banana boat, while on Sironjong Ketek Island you can try cliff jumping. To relax, Cubadak Island is the perfect choice.
Getting to Mandeh Island is quite easy. You can go via Jalan Padang Bypass or Jalan Trans Sumatera towards Painan. If you prefer to enjoy the sea view, take a fast boat from Teluk Bayur or Bungus Harbor.
2. Carolina Beach
If you are looking for a beach closer to Padang, Carolina Beach is the answer. This beach is located about 25 kilometers from the city center, in Bungus Bay. Carolina Beach is known for its natural beauty and is the perfect place to enjoy some relaxing time.
The lighthouse from the Dutch colonial era still stands strong, adding to the historical value of this beach. This beach is perfect for a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, swimming, or simply enjoying the peaceful beach atmosphere.
3. Sikuai Island
Sikuai Island is a tropical paradise on the west side of Sumatra Island. This 44-hectare island offers beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal clear sea water.
Snorkeling is one of the things you should not miss, because you can see the beauty of the underwater with coral reefs and colorful fish.
In addition, you can also climb the hill on this island to get a spectacular view from above. There is also a resort for tourists who want to spend the night on Sikuai Island, enjoying the tranquility of the night on the beach.
4. Mapaddegat Beach
Mapaddegat Beach in the Mentawai Islands is renowned as one of the world’s best surfing destinations. The cylindrical waves provide a unique challenge for surfers. This beach also offers fantastic sunset views, making it the perfect place to relax after a day of surfing.
To reach Mapaddegat Beach, you can take a boat from Teluk Bungus Harbor. Fast boats like Mentawai Fast can speed up your trip to only take about 3-4 hours.
5. Sirandah Island
Sirandah Island is one of the exotic islands located near Padang City. The island has white sandy beaches and crystal clear sea water. Not only that, the island is also famous for its stunning underwater scenery, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.
Besides enjoying the beauty of the sea, you can also go around the beach by ATV, or stay in the cottages available on this island. If you want a closer experience to nature, camping areas are also provided.
6. Pamutusan Island
Pamutusan Island has a unique characteristic, namely a white sandy peninsula that appears when the sea water recedes.
This island is a small paradise with very natural beach views. You can relax on the beach, hike the hills around the island, or snorkel to enjoy the beauty of the coral reefs.
This island also provides camping areas and accommodation, so you can enjoy the night in the midst of a peaceful beach atmosphere.
7. Gandoriah Beach
Gandoriah Beach, located in Pariaman, is one of the most strategic beaches in West Sumatra. This beach is surrounded by six small islands which provide exotic views.
Besides enjoying the view, you can also try various beach activities, including water sports or tasting Pariaman’s specialties such as sala lauak and lokan satay.
8. Sako Beach
Sako Beach is a hidden beach destination that is still quiet. On this beach, you can feel the tranquility while sunbathing, enjoying the soft white sand, and listening to the calming waves.
The hills surrounding the beach also add to the beauty of the scenery, making it a favorite spot for photographers.
9. Pagang Island
Pagang Island is located in Pesisir Selatan Regency and is famous for its calm sea water and well-preserved coral reefs.
For snorkeling enthusiasts, this island is the perfect destination. In addition to snorkeling, you can also try various other water activities such as banana boat or jet ski.
Don’t miss the chance to climb the small hill on this island and enjoy the stunning views from the top.
10. Pasumpahan Island
Pasumpahan Island is one of the islands famous for its beautiful beaches. The clear sea water and beautiful coral reefs make it a favorite destination for snorkeling lovers. In addition, its clean beaches and soft white sand make Pasumpahan Island suitable for relaxing.
You can also camp on this island and enjoy the quiet evening atmosphere on the beach.
West Sumatra has many beautiful beaches and islands that offer unforgettable experiences. Each destination has its own uniqueness, from snorkeling, surfing, to enjoying the beauty of the sunset.
If you are looking for a place to vacation, West Sumatra is the perfect choice for an amazing nature adventure.
