Indonesia is home to many big and small islands, including Um Island in the province of West Papua. The uniqueness of Um Island in West Papua will surprise you as this place has surprised many visitors from the country and beyond.
Location
Um Island is located in Malaumkarta Village, Makbon District, Sorong Regency, West Papua. From the regency capital, you can use public transportation to reach the capital of the district. Then from the district, you can ride a long boat to the island. The boat ride will take about 20 to 30 minutes.
The island is so small that you’ll only need about 15 minutes to walk around the place. But despite the size, Um Island will charm you with its beautiful landscape and biodiversity.
While the people of Malaumkarta take care of the island, nobody actually lives on Um. Locals have been keeping the island pristine and letting other species inhabit the island.
What Makes the Place Unique?
Um Island is an island inhabited by bats. In the local language, “um” means “bat”. So “Um Island” literally means “The Bat Island”. The island got its name from the fact that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of bats, inhabiting the area.
Bats are native to Indonesia. In fact, there are different species of bats living throughout the archipelago. Bats can thrive and multiply with a suitable climate and abundant food sources. The lack of predators may also add to the list of the reasons why this place is filled with lots of bats.
Lots of bats live on small islands because these kinds of places keep them away from outside interferences that may harm them. And the fact that people living near Um decided not to live on the island only further aids the growth of the bat population.
Island Activities
Um is a home for many endemic species. Besides bats, you can also see other animals living on the island, such as tree kangaroos and birds of paradise. Familiar animals like seagulls and monitor lizards are also present on the island.
You may want to explore the beautiful beach as well. Since many tourists do not yet know the place, you can expect the beaches to be cleaner than other more well-known names. Take a walk along the beach with friends or hire a tour guide who can share with you many interesting facts about the island.
This place receives rare visits due to the limited transportation option. But that only adds charm to the place, as fewer visitors mean easier maintenance.
When you’re done with beachcombing, you may also try diving or snorkeling. The view underwater is as charming as that on the land. Um has among the most beautiful schools of fish hiding in the reefs below. So, put on your diving suit and enjoy the fantastic view.
Um Island Facilities
Visiting small islands may have some disadvantages, namely the lack of public facilities. If you’re used to visiting popular tourist destinations, this kind of place may surprise you. Adventurous travelers, however, may consider this as part of the charm.
There’s been news that public facilities are being built on Um, but no further information is available. However, don’t make it an excuse to not visit this small island inhabited by wonderful pollinators.
You can always use public facilities in the Malaumkarta village nearby. There are toilets and shops, where you can buy some souvenirs from the locals. It’s a risk for taking the off-the-beaten-track traveling destination, but the one-in-life experience will be worth it.
Booking a Tour
A lot of travelers prefer to book a guided tour because it has many perks, such as giving you swimming access and doing other activities. A good tour guide will also improve your traveling experience as they can become the bridge between you and the locals.
There are so many ways to enjoy the uniqueness of Um Island in West Papua. You can stay on the land to admire the diversity of the island’s nature or witness the richness of the sea.
