If you happen to enjoy holidays in Sorong, there is one spot worth your visit: Um Island. The fascinating place located in Malaumkarta Village, Makbon District, Sorong, West Papua Province, would offer you its unique sensation to enjoy as the gate to Raja Ampat. Um Island is on the opposite of Malaumkarta Beach, situated in the north of Makbon District.
The best time to visit Um Island is during the whole day to get along with its lively environment and the sparkling life of land and sea. Check out more of its uniqueness below and be amazed at what you’ll have found.
Mini Island
Indonesia is famous for its huge number of exotic islands. From the big one to the small one, be prepared to be served with a large dose of beauty and attraction.
Talking about Um Island Sorong, do not get mistaken with its width. In fact, Um Island is quite small. It only needs approximately 15 minutes to travel around the island on foot, and don’t get surprised to find yourself the only person there. Some domestic people may not be familiar with Um Island, yet it is pretty well-known for foreign tourists as the world paradise.
Here you can feel the radiance of serenity and comfort by taking a walk at the virgin beach and enjoy its undeniable beauty. You really should put off your sandals and experience the pure, pristine white sand under your feet.
When you’re at Malaumkarta, there might be a lot of beauty to miss if you take a motorcycle rent. Alternatively, you can ask to be guided for a tour and enjoy your day with the friendly local people. You can deepen your relationship with your friends or families while sharing smiles, happiness, and stories beneath the shady trees.
Bats at Noon and Seagulls at Night
Um Island is popularly known as the island of bats and seagulls. It might also inspire its name as um in Moi language means bat. Many green trees grow beautifully on the island, and they have become the favorite spots where thousands of bats like to hang and live. Therefore, please do not be surprised to find many of them hanging on the trees along your walk.
Besides, Um Island Sorong is also beautified with seagulls. Unlike regular bats, which are biologically active to crave food when it’s dark, the bats of Um Island come up at noon. Instead, seagulls would normally play around the island to find some meals at night. It is amazing how these animals uniquely take turns to adorn the island from morning to evening every single day.
The Beauty of Sea
If you happen to be a big fan of the ocean, Um Island of West Papua could be one of your life best experiences. The island has some inarguably magnificent spots at sea to enjoy. These spots are totally perfect for your hobbies, like snorkeling and diving. You can go diving and snorkeling along with sea animals, like lobsters, sea cows, or a dugong! What is more interesting is that you can find the remaining parts of World War II under the sea, too.
The magnificence cannot exist without the contribution of the local people of Malaumkarta Village. They apply Sasi Laut System, the local tradition as the prohibition to catch certain sea animals in certain areas during a certain period of time as agreed by the local society.
Fresh Culinary Delights
Talking about an island travel, it is hard to complete without enjoying the authentic meals. In Um Island, West Papua, you’ll find some fishermen coming by after fishing if you’re lucky. These fishermen often come to the island to take a break between their fishing sessions. It’s totally fortunate to find some of them as you can also buy some and taste the freshness of grilled newly-captured fish.
Access to Um Island
Another good news is that Um Island is located a short distance away from Sorong, as it is approximately only 40 km from it and takes two to three hours to the island. To reach Um Island, you can go through the harbor of Makbon Beach.
From Sorong downtown, you can get on a car, a motorcycle, or any other public transportation that costs Rp20,000 to the harbor. Then, you can ride a longboat and have a 30-minutes voyage to the island. The voyage might be long, but don’t worry, as you’ll enjoy the beauty of the sea along the ride.
Those are some points about the magnificent Um Island Sorong, West Papua, Indonesia, and visiting the island can be a great experience for everyone. Here you can enjoy the unique view of bats at noon and seagulls at night, the elegance of white sand beach and the beauty of undersea corals and beautiful fish through diving or snorkeling.
The greatness of the island comes from its nature and sea and its local people of Malaumkarta Village, who take care of their culture, local wisdom, and environment. Besides Um Island Sorong, discover more excitement of Sorong here and have an unforgettable visit ever.
