Not the Maldives: Pahawang Island, Lampung's Hidden Gem, Captivates Visitors
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PESAWARAN – The scorching midday sun did not deter tourists from enjoying the beauty of Pahawang Island in Punduh Pidada District, Pesawaran Regency, Lampung.
Pahawang Island is known as one of the leading marine tourist destinations with its captivating sea views, snorkeling spots, and well-preserved coral reefs. This attraction continues to draw many visitors to the island, which is home to around 400 families.
Before the boat departed, tourists were captivated by the performance of local children on the beach. With their carefree style and without any swimming aids, they dived agilely into the water to retrieve coins or banknotes thrown by tourists.
This attraction is a rare sight in urban areas. The children seemed very skilled at diving, as if they had been familiar with the sea since childhood.
The journey to Pahawang Island begins from Ketapang Pier, Lampung. As the wooden boat slowly left the pier, the expanse of blue-green sea combined with the gentle sea breeze made tourists forget about the scorching midday sun.
After approximately 30 to 45 minutes sailing, a cluster of tropical islands began to appear in the distance. This is Pahawang Island, a marine tourist destination that has become one of Lampung’s tourism icons in recent years.
Along the journey to the island, which is shady and far from the hustle and bustle of the city, tourists can also witness the attraction of flying fish or torani, which occasionally jump on the surface of the sea.
“These fish can fly quite far, about 5 to 8 meters,” said the tour leader, Ical.
Pahawang Island offers a combination of marine beauty, a peaceful coastal village atmosphere, and captivating underwater panoramas. Many tourists call Pahawang the ‘Maldives’ of Lampung because of its clear, natural seawater.
The beauty of the underwater world is what makes many local and foreign tourists come to enjoy the charm of the coral reefs and marine life. The relatively calm waters also make this area suitable for snorkeling activities, even for beginner tourists.
Tourists no longer need to bother looking for the best spot for snorkeling. The managers of Pahawang Island have provided several favorite locations that offer captivating underwater panoramas as soon as tourists put their heads in the water.
In one of the snorkeling areas, participants are invited to see clownfish or Nemo fish more closely. This area, known as Taman Nemo (Nemo Park), is a unique attraction because the fish appear tame and not afraid to approach humans.