TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Biawak Island, which is located in Indramayu, had become an alternative tourism spot for tourists to see the beauty of coral reef and its fishes. The water is clear with color gradation from light blue to darker blue. Snorkelers will be spoiled by the thriving coral reefs and colorful fishes on the sea bed around the island.
The 120-hectare island is full with thick mangrove converged with other kinds of plantation. When the dusk arrived, the lizard called biawak, or Varanus salvator, were seen creeping around the beach to catch their prey. The fish was the main menu for the island endemic reptile.
“It is really exotic, no need to go to Raja Ampat or Derawan Island to see the beautiful coral reefs, we can find it here,” said 28-year-old Lexi, a traveler from Bandung.
The shallow water around the Biawak Island did not allow boats to dock near the island, making it clean from boats’ waste pollution. The Biawak Island is located in the Rakit Islands where two other islands, Candikian Island and Gosong Island, lie. However, only the Biawak Island seemed to be maintaining its pristine beauty. The nearby Gosong Island was severely damaged since the reefs around the island were taken out for construction material of one of State-Owned Oil Company Pertamina station.
Around 28 miles off the Indramayu beach, a lighthouse was seen from a boat that carried Tempo team entering the area of Biawak Island. The lighthouse was 65-meter high and was built by Dutchman Z.M Willem on 1872.
You can climb the 16-floor lighthouse to have a view of the ocean and the ships. Climbing the stairs up to 16th floor could drain your breath, but the view it offers worth the effort.
The management in the island limits the maximal number for visitors up to 200 people per month. In addition to keep the island green, the limit was set as a result of lack of transportation. The local government only had two boats that can accommodate 10 to 30 persons. The boats were operated on Saturdays and Sundays for Rp320,000 per person for 1 to 1.5 hours travel.
To reach the island from Bandung-Indramayu (Tirtamaya Beach), you can drive four-wheeled or two-wheeled vehicle. You can explore every inch of the island with a local guide assistance, or rent snorkeling devices for Rp150,000 per set.
IVANSYAH | ADITYA HERLAMBANG | ENI SAENI
