Madura is quite an unpopular destination in Indonesia but it has some hidden underrated gems that are must visit. Essentially, this island is a barren land and many of its people migrate to neighboring islands or even work overseas. This island was also pretty disconnected from Java until the government built a long bridge called SURAMADU which is also the longest bridge in the country connecting Java and Madura that stretches across Madura strait. This eventually becomes the connection that slowly builds Madura into modernity. Not to mention, people can also discover the beauty that the island has to offer more easily than before.

When it comes to the weather, it's blazing hot on the island and generally hotter than many parts of Java. Many of its people speak their own language that is different from Javanese and also Bahasa Indonesia. The elder population in the island will less likely speak bahasa Indonesia but expect the younger generation understand a bit of bahasa Indonesia.

I personally have visited this island three times. The first one was back in 2019 when the bridge construction was recently done. I went with my family and we were just driving around the eastern part of the island.Back in 2019, there was nothing on the island, just barren lands as far as eyes could see. The trees were non-existent and everything looked foreign and fascinating. The people were much more local and none of them spoke bahasa, at least the ones we encountered. My visit at the time left an impression that Madura was a place rich in its own culture and that I wanted to explore them one day. But my parents have their own experiences as some of our family are from the island. So, they were telling me that in the past they had to use boats just to cross over and it’s going to be a whole new world to them. They also know a bit of the language but not enough to get by properly. My parents, due to their experiences, also have several prejudices which I have yet to encounter with the people from the island.

Years later, the entrance to the island has developed so much that it looks no different from some suburban parts of Java. I suppose thanks to the Bridge that now it is free, people could commute freely between Java and Madura. The people already speak Bahasa Indonesia but with an accent. The dresses are also much more different than what I remember. They were now dressed just like other people from Java in comparison to the past where even the way they dress is pretty foreign to me. They have plenty of convenient stores that didn’t exist in the place.

Madura is also a relatively big island consisting of several small islands with pristine water and a hidden diving haven. However, these area are located far up north that will take about a day just to reach the part with sandy white beach and pristine water. Pretty much on the west side, the water is tricolor- brown, tosca and blue. So if you go for the beach, west madura isn't where to go but for natural wonders, this is where it's at especially if you love geological formations. The island itself has red soil and is surrounded by limestone and red limestone which creates some beautiful landscape to see.

Just a note, there is something you must be aware of before visiting this island. In this place, some people will beg for money including children and they are pretty persistent about it. Safety is okay but take cautions. In remote parts of the island, they generally don't speak English, not even Bahasa Indonesia. So, traveling to this island, you've got to get locals to get you through places. This also applies to some remote islands and places that are somewhat unknown for tourism but has mesmerizing and scenic spots.

But anyhow, let’s go!

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Red Limestone Hill Arosbaya

Most parts of Western Madura consist of Limestones area.There are some places to visit but the most wondrous one would be Arosbaya Limestone Hill & cave. We relied on google maps to get to this place and was wondering if google directed us to nowhere but apparently, the road is actually very small and only fitting one car with a meandering road. We even had to pass through the local graveyard which made the whole trip a bit eerie. But as soon as we saw a little sign written as "Limestone Hill Arosbaya" we were relieved.

The parking lot is quite massive and can fit in up to 20 cars. In that area, we meet police officers and locals. First they notified us about our car's punctured tire and asked us where' we're from. We had a chit-chat with the police officer who is apparently, my dad's grandma's neighbor. What a small world, right? The police officer told us about the area and how it became like that and also tips here and there on navigating the place. He told us that not all limestone hills are safe by that, the locals and the place itself aren't that welcoming.

At first my mom and I were also followed by a local man who spoke a little bahasa. I felt off as the man followed us and hesitated to even take out my camera and explored further. So, we went back to the starting point and there was the police officer standing at his post. " It's safe, do you want me to accompany you?" he yelled from a distance as my mom and I looked rather terrified exploring the place.

Later my mom told me that she was actually terrified because this place was empty, lots of rocks, caves and nobody was there except the workers who only spoke local language and those police officers who were a bit away.

We were notified that an avalanche could happen at any time as mining is still happening in the area. So, we also have to be extra careful when exploring the place. The locals mine the hill to make a living and the forms that you see here are a mix of natural and mining activity. The man eventually stopped following us and we were exploring the place a bit freely. As we got deeper into the area, we found a small warung where there were two women selling snacks that can only be found on the island. Just behind their small warung, the view was mesmerizing. It was unlike anything I have ever seen.

The place is pretty scenic, filled with buzzing fireflies and beautiful butterflies. Yet it was blazing and make sure to bring shade and hats when visiting the place. The only thing that you can do in the place is exploring the surrounding area and going into the caves. My most favorite was definitely the area behind the small warungs.