If you are traveling to East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), you must visit one island in the southwest of Kupang City. Semau Island is named.
In addition to minimal population, rarely there are travelers who visit this island. Lonely and fairly virgin, suitable for those who crave tranquility as well as beauty.
Nicknamed Mystic Island, this one island is unique. Although arid and barren, Semau Island has a charming white sand beach. In fact there are many more other tourist locations that are not less exotic. Here's the review.
Beaches on Semau Island
There are five beautiful beaches on Semau Island. Namely Liman Beach, Otan Beach, Onanbalu Beach, Uih Make Beach, and Uitiuhtuan Beach. All five are soft white sandy beaches with clear turquoise waters. Although uniform, each has its own uniqueness.
Liman Beach is so named because of its location adjacent to Liman Hill. Usually travelers will climb the hill to see the beauty of Liman from a height. Access to the top of the hill is very difficult. But it will pay off after watching the sparkling sea water and sunset is very beautiful.
Not far from Liman Beach there is Uitiuhtuan Beach. Character ramps with some coconut trees on the beach. You will see this beach before Liman Beach if coming from Uiboa Village direction. In addition to playing in the sea, here you can also down the beach to explore the beauty.
Same beach ramps, Otan Beach which has a very long coastline is known to be the safest. You can play in the sea without worrying about coming big waves. If you want to relax or take refuge from the heat, can take a break under the shady trees that are found in this beach.
Otan Beach also has a naturally formed pond containing turtles and fish of various sizes. Its name is Turtle Pond. Uniquely, some of these turtles are unknown origin. Unfortunately, the pool is not maintained and instead used by residents around washing clothes.
Not far to Onanbalu bay, there is a beach with the same name. Onanbalu Beach is unique because of the overgrown shrubs on its long beaches. You can also observe the seaweed farmers working from the shoreline.
Not far from Onanbalu is Uih Make Beach. This beach is located in Bokonusan Village. It's at the bottom of the hill so you need to go downhill first to reach the location. In addition to the fine sand, you will see a lot of rocks at the end of the rock
Beach and Cave of Letbaun
Semau Island has a unique village called Letbaun Village. Here there are beaches and three caves all entirely named, Letbaun.
Letbaun beach is very quiet. Although the sand is white and the sea is turquoise, but this beach is more famous as a traditional salt-making location. Way by accommodating the sea water in the shell of kima that lined up, then dried until the water dries.
On this beach there is also a giant rock called the Stone of Worship. It is said that this stone was once used to perform idolatry.
While the three caves of Letbaun, it is located far apart. Each cave is unique because it contains a pool and its own spring, as well as stalactites.
The first cave closest from the village. Here you can swim in a brackish pond. To reach it sometimes you need to walk down because in some segments, the ceiling of the cave is very low.
The second cave contains a freshwater source. Located a little way in the middle of the forest, with the mouth of the cave is quite wide and partly covered by tree roots. Inside the cave there are many swallow birds flying. To see the water source, you have to go down enough in using the help of a flashlight.
The third cave is farthest away, near the beach. You should ask the local people to escort us as a guide. Because, in addition to its location is difficult to find, the pool of water is also located deep within the cave that lack of illumination.
Travel to Semau Island can be reached about 30 minutes by crossing using a wooden boat from the Port of Tenau, Kupang. Cost per person of Rp20 thousand, and Rp50 thousand if carrying a motorcycle. The boat operates from 07:00 to 17:00 local time, depending on the weather and crowded passengers.
Road access on Semau Island is still fairly poor and narrow. Using a rented motorcycle from Kupang is highly recommended. Because the price of motorcycles and pick-up cars on Semau Island is quite expensive, and not available public transportation.
The best time to take a trip to Semau Island is in the morning during the dry season (April-October). Bring food and drink, because the island is very difficult access to clean water and empty food sellers.
If it comes with entourage, hire a better crossing boat. Make arrangements to transfer back to Kupang in the afternoon.
Semau Island has no lodging. Bringing your own tent for camping or staying at a citizen's home can be an option. Do not forget to bring your hat, and have enough cash in the bag.