Merah
Island or Red Island is one of tourist destination in the South Sea area. The
natural scenery still can be seen by visitor who wants to spend their vacation.
Along the beach, you can see the green belt that surrounds to be region
protector. Merah Beach becomes a new alternative for surfers who want to
challenge the powerful wave. Whether you are amateur or professional surfer,
you will have fun when you visit the beach. When you come, you will agree if
Merah Island is considered become a hidden pearl.
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Pictures Papabonbon.wordpress.com |
Merah
Island is also identical with white sand. The natural scenery of the island and
a hill with height 200 meters around the beach looks so stunning. The exotic
view will accompany surfers while the challenge the powerful wave. Even, you
can see many pandanus trees along the beach. The surface of area in the beach
is covered by green trees. That is why people will love it because this
combination makes it looks so different.
As
a landmark in this area, there are two versions of story. The resident said
that the island got the name because previously it has red color of ground. And
the other said a long time ago, the resident saw red color of light in this
place. Since that time, people who live in this area call the island as Merah
Island or Red Island. The wave of water in Merah Island is suit for surfing.
Besides that, the wind is not too strong. The height of wave can be 4 – 5
meters, and that makes surfers love to try this spot.
Location
Merah
Island is located at Sumberagung Village, Pesanggaran Sub-district, Banyuwangi
City, East Java, Indonesia. It is about 70 km south of Banyuwangi. To reach the
island, it needs extra effort because it will take around 2.5 hours. Bad infrastructure
becomes a problem because less public transportation through this place. The bus
only takes you to Pesanggaran Market and you still need to continue riding ojek
for 45 minutes to Merah Island. The easiest way to reach it is by motorcycle
and car.
Accommodations
Merah
Island has complete facilities, such as toilet, parking car, small mosque, and
home-stay. Some residents offer you to spend the night in their house. The cost
is quite cheap because you only need to pay IDR100,000 or US$11 per night. In addition,
you don’t need to worry about food because there are many food stalls along the
beach to provide you local dishes. When the day almost dark, some people start
to arrange chairs and you will see the beauty of night in this place by sipping
your drinking.
Activities
Surfing
is the most favorite activity in Merah Island. The power of wave is so strong
and the wind will give you extra support to stay on your board. The goodness of
the wave in this beach is because the wave rolling with two meters height and
300 meters long. This condition will enable the surfer to keep maneuvering. With
less rocks and cliffs around the beach, the surfer will be safer to try new
style of surfing. In some spot, the wave is not too strong, and the amateur
surfer can try this one. The popularity of Merah Island becomes more spreading,
and that is why surfers from around the world come nowadays.
If
you have interest to learn surfing, there are rental equipments along the
beach. You only need to pay IDR25.000 or US$2.8, you can start your new hobby. When
the beach crowded, especially on holiday and weekend, you will be charged
around IDR2,000 or US$0.2 to enter the beach. But, it will be free in the
daily. While you come, you can enjoy surfers challenge to wave, and you will be
accompanied by breezing wind. Some people spend their time in the beach by
playing beach volleyball and paragliding.
Pictures
taken from www.papabonbon.wordpress.com
