Banyak
Islands is a group of small islands in Aceh Singkil Regency. The total area is
around 27.2 hectares. The island faces directly to Hindia Ocean, precisely at
the edge of the west in Sumatra Island. There are around 99 small islands that
have been developing become tourist destination, including the existence of
turtles and marine life.
Banyak
Islands also has long and wide coastline. The beauty of the island is
comparable than other islands in Aceh. White sand, breeze and countless of
coconut trees give different panorama as you visit the island. That is why the
tropical islands become main attraction in this place. Hunting the panorama of
sunset becomes one of activity for local visitors.
Location
Banyak
Island can be reached through Pulo Saruk Village, Aceh Singkil by ferry for
about four hours. From Medan, you can take a travel car by paying IDR110,000 or
US$11 that will drive you to Pulo Saruk Village for about eight hours. Or, you
also can take a flight from Medan – Singkil by a small plane on Wednesday by
paying IDR140,000 or US$14. The transportation from Singkil to the airport can
be reached by minibus and you have to pay IDR20,000 or US$0.2.
From
Singkil to Banyak Island, you can take a traditional boat in Jembatan Tinggi
Port that departs daily at 10.00 am by paying IDR25.000 or US$2.5 per person.
The ferry provide the route Singkil – Banyak Islands every Monday at 09.00 morning
by paying IDR16,000 or US$1.6 per person. If you want to going around the
beach, you can rent a traditional boat by paying IDR300,000 or US$30 per day.
Accommodations
There
are many choices to stay in Banyak Islands. First you can stay in Balai Island.
The island has lodge with variety of prices, such as Auk Kombi, Aurora, and
Putri. Secondly, you can stay in Big Palambak Island. The island has four
wooden cottages that face directly to the beach.
The
rate to stay in the cottage is IDR100,000 or US$10 per person. Thirdly, you can
stay in Sikandang Island which is only open on holiday. If you want an extreme
adrenaline, you can camp at many islands, such as Tailana Island, Pandan
Island, Asok Island, and Lambudung Island.
Activities
Surfing
is one of activity you can do when you visit Banyak Islands. There are 12
surfing spots with six height around Bangkaru Island, at the edge of Silingar
and at the south of Tuangku Island. The most attractive surfing spots for surfers
are at Amandangan and Pelanggaran Beach at Bangkaru Island. The wave of Banyak
Island will tease the surfers because it has ideal length and height with cool
water and less sharks.
Besides
surfing, snorkeling is one of activity you may not miss. The beauty of marine
life can be seen easily. Firstly, you can snorkel at the shallow water by
taking a traditional boat which is having glass bottom. Secondly, you can wear
snorkeling equipment and go to snorkeling spots around the island.
The
panorama of Banyak Island offers you incredible view. The uniqueness you can
see is coral reef, flora and fauna, especially coral fish. You can visit Sikandang,
Pabisi, Matahari, Rago-rago and Tailana Island. Most of beaches at these beaches
have clear and blue water. Even, the depth of water is only three meters.
The
next activity you can do when you visit Banyak Island is exploring the island.
You can do trekking to explore the stretch of tropical forest. The journey is
started from Kampong Haloban. There, you can see squirrel, colorful
butterflies, wild pig, and many more.
Don’t
miss to visit Sarang Burung Walet Cave and Kelelawar Cave as well. Whereas,
Tuangku Island forest offers you Buaya Muara (Crocodylus Porosus). The last
place you can visit as you come to Banyak Islands is visiting turtle
conservation. You will see many species of turtle as you visit the conservation
area.
Actually,
the best time to enjoy Banyak Islands is March to August. The weather will be
sunny and the waves will be calm. Thus, you can do snorkeling, diving, scuba
diving, kayaking and hoping. Thus, don’t forget to enter the island as you
visit Aceh.
Pictures
taken from www.ilhamdoditrisna.blogspot.com
