Peek into the charm of Bawean Island, a hidden paradise in Gresik that offers natural beauty and captivating cultural richness.
Bawean Island, located in Gresik Regency, East Java, is known as one of the hidden gems that is rarely known to many people. Although located quite far from the city center , about 120 kilometers from Gresik, this island holds extraordinary natural charm.
Dubbed as a “hidden paradise,” Bawean Island offers stunning views, from white sandy beaches to refreshing natural lakes.
This island is divided into two sub-districts, namely Sangkapura Sub-district and Tambak Sub-district, and the majority of its population comes from the Bawean Tribe.
Although not as popular as tourist destinations like Bali or Lombok, Bawean Island offers a unique and interesting holiday experience.
With its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and exotic lakes and waterfalls, Bawean Island is the perfect choice for nature lovers seeking tranquility and natural beauty that has not been touched by many tourists.
The Attraction & Charm of Bawean Island
Bawean Island offers a variety of attractions that make it an ideal destination for a vacation. Here are some interesting places and activities that you can find on Bawean Island:
1. Exotic Beaches and Clear Seas
Bawean Island is known for its beautiful beaches, such as Noko Beach, Gili Beach, and Mombhul Beach. These beaches are decorated with soft white sand and clear blue sea water, providing stunning underwater views.
Activities such as swimming, sunbathing, or simply walking along the beach are ideal choices for enjoying the natural atmosphere.
2. Snorkeling and Diving
Bawean Island is also a paradise for underwater activity lovers. You can enjoy the beauty of coral reefs and various marine life by snorkeling or diving.
Some of the best snorkeling spots can be found around Noko Island and Gili Beach. If you don’t bring your own equipment, there are several places on the island that provide snorkeling and diving equipment rentals.
3. Enjoying the Sunrise and Sunset Moments
The beauty of Bawean Island is even more visible at sunrise and sunset. The view of the sunrise in the morning and the sunset in the afternoon will be providing an unforgettable experience. Some tourists also set up tents on the beach to enjoy both moments in the open air.
4. Kastoba Lake
Apart from the beach, Bawean Island also has a beautiful natural lake, namely Lake Kastoba. This lake is located in the middle of the island and is surrounded by green hills, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
To reach Lake Kastoba, visitors must do a short trekking through a footpath. However, upon arrival , you will be greeted with a stunning view of the lake and calm water, perfect for swimming or relaxing.
5. Laccar Waterfall
other natural beauty in the form of waterfalls, such as Laccar Waterfall. This waterfall has a height of about 25 meters and is surrounded by lush green trees.
To reach this waterfall, you have to trek for about 15 minutes from the main road. Once there , you can enjoy the cool atmosphere and feel the freshness of the water flowing between the large rocks.
6. Mangrove Forest and Seafood
For those of you who want to enjoy a different atmosphere, visiting the mangrove forest area on Bawean Island is the right choice.
One of the famous ones is Mangrove Hijau Daun, where you can explore the unique mangrove ecosystem while enjoying culinary specialties of Bawean Island. Fresh grilled fish and other seafood are the favorite choices of tourists.
7. Bawean Deer Breeding
Bawean Island is also known as the natural habitat of rare deer, namely the Bawean Deer. At the deer sanctuary on this island, visitors can see the deer up close and even feed them. This experience will certainly be one of the unforgettable moments during your visit.
How to Get to Bawean Island
To reach Bawean Island, you can use sea transportation from Gresik Port or Paciran Port in Lamongan. There are several ships that serve crossings to Bawean Island, including:
- Express Bahari: This ship serves the Gresik-Bawean route with a travel time of around 3 hours. This ship operates every day except Friday. VIP tickets are sold for Rp250,000, while executive tickets are Rp200,000.
- Gili Iyang: This ship serves the Paciran-Bawean crossing on Mondays and Wednesdays, and the Gresik-Bawean route on Fridays. Tickets for adults are Rp80,000, for children Rp61,000, and passengers bringing motorbikes are charged Rp83,500.
Before leaving, make sure to check the crossing schedule, because the boat schedule can change depending on weather conditions.
Facilities on Bawean Island
Even though Bawean Island is located quite far from the mainland, the facilities on this island are adequate to meet the needs of tourists.
There is a small port and airport which makes access to the island easy. In addition, you can find various vehicle rental places, homestays, and restaurants serving typical Bawean Island cuisine.
If you want to do activities such as snorkeling or diving, but don’t bring your own equipment, you can rent snorkeling and diving equipment at several places on the island.
Accommodation is also available in a variety of options, ranging from simple homestays to more comfortable accommodation.
Bawean Island in Gresik is a stunning natural tourist destination with beautiful beaches, lakes and enchanting waterfalls.
The island offers a variety of interesting activities and adequate facilities, making it an ideal place for a vacation with family or friends. So, if you are looking for a vacation destination that offers tranquility and natural beauty, Panjang Island is the perfect choice!
