Um Island Beauty at the North End of West Papua
Indonesia is indeed formed from a series of large and small islands, which has its own characteristic natural beauty. Like this one place, Um Island is located in Makbon District, Sorong City, West Papua Province. Um Island is known as a habitat for bats and seagulls.
Make no mistake, after hearing the word island, because Um Island is fairly small. You only need 15 minutes to circle the island on foot. Um Island promises serenity and comfort with typical natural and virgin beaches. Among foreign tourists, Um Island can indeed be likened to a paradise on earth for those who love the beauty of the sea, want tranquility and coolness.
For those of you who have diving or snorkeling hobby, you will be very spoiled because UmIsland has very good spots for underwater activities. The beautiful underwater scenery on Um Island cannot be separated from the great participation of the people of Kampung Malaumkarta. The residents of this village apply the sea sasi system, which is a prohibition on catching certain types of marine fauna in an area within a certain period of time agreed by the community.
Um Island itself if interpreted is Bat Island, in the language of Sorong, Um means bat. The green trees that grow are used as habitat for bats which number in the thousands. You can find the bat hanging from the tree. Besides bats on this island there are also types of seagulls, they seem to take turns guarding the island from day to night. During the day the bats sleep and the seagulls look for food, then at night the seagulls sleep and the bats look for food.
Um Island itself is often used by fishermen as a place to stop when they are looking for fish. If you are lucky to meet fishermen who stop by, you can immediately taste the pleasure of grilled fresh fish that is really fresh. Usually the fishermen who stop by are willing to sell some of their catch. To be able to reach the island you can cross through the Makbon Beach Pier. Um Island distance from Sorong city is about 40 km with travel time of about 2-3 hours drive.
From Sorong to Makbon Beach Pier, by public transportation. From Makbon Beach Pier, you can continue your journey to Um Island for about 30 minutes by speed boat. Although the journey to Um Island is quite far, you don't need to worry about being bored because along the way your eyes will be spoiled with very beautiful sea views.
