West Sumatra’s New Secret Destination: The Mandeh Islands
West Sumatra is known for its breathtaking natural wonders, including majestic mountains, deep canyons, and lush green rice fields. It is also famous for its unique traditional houses with roofs shaped like buffalo horns. Recently, the province has gained popularity not only for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage but also for its delicious food, especially the award-winning Rendang. However, there is a new hidden gem that has just been revealed and is quickly becoming a favorite among travelers: The Mandeh Islands.
The Mandeh archipelago is located in the Carocok Tarusan Bay in the southwest of West Sumatra, facing the Indian Ocean. It consists of several islands, such as Tarajun, Setan Kecil, Sironjong Besar and Sironjong Kecil, Pulau Merak, and Cubadak Island. Among these islands, only Cubadak Island has a tourist resort called Cubadak Paradiso owned by an Italian entrepreneur.
Covering an area of 70 hectares underwater beauty, the Mandeh Islands are surrounded by 389 hectares of mangrove forests and white sandy beaches. The undulating landscape of lush hills and pristine bay area is adorned with small islands, creating a picture-perfect panorama that will surely captivate your heart. Just an hour’s drive from Padang – the capital city of West Sumatra – you can reach the beaches of Mandeh where you can relax and take a refreshing swim in its calm blue waters.
Today, tourists flock to Mandeh to indulge in various activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, camping, skydiving, banana boating, and fishing. There is no shortage of exciting adventures to be had on these beautiful islands.
For those seeking a breathtaking view, a visit to Mandeh Hill is a must. From the top of the hill, you will be mesmerized by the stunning vistas of Carocok Tarusan Bay and its surrounding environment. The beaches of Mandeh are lined with exotic tropical plants such as Coconut Palms, Hibiscus, and Jackfruit Trees, adding to the charm of this paradise. Mandeh spans across seven villages and three sub-districts known as Nagari, with a population of nearly 10,000 people. Take your time to explore this underwater wonderland and witness the vibrant marine life that awaits you.
How to Get There
To reach the Mandeh Islands, you can either opt for land transportation or take the sea route. Upon arrival at Minangkabau International Airport in Padang, you can find taxis or rented cars that will take you to Carocok Painan Beach area within 2-3 hours. It is advisable to check the meter or agree on the price before boarding the taxi. Mandeh is located at Koto Sembilan Tarusan, approximately 56 kilometers south of Padang.
Alternatively, there is public transport available; however, it requires taking multiple modes of transportation to reach Mandeh. First, take a mini bus to Pasar Raya Padang, then hop on a Travel van towards Pasar Tarusan before finally riding a Bentor or Becak Motor to Carocok Terusan Harbour where you can catch a boat to Mandeh Islands.
If you prefer sea transport, fast boats from Teluk Bayur or Bungus are available options. Another choice is the Bintang Mandeh tourist boat departing from Muara Padang Harbor.
Getting Around
If you are traveling in a group, it is more convenient to rent a minibus or van to explore the Mandeh region. To visit the smaller islands, you will need to find a trusted boatman and an experienced guide who can take you to the best diving spots and show you around.
Where to Stay
Cubadak Paradiso Village is the only resort available on Mandeh Islands. Established in 1992 by Gianluiggi (Nanni) Casalegno, this resort is located at the southeastern tip of Cubadak Island, approximately 15 minutes away from Mandeh Harbour. The resort offers 12 bungalows facing east, providing guests with comfortable accommodations and unforgettable tropical island memories. If you’re looking for an idyllic getaway amidst nature’s beauty, Cubadak Paradiso Village is the perfect choice.
Address: Jl. Batang Arau 88 Blok C7, Padang, West Sumatra
The Mandeh Islands offer a new and exciting destination for travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty. With its stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life, it truly deserves its title as the Raja Ampat of West Sumatra. Whether you’re into water sports or simply want to relax and enjoy the picturesque scenery, Mandeh has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to this hidden paradise!
