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SAMARINDA (ANTARA) – A small landmass off the coast of East Kalimantan, surrounded by the Sulawesi Sea, Pulau Miang is not as well-known as Derawan or Kakaban, but it exudes marine charm and is like a hidden gem that has yet to be discovered.
Miang Island is a dream destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. The colorful coral reefs are home to hundreds of marine life. From agile clown fish to graceful manta rays, all kinds of exotic fish swim happily.
In addition to watching the perfectly camouflaged spotted octopus, it is also worth experiencing the feeling of swimming with schools of barracudas. At a certain depth, divers can also see coral reef formations that resemble underwater sculptures, adding a wonderful color to the underwater world around Miang Island.
Miang Island is one of the famous diving and snorkeling destinations in East Kalimantan. The coral reefs on the island are of various types, including hard corals and soft corals. Clownfish, butterfly fish, lionfish and other colorful fish swim among the coral reefs, and the scenery is breathtaking.
In addition to its natural beauty, Miang Island also has a rich history and culture. The century-old Dutch colonial oil wells on the island are a silent reminder of the local oil industry. The traditional fishing village and stilt houses on the bay add authentic charm to Miang Island.
Miang Island is beautiful both above and below the water. The view from the ancient pine tree Sapaleg, a small island in the sea, with the sea rising high is very beautiful. Relaxing on the soft white sand beach is equally fun, and the sea breeze and calm waves add to the charm.
At Miang Island, don’t miss the opportunity to take a photo with the underwater reading sculpture, which is a unique symbol of Miang Island and adds to the charm of the island.
The people of Miang Island mostly make their living as fishermen and welcome visitors with warm Indonesian hospitality.
Visitors can also stay in the traditional stilt houses of local residents and experience coexistence with nature and rich local culture.
It would be a shame to miss the fresh seafood delicacies just caught. At dawn, visitors are invited to tell stories and enjoy the night under the stars. The hospitality of the people of Miang Island will make visitors feel like part of their big family.
Explore a hidden paradise
To reach Myang Island, tourists do not have to endure a long and arduous journey as it only takes 45 minutes by boat from Sangkulirang District.
For a relatively affordable fee, visitors can realize their dream vacation on this exotic island.
Miang Island is a destination that caters to all ages and interests. Adventure seekers can explore its underwater beauty, while nature lovers can relax on the beach and interact with the locals. The intimacy shown by the locals allows for the creation of unforgettable memories together.
The fishermen of Mi Island mainly rely on the seafood on the island, and they have built stilt houses on the island bay. The population of Mi Island is only about 500 people, distributed in 200 households.
The Solar Power Plant (PLTS) generates electricity for the residents of Mi Village by converting solar energy into electricity. Although energy is available, electricity is not always available 24 hours a day. This depends on the level of sunlight received, which is particularly challenging during the rainy season.
Mi Village also has a coral reef, excluding several nearby small islands.
Alimuddin Daud, the village chief of Miang Island, realized that the potential of maritime tourism in Miang Island has not been fully explored and developed to attract more tourists.
Some private individuals have built villas here. There are six villas on Miang Island for tourists to stay in.
High tide is a great time to vacation on Myon Island, but most tourists don’t care.
During long school breaks or holidays, the number of tourists to Miang Island Village increases. At certain times, the villas or homestays on offer are fully booked.
Most tourists still come from East Kutai Regency, especially Sangata, Sangkulirang, Kaliorang and Bengal. There are also tourists from outside the region, such as researchers from Samarinda, Java and other places. They have visited Myang Island many times to conduct underwater research.
Tourists can visit the underwater paradise and other facilities on Miang Island for 700,000 rupees (about 4,440 U.S. dollars) to 1.5 million rupees (about 9,530 U.S. dollars) from Sangata, the capital of East Kutai. In view of its tourism potential, the East Kutai regional government has built bridges and pavilions to make tourists’ travel more comfortable.
There are other interesting aspects as well. A unique feature of this village is a well that never dries up. Since the 1980s, two wells dug side by side, about 7 meters deep, have provided pure water to the locals.
According to Kamarudin, an elder from Miang Island, the water from this well comes from a spring on the seabed and the water is clear and fresh even in the dry season.
“There is only so much water available. Both wells have pumps, so you just have to choose which one to use,” said Usman, a resident of Miang Island.
Although the fishermen of Mi Island live by the ocean, they lead a peaceful life and mainly rely on seafood such as fish, shrimp and crab for their livelihood.
He said: “Living here feels comfortable, safe and away from the hustle and bustle of the world.”
Empowering Youth
Empowering youth through tourism awareness groups (pokdarwis) in the form of coral reef conservation activities and raising awareness among rice village residents to increase and cultivate tourism potential.
“We have carried out several trainings and activities. In addition to coral reef farming, we also conduct training for tourists,” said Ahmad Hikami, chairman of Nusa Balemyung Pokdarwis.
Nusa Balemion Island also cultivates “clams”, which are one of the larger rare protected species.
Last year, the Miang Island Village Government and local villagers jointly organized the Nusantara Bahari Village Festival and the 18th anniversary celebration of the establishment of Miang Island Village.
Fishing derbies, motorized canoe “ketinting” competitions and coastal dancing competitions also add to the festival.
The celebration was supported by East Kutai Regent Ardiansyah Sulaiman. In May 2023, Pulau Miang village was approved as Nusantara Sea Village (KBN).
The Myang Island Village Administration and the East Kutai Regency Administration will hold such festivals regularly to attract tourists.
Viqri Haikal, a student from Miang Island village currently studying at the Fisheries Department of Mulawarman University, Samarinda, has seen his village develop.
Mi Village has developed into a marine tourism village, which has had a positive impact on the community’s economy.
Visitors to Miang Island can experience life on the sea and under the sea at a lower cost and enjoy more beautiful underwater scenery.
Make the most of your opportunity to explore and revel in the charm of this hidden paradise in East Kalimantan.
Miang Island is not just a tourist destination, but also a place where people can get in touch with nature, culture and feel the hospitality of the locals.
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
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