Explore the beauty of Bawean Island in Gresik, a tourist destination that offers beautiful beaches, beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and various exciting activities for an unforgettable vacation.
Bawean Island, located in Gresik Regency, East Java, is a tourist destination that is rarely known to many people, but holds extraordinary natural charm.
Located about 120 kilometers from the center of Gresik, this island is often dubbed as a “hidden paradise” because of its stunning natural beauty.
Bawean Island has two sub-districts, namely Sangkapura District and Tambak District, and the majority of its population comes from the Bawean Tribe.
Although not as famous as Bali or Lombok, Bawean Island offers a tourism experience that is no less interesting.
From white sandy beaches, crystal clear sea water, to exotic lakes and waterfalls, this island is a perfect destination for nature lovers and tourists who want to enjoy tranquility amidst natural beauty.
Main Attractions of Bawean Island
Bawean Island offers a variety of tourist 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. Beautiful and Clear Beach
Bawean Island is famous for its beautiful beaches, such as Noko Beach, Gili Beach, and Mombhul Beach. These beaches have clean white sand and clear blue sea water.
Besides relaxing on the beach, you can also enjoy the charming underwater views. On some beaches, you can even see small islands that add to the beauty of the sea panorama.
2. Diving and Snorkeling
For those of you who like underwater activities, Bawean Island is the right place for snorkeling and diving. The beauty of the coral reefs and various marine biota around Noko Bawean Island and Gili Beach are the main attractions for divers. You can rent snorkeling or diving equipment at several places available on this island.
3. Stunning Sunset and Sunrise
The beaches on Bawean Island are also the perfect location to enjoy sunset and sunrise moments. The beauty of the sky changing color as the sun sets or rises on the horizon makes the experience of a holiday on this island even more special. Some tourists also choose to set up tents on the beach and enjoy both moments in the open air.
4. Kastoba Lake
Apart from the beach, Bawean Island also has a lake that is no less beautiful, namely Lake Kastoba. Situated in the middle of the island and surrounded by green hills, this lake offers a calm and refreshing atmosphere.
To reach Lake Kastoba, you have to trek through a path, but this journey will be paid off with a charming view when you arrive at the lake. Here, you can swim, play in the water, or just sit back and relax enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings.
5. Laccar Waterfall
Bawean Island also has amazing waterfalls, one of which is Laccar Waterfall. This 25-meter high waterfall is located in the interior of the island and can be reached after a 15-minute trek from the main road.
The clear water flow and beautiful natural atmosphere make this place an ideal destination to refresh yourself after exploring the island.
6. Mangrove Forest and Culinary Tourism
If you want to enjoy a different atmosphere, you can visit Mangrove Hijau Daun, a beautiful mangrove forest area. Here, you can explore the unique mangrove ecosystem while enjoying culinary specialties of Bawean Island, such as fresh grilled fish and various other seafood. The entrance ticket to this mangrove area is very affordable, only IDR 5,000 per person.
7. Bawean Deer Breeding
Bawean Island is also known as the native habitat of rare deer, namely the Bawean Deer. At the deer sanctuary, you can see these deer directly and even feed them. This experience will certainly be one of the unforgettable moments during your visit to Bawean Island.
How to Get to Bawean Island
To reach Bawean Island, you can use sea transportation from Gresik Port or Paciran Port in Lamongan. Here are some ship options that serve crossings to Bawean Island:
Express Bahari: Serves crossings from Gresik to Bawean with a travel time of around 3 hours. This ship operates every day except Friday, with VIP tickets priced at Rp250,000 and executive tickets at Rp200,000.
Gili Iyang: This ship serves the Paciran-Bawean route on Mondays and Wednesdays, and the Gresik-Bawean route on Fridays. Ticket prices are Rp80,000 for adults, Rp61,000 for children, and Rp83,500 for passengers bringing motorbikes.
Before leaving, make sure to check the crossing schedule because the ship schedule can change every day depending on weather conditions.
Facilities on Bawean Island
Even though it is located quite far from the mainland, Bawean Island has adequate facilities for tourists. The island is equipped with a small port and airport which makes it easy for visitors to access.
In addition, around the island, you can find various vehicle rental places, accommodation, and restaurants serving typical East Javanese food.
If you want to snorkel or dive but do not bring your own equipment, there are many places on Bawean Island that rent snorkeling and diving equipment. Accommodation is also available ranging from homestays to hotels with comfortable facilities.
Bawean Island in Gresik is a hidden paradise that offers a variety of natural beauty, from stunning beaches, calm lakes, to refreshing waterfalls.
With quite complete facilities and easy access, Bawean Island is an ideal tourist destination for a vacation with family or friends. So, if you are looking for a different and adventurous vacation experience, Panjang Island is the right choice!
