The Beauty of Sempu Island, East Java, Indonesia
Sempu Island, East Java, Indonesia
‘Pulau’ (island) ‘Sempu’ is located about 70 kilometers south of the center of ‘Malang’ city, East Java. Technically, this island is a nature reservation under the jurisdiction of the ‘BKSDA’ IV (natural resources conservation station) in Malang. While from a government administrative point of view the area is included in the Biru Settlement. ‘Tambakrejo’ Village, ‘Sumbermanjing Wetan’ Sub-District, Regency of ‘Malang’, of East Java.
The area of the island stretches 3.9 kilometers from east to west, and 3.6 kilometers from north to south. The topography of the island is for almost 50% made up of hilly plains, with slopes ranging from average to steep, at altitudes of 50 to 100 meters above sea level. The larger part of the beaches aligned with steep lime rock cliffs, which is the characteristic of the islands along the Indian Ocean.
This character is also specific for the islands along the south and east of Java Island. Certainly, such terrain makes it difficult for the fishermen to moor their boats. But, such a condition also decides that the ‘Sendang Biru’ Beach, which is located north of ‘Sempu’ island, has quiet waves. Because of that, this beach is the safest harbor along the southern stretch of the Indian Ocean, and is the largest fish landing spot along the southern beach of Java Island.
The merits of ‘Pulau Sempu’ for the fishermen of ‘Sendang Biru’ Beach are indeed invaluable. Its sturdy shape with steep cliffs, neutralize the vicious waves of the southern seas. So it is not surprising to sometimes find fishermen performing the slalom test on this 3.9 kilometers long beach with its quiet waters.
The Lagoon Java
‘Pulau Sempu’ is separated from Java Island only by a 800 meters wide strait, which is also used as the gate to the open sea. Its waves are relatively quiet, appropriate for fishing, rowing, or swimming. As according to the land maps, the type of soil in the area of this island is of a ‘litosol’ compound and reddish brown Mediterranean, and includes even the main limestone formation.
The only natural cave found on ‘Pulau Sempu’ has its own specialty. The cave that is located around 2.5 kilometers from the ‘Teluk’ (bay) ‘Sumber’ Beach line is 25 meters above sea level and holds sources of sweet water. The cave is 20 meters long and 3 meters wide with a dry surface. It is highly strategic place for those who like to meditate, or just seek solitude.
Along the even steeper south side, there are also some sea caves. The sea caves along the east and southeast sides have become the settlements of numerous swallows. But, because of its highly steep location, none of the local fishermen dare to pick the birds nests.
A visit to ‘Pulau Sempu’ feels like being at the ‘Bogor’ Safari Park. Wildlife like deer’s, black monkeys, boars, and panthers often teasingly cross the visitors paths. It is not surprising then that this area often provokes the hunter to cleave into its forests. According to the data at the Forest Office of East Java, the area still holds 12 species of mammals, 36 species of fowls, and 3 species of reptiles. With this variety of flora and fauna the management of the island, i.e. ‘BKSDA’ IV in ‘Malang’, has developed the area into a tourist destination.
Tags: East Java, Indonesia, Sempu Island
