RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The scorching midday sun did little to dampen the spirits of travelers seeking refuge in the coastal serenity of Pahawang Island in Lampung Province. Tucked away in the Punduh Pidada Subdistrict of Pesawaran Regency, this tropical enclave has rapidly evolved from a hidden coastal gem into one of Lampung’s premier marine tourism destinations, balancing pristine coral ecosystems with vibrant village life.

Home to roughly 400 families, the island's charm begins even before boats leave the mainland. At the edge of the Ketapang Jetty, visitors are frequently captivated by local children performing spontaneous diving spectacles. Swimming with effortless agility and without any standard gear, these youth plunge deep into the emerald waters to retrieve coins tossed by amused tourists, a stark, refreshing contrast to modern urban life.

Once the wooden boats push off, the 30-to-45-minute journey across the turquoise waters offers a scenic transition into island time. Passengers are regularly treated to the sight of flying fish (torani) bursting through the surface.

“Those fish can fly quite far, about 5 to 8 meters,” noted tour leader Ical, pointing toward the horizon, as quoted by Antara.

Often dubbed the Maldives of Lampung due to its exceptional water clarity, Pahawang Island’s calm currents make it a haven for underwater exploration, welcoming seasoned divers and novice snorkelers alike.

To experience this firsthand, Yamaha Indonesia recently hosted the third leg of its Maxi Tour Boemi Noesantara (MTBN), bringing 28 members of the Journalist Max Community (JMC) to explore the island's marine treasures and sample local culinary delicacies.

The island’s management has meticulously mapped out designated snorkeling zones to preserve the reef while ensuring optimal sightseeing. The crown jewel of these sites is Taman Nemo (Nemo Park), a vibrant coral nursery where wild clownfish have become remarkably accustomed to human presence, swimming playfully close to visitors' masks.

One of Pahawang’s greatest strengths is its accessibility for budget-conscious urban travelers. Standard wooden tour boats, which accommodate up to 10 passengers, are available for charter between IDR 1 million (USD 57.50) and IDR 1.8 million. These rates typically bundle snorkeling gear, digital underwater photography services, and a local lunch.

For those looking to venture further out to the remote topography of Wayang Island, high-speed boats can be chartered for approximately IDR 2.8 million per day.

“If they use a speedboat, tourists usually don't go to Pahawang; they go to Wayang Island. It is quite far from Pahawang, which is why they use speedboats,” Ical explained.

For travelers wishing to extend their stay, the island offers a spectrum of accommodations backed by reliable electricity, clean water, and cellular internet connectivity. Local homestays range from an affordable IDR 150,000 to IDR 300,000 per night, while exclusive overwater beach villas and cottages range from IDR 500,000 to over IDR 1.5 million per night.

Pahawang Island represents just one chapter of Lampung’s broader tourism portfolio. For travelers arriving via ferry from Java, the journey often begins or culminates at the iconic Menara Siger. Perched on Gamping Hill in Bakauheni, South Lampung, this striking 32-meter landmark functions as the cultural gateway to Sumatra.

Inside the crown-shaped tower, travelers can explore cultural pavilions, historical galleries, and viewing decks that offer panoramic views of the busy Sunda Strait shipping lanes below.

“Please enjoy the existing tourist destinations. I pray that friends return home carrying beautiful stories about Lampung, especially South Lampung,” said Head of the South Lampung Regency Tourism Agency, I Nyoman Setiawan.

As twilight falls over Pahawang, the sky shifts to deep shades of amber, and fishing boats return to the docks. On this island, time seems to slow down, offering urbanites a rare space to rediscover tranquility. ***