Wuli Island, located southeast of Sumatra's off-coast islands, has become a new and popular vacation destination for tourists. The island boasts perfect pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and natural granite stones, all of which are incredibly beautiful. After the success of the Indonesian movie Laskar Pelangi (Rainbow Troops), the island gained widespread fame. Nowadays, efforts are underway to develop it into one of the world's best geological parks. UNESCO-designated Global Geoparks are areas with unique natural geographical features, often listed as World Heritage Sites. The tourism industry is expected to help promote these natural wonders. Here are some places that will offer you an incredible vacation experience.
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Tanjung Kelayang
On this long stretch of white sandy beach, large rocks are scattered like stars, resembling the work of a celestial being. This is a signature feature of Wuli Island, making it a major tourist spot in Indonesia. The island’s coastline is extensive, with calm waters perfect for swimming. Some nearby islands are also fun to explore, where you can try canoeing or other water sports. Relaxing on this stunning beach, enjoying local delicacies, and sipping cold drinks is a delightful experience. Tanjung Kelayang aims to become a destination for yacht and cruise tourism. -
Lengkuas Island
This is one of Wuli Island's most popular attractions. A lighthouse with 313 steps stands tall here, having withstood the passage of time for over a century. From the top, you can see the emerald waters, sparkling sandy beaches, and the beautiful landscape of the island. The unusual rock formations here will make you marvel at the artistry of nature. -
Batu Berlayar
Batu Berlayar, or Sailing Rock Island, is named after the island's rock formations, which resemble sailboats. This small island features secluded beaches adorned with large granite stones. The boat ride to the island requires an experienced captain, as the waters surrounding the island are shallow and filled with reefs. -
Tanjung Tinggi
A serene beach that is perfect for swimming. Along the coastline, there are many hotels where you can stay, offering rooms with beautiful views of the beach. Be mindful of the wind and air currents as your sunhat might get blown away. -
Bird Island
"Burung" is the Indonesian word for bird. The island gets its name from towering granite rock formations shaped like bird heads. The contrast between the clear sea and white sandy beaches highlights the island's shape, making it another great place for photo opportunities. -
Literature Museum
After the success of the Rainbow Troops movie, renowned novelist Andrea Hirata from Sambas opened a Literature Museum. The museum houses memorabilia from his famous stories. He constantly encourages the younger generation to pursue their dreams. The vibrant building of the museum invites visitors to explore its collection of literary works and engage in writing. "Kata" means "words" in Indonesian. -
Black Stone Monument
This is an iconic monument located in the Tanjung Pandan district, at the center of a traffic circle in the vibrant city. "Satam" comes from the word "hitam," meaning black, and refers to a type of black rock considered sacred by the locals. The rock is used to make jewelry and other decorative items, which are sold at nearby shops and restaurants, making it a great place to buy unique souvenirs. -
Kaolin Lake
This former kaolin or white clay mining site has now become a favorite hotspot for tourists and photographers. The blue waters and jagged white stones create a perfect spot for photos. For safety reasons, visitors are not allowed to swim, but even from the shore, you'll be able to capture fantastic pictures. -
Manggar Coffee Shop
When visiting Wuli Island, be sure not to miss this place for tasting delicious food. Manggar is a small town known for its coffee culture, with over 1001 coffee shops. Manggar coffee is aromatic, rich, and uniquely flavored, leaving a lasting impression. Along the streets, you’ll find many shops with long benches and welcoming signs. You can sit, enjoy local dishes, and savor a cup of Manggar coffee.
You can fly directly to Wuli Island from Jakarta or Medan.
