Take the Road Less Travelled: Cubadak Paradiso Village
Discovering the overland along with underwater treats on a little island resort off the coast of West Sumatra.
Why do we travel? is usually the idea in pursuit of ticking off as many places on your world map as possible? Or maybe the journey of self-discovery is usually what keeps you hopping on along with off of planes, trains along with automobiles, traversing the unknown. Living in Indonesia comes with its pros along with cons (as with any country), however one of its many plus points is usually that will there are so many exotic places to explore, along with although the journey may not always be easy, the end result is usually worth the idea. I discovered that will lately that has a trip to Cubadak Island located just off the coast of West Sumatra.
The history of Sumatra is usually rich along with complex. Archaeological evidence suggests that will Sumatra was the gateway for migrating tribes via mainland Southeast Asia, with hunter-gatherers living along the Strait of Melaka some 13,000 years ago. that will well-known trading route on the east coast opened the archipelago up to China, India, along with the planet, thus exposing the idea to the well-known ideas of the time, such as Islam.
Throughout the colonial era, Sumatra saw almost every foreign power stake a claim in its abundant resources: the Dutch set up camp inside west Sumatran port of Padang; the British ruled in Bengkulu; American traders monopolized pepper exports via Aceh; along with the Chinese exploited tin reserves on the islands of Bangka along with Belitung.
Rich in cultural heritage, that will region is usually home to around 4 million Minangkabau people, one of the last populations to have a matrilineal culture, which directly contrasts the island’s dominant religion of Islam. that will region’s natural beauty is usually also a marvel, with rolling green countryside, endless winding rivers, along with mini waterfalls dotting the roadsides.
Getting there
Getting to Cubadak Island involves flying firstly to Padang Minangkabau International airport, a 1-hour along with 20-minute flight via Jakarta. The flight is usually the easiest part of that will journey, however, as we discovered on the 3.5-hour car ride that will proceeded, passing over windy hillside roads through forests to reach the island, located only about 20km south of the city of Padang. Usually that will drive could only take 3 hours, or even 2.5 if you’re lucky, which we weren’t – as we experienced several delays on two bridge constructions, along that has a mammoth traffic jam in Padang town. Once reaching the harbour of Corocok Tarusan, we were whisked onto a speedboat for a 10-minute ride, finally arriving at that will little resort where time seems to have stood still.
Cubadak Island is usually unique because the idea boasts both clear blue waters on one side, along that has a lush green forest perfect for hikers along with bird-spotters on the various other.
The beach here is usually also very beautiful, with white sand stretching for around 1km – perfect for lounging around along with reading a not bad book. however don’t expect beachside butlers or 5-star luxury, as that will island has its own, more relaxed way of doing things.
Opened 23 years ago by Nanni Casalegno, an Italian man who sadly passed away in 2014, the ‘village’ has been operated by the very friendly Dominique along with her husband, Marco (both French) for the last 10 years. The island still has that will ‘90s vibe, with its wooden-panelled accommodation reminiscent of the ones you may find along the west or south coasts of Java. I doubt much has changed since the idea first opened all those years ago.
Bungalows at Cubadak Paradiso Village
that has a total of 12 bungalows on the island, including a family unit that will can be rented as one, or split into two, guests can choose to stay on-land or indulge in an over-water bungalow, suited for honeymooners. The wooden bungalows are what I could call rustic-chic, situated right on the beach, along with come complete with en-suite bathroom, downstairs living area along that has a double bed on the mezzanine. various other amenities include a mini-bar, stocked with large Bintangs along with fizzy drinks, hot water along with the added bonus of drinkable tap water, which comes straight via a natural spring on the island. There are no air conditioners here, so if you are prone to feeling the heat, be sure to set the ceiling fan onto high at night. The rooms are perfectly situated to soak up the sound of cicadas along with bird song via the forest behind.
Taking the plunge
The island is usually very well suited for divers looking to explore a lesser-known region, along with the local government are actually planning on marketing that will area as the next Raja Ampat. Although I don’t think the idea is usually quite on par with what Raja Ampat, the planet’s diving Mecca, has to offer, the idea certainly is usually not want of trying. With several dive sites at hand, including a house reef, several pinnacles along with even a wreck, there are plenty of things to see underwater – although visibility was only around 5-7 metres during our visit.
When not diving, we spent daylight hours frolicking inside clear water, lounging around on sun beds whilst enjoying the sounds of rolling thunder coming via the distant, ominous clouds. Although Cubadak is usually not exactly isolated – there is usually a village visible over the water inside distance – you still feel like you’re 100 miles via anywhere.
inside evenings, guests converged along with sought shelter via monsoon rains at the bar, located over the water. Here you can enjoy a tea or alcoholic beverage (wines are even stocked at fair prices), whilst enjoying a jam on one of Marco’s several guitars. Wi-Fi is usually available, too.
If you enjoy hiking, behind the resort is usually a large hill, enveloped in forest. There is usually a path that will takes you to the top in about 45 minutes – a spectacular place for taking photos. that will path is usually perfect for spotting birds, including the colourful kingfisher.
If you’re a nature lover along with enjoy the thrill of the chase, you should put Cubadak Paradiso Village on your travel list. the idea took us a whopping eight hours to return to Jakarta, due to road disturbances along with flight delays, so I could suggest staying a minimum of three nights to truly unwind along with take in what that will island has to offer.
Fast Facts: Cubadak Paradiso Village, West Sumatra
Getting there: A 1.20-minute flight on local carriers Garuda Indonesia, Citilink or Lion Air followed by a 3-hour drive (organized by Cubadak Paradiso Village), along that has a short, 10-minute speedboat ride.
Things to do: Diving, snorkelling, going for forest walks, or just plain relaxing.
What to bring: Sunblock, a not bad book, dive along with snorkelling gear, travel sickness pills if you’re prone to feeling nauseous operating on windy roads.
Website: www.cubadak-paradisovillage.com
Comments
Take the Road Less Travelled: Cubadak Paradiso Village
Take the Road Less Travelled: Cubadak Paradiso Village
Chinese-Indonesians: The Identity In BetweenChinese-Indonesians: The Identity In Between As the “ancestral homeland” of over 300 e ... Lihat Gambar- A Day at Banten LamaA Day at Banten Lama Jakarta can be sadly lacking in opportunities for a pleasant day trip out of ... Lihat Gambar
- Beep BeepBeep Beep Last night I had the experience of a lifetime as far as taxi drivers go. I stepped into ... Lihat Gambar
- Albert KokAlbert Kok Meet Albert Kok. General Manager of Panorama Destination Management along with an advoca ... Lihat Gambar
- 30 Places to Dive in Indonesia30 Places to Dive in Indonesia The Indonesian archipelago, with thousands of kilometres of coral re ... Lihat Gambar