Lampung: A Weekend Getaway

Foto: Anisla Triayu

Last April 2018 my nephew was turning 4. All he wanted for his birthday was: going to the beach and taking the plane. As me and my daughters were staying in Indonesia that month, thus my mom transformed my nephew's wish into a family vacation.

Lampung then became the perfect destination. It has beautiful beaches, it could be reach by plane from Jakarta, it is not too expensive, not too crowded with tourists, and it is not too far so it is possible for a weekend getaway destination.

Tegal Mas Island

On saturday, because of a flight delay, we arrived in Bandar Lampung at noon. Then, after (a yummy seafood) lunch, we decided to go to a nearby island called Tegal Mas. The island is a private island developed recently. There are villas in the island, but people who just want to visit without stay over could also come to the island and pay an entrance fee.

Tegal Mas Island

The journey to Tegal Mas Island takes approximately 10 minutes boat ride from Sari Ringgung Beach near Bandar Lampung. However, when we arrived at the island, we instantly broke our hearts. THE BEACH IS COVERED WITH TRASH! Particularly plastic. :( :(

So, my sister and my cousin spent their afternoon as volunteers. Volunteers to clean up the beach using a rake we found there, while my daughters and my nephews were splashing around, playing and swimming in the 'clean' part of the beach.

The birthday boy and the dirty beach

I definitely won't go back to that island, anyway! I think the island's management should improve its facilities and cleanliness. As we pay to enter the island, at least please clean up the trash on the beach AND provide decent public toilets and shower rooms. The toilets and particularly shower rooms are very poor. They are temporarily wooden structure covered by unused banners!

Kelagian Lunik Island

Kelagian Lunik Island. Foto: Anisla Triayu

The next day, sunday, we leave early to another island destination. We drove about two hours from Bandar Lampung to Pesawaran area to reach our destination: Kelagian Lunik Island. The island is also known as Kelagian Kecil Island, and it took us about 30 minutes boat ride from the main beach.

Different from the previous island, this one is a heaven on earth! This uninhabited island is soooo beautiful! It got white sandy beach, blue sea and the wave is perfect for snorkeling!

Beautiful beach of Kelagian Lunik Island, Lampung. Foto: Anisla Triayu

So, the kids were happily playing on the beach by themselves, swimming around with mama, grandma and aunts, as well as snorkeling with papa. The food stall in the island also provide instant noodle and gorengan, a perfect - unhealthy - dish after beach activity :D Even the toilet and shower rooms are better than the previous island's facilities.

Unfortunately, we didn't have the whole day. We should go back to Bandar Lampung and then fly back to Jakarta. Surprisingly, we also experienced flight cancelation drama and (another) flight delayed. So, we spent quite much time at Radin Inten II Airport :) Thanks GOD there are nice cafe and massage facilities at the airport.

Although it is not a popular holiday destination (yet), Lampung is worth visit. Particularly for beach lover! There are many other beaches and islands to explore.

Creating the Childhood Memories

I do believe that taking my daughters to travel is important. Through travelling they experiencing many new things, opening up their minds, as well as increasing their knowledge and creativity.

Us on a boat to the island

Through this trip, they experienced sailing to an island by wooden boat, swimming in the sea, and snorkeling. They saw real fish in the sea! My two years old daughter now understand that the sea water is salty! My six years old daughter experienced that it was hurt when she accidentaly got stung by a small jellyfish. Most importantly, they learned NOT to pollute the environment with their trash.

Not only about beach, this weekend gateaway also teached them about elephant sanctuary, although we didn't visit the Way Kambas. But for me, the more important thing is: I've created a good childhood (travelling) memories for them to remember!

Posing with "the elephant" at Lampung Airport

#Lampung #Indonesia #nature