Pagang Island – paradise

pagang island

Our journey to Pagang Island started at Lake Maninjau. We heard about the Island from a local Maninjau guy, as soon as we heard the details we were sold. A deserted island with no inhabitants (other than two island guardians), white sand beach, crystal clear blue water. It sounded like one of the most exciting travel prospects in a long time!

First we had to get to Padang and then an hour south to Bungus Beach. From Bungus Beach we had to charter a boat to take us on a 1.20hour boat ride to finally arrive at Pagang Island.

It was 20.30 at Lake Maninjau and we wasted no time, having kidnapped Elisa (Italian HODR volunteer) for the adventure, we went to the local bus stop to find the last one had left at 17.00. This wouldn’t deter the three of us. We attempted to hitch a ride to Padang – 20 minutes later we had no joy but had managed to barter a taxi down to 150,000Rp which was an excellent price. We took the taxi and arrived in Padang by midnight – just in time for a mini birthday celebration for Will, a quick cigar, beer, then bed.

happy birthday will

The following day we headed to Padang’s central market where we took a mini bus to Bungus Beach. We learnt where the term ‘packed like sardines’ as we took a mini bus made for 14 people with 24 people. The cost; 5,000Rp/person, 5,000Rp/bag.

We arrived at Bungus Beach and found the guesthouse we were told to find; ‘Losmen Tin Tin’. Here guesthouse owners and brothers Raoul and Al helped us arrange the trip.

losmen tin tin

Raoul drove us to a near by shop so we could stock up on food for the next few days as there are no shops on Pagang. We also bought gasoline to aid us making fire to cook with and some cigarettes to give to the two Island guardians. Pagang has no people living on it other than two young guys from the Metawai Islands who take care of things there.

the supplies

Raoul provided us with some other essentials for the trip; tent, crockery, plates, a pan, fishing lines, snorkel/mask and the all important Machete. Will was insistant we got a big machete.

At 18.00, Al our boat captain drove us to Pagang. In perfect timing for one of the best sunsets I’ve seen. On route I decided I would see how long I could go without eating our food supplies. I planned on getting back to nature, catching fish and collecting coconuts and fruits. This would start after the birthday cake we got for Will of course.

sunset

We arrived at Pagang Island in nightfall to be greeted by two wild dogs – these were also guardians of the island. Pitched the tent, started a fire (a favourite pastime of mine) and tucked into Will’s birthday cake.

birthday cake

The next morning we woke up just after sunrise. Stepping out of the tent I realised we were in fact in paradise. The island was amazing! I went to find my breakfast armed with the machete – 20mintutes later I had collected a couple of coconuts. I then attempted to fish off the jeti. I spent many hours over the next few days fishing – I didn’t catch any.

Will and I explored the island looking for food and hidden treasure, we didn’t find anything except lots of coconuts. We also got mauled by mosquitos when we trekked through the jungle in the middle of the island.

Having eaten coconuts for 24hours I gave up on my ‘getting back to nature’ pact and started on the supplies.

Life on the Island was simple, it felt like paradise – close to perfection. Words can’t describe the island experience, some pictures may help…

pagang1