In bustling cities like Jakarta, midday is often the least favorable time to be outdoors. However, in North Seram, Maluku, the sunniest part of the day is the best time to explore the stunning coastal areas and islands. Many travel packages highlight midday as the prime time for snorkeling or island hopping, offering an unforgettable adventure under the tropical sun.
On this particular afternoon, my group and I had the incredible opportunity to explore the pristine waters of North Seram. Our journey began at 9:00 AM, departing from our lodging in Sawai by motorboat. After a morning spent exploring the Salawai River and witnessing the traditional sago-making process, we were ready for a lunch break on a remote, uninhabited island known as Sapulea Island.
Our guide had informed us that we would have lunch on Sapulea Island but provided no further details. We initially expected a typical deserted island, possibly littered with debris and lacking charm. However, as we arrived, our expectations were far exceeded.
Sapulea Island is a small, nearly circular island spanning approximately 1,000 square meters. It takes only about 15 minutes to walk around its entirety. What makes this island extraordinary is its diverse landscape and thriving ecosystem. The powdery white sand, lush greenery in the island’s center, beautiful coral formations, and vibrant marine life surrounding the island create a picture-perfect paradise. It is rare to find such a variety of natural elements in one compact island, making Sapulea truly special.
After 30 minutes of exploring the island, it was time for lunch. Our guide led us to a shady spot beneath a cluster of trees at the heart of the island. As we settled in, he and the boat crew brought out fresh fish packed in plastic bags. To our delight, grilled fish was on the menu for our island feast. The experience of enjoying freshly grilled fish on a secluded island, with nothing but nature surrounding us, felt surreal—like we had our very own private island.
As the fish was grilled to perfection, we eagerly indulged in our meal, savoring every bite. It didn’t take long before nothing remained but fish bones. Our guide suggested that we take some time to relax before continuing our journey. As we lounged on the island, we were fascinated by the abundance of small hermit crabs scuttling across the sand. Initially, we noticed only a few, but as we followed their movements, we discovered that they seemed to form a tiny kingdom of their own, adding another layer of charm to our island adventure.
Sapulea Island, though small, left a lasting impression on us. It felt like one of those enchanting islands often depicted in movies or novels. I am certain that North Seram’s waters hide many more untouched gems like this one. Visiting Sapulea Island deepened my appreciation for Indonesia’s incredible natural beauty. This tiny paradise is just a glimpse of the countless breathtaking destinations that make up the Indonesian archipelago.
Reference From Indonesia Kaya
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