Embarking on a sun-soaked odyssey from Padang City to the hidden treasures of Sungai Pisang, our journey unfolded with the wind in our hair and the promise of adventure in the air.

A Grab taxi ride led us through meandering roads, ascending steep hills, paving the way for a day etched in the vibrant hues of Pagang and Pasumpahan Islands.

How to Reach Sungai Pisang from Padang City

To get to Sungai Pisang from Padang City, which is about 32km away, we opted for a Grab online taxi. The fare was IDR130,000 (USD $8.50), and the journey took approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

The initial part of the drive was straightforward, but as we neared our destination, the road became narrower and led up a steep hill.

Our small car taxi struggled a bit on the ascent, prompting the driver to turn off the radio and air conditioning, and roll down the windows for some fresh air.

It’s important to note that when using online taxi services like Grab, it’s customary to add an extra IDR50,000 (USD $3.20) for the driver.

This accounts for the fact that they have to return to the city with an empty car, which takes an additional 1 hour and 15 minutes.

If you choose to use an online taxi, it’s advisable to pre-arrange your pick-up time with the driver and agree on the price, especially since ordering a taxi directly from Sungai Pisang is not an option.

In our case, we scheduled the Grab at 8 am and arrived in Sungai Pisang at 09:20 am. Alternatively, you could consider renting a car in Padang and driving yourself.

However, for tourists unfamiliar with the roads, which can be narrow and challenging, I recommend using Grab for a safer and more convenient journey.

The Boat Adventure

We decided to make the most of our day by renting a fisherman’s boat for IDR600,000 (USD $39.00).

This fantastic deal allowed us to explore any island of our choice from morning till sunset.

We settled on visiting Pagang Island and Pasumpahan Island. The boat owner warmly welcomed us at the drop-off point.

If you’re into snorkeling, the boat owner offers rental equipment at IDR30,000 (USD $2.00) each. We decided to grab two sets of snorkeling masks and breathers for the day.

Once we were all set, the boat owner asked us to wait on the beach. From there, we enjoyed watching local fishermen pulling their nets out of the ocean in a group, a tradition known as “Maelo Pukek.”

The day couldn’t have been more perfect – the sky was a clear blue, no strong winds, and the temperature a pleasant 28 degrees Celsius with a gentle breeze.

Our boat journey to Pagang Island took less than an hour. Along the way, we marvelled at passing fisherman boats and the beauty of the surrounding islands. It was a truly memorable experience.

Pagang Island: A Tropical Getaway

Pulau Pagang, nestled in Bungus Teluk Kabung, Padang, Sumatra, is a hidden gem drawing in tourists with its breathtaking natural allure.

This small island boasts a pristine white sandy beach and crystal-clear blue waters, creating an ideal setting for swimming and snorkeling enthusiasts.

The underwater world here teems with diverse marine life, showcasing vibrant fish and captivating coral reefs, making it a paradise for snorkelers.

Beyond aquatic activities, visitors to Pagang Island can indulge in fishing and experience camping amidst its 10-hectare landscape adorned with coconut trees and mangrove forests.

While the island lacks upscale resorts, there are modest guesthouses for those seeking an overnight stay.

Adventurous souls can also choose to pitch a tent and revel in the island’s tranquil atmosphere. A small warung (food stall) is present, though bringing personal supplies is advisable due to limited options.

Upon our arrival at Pagang Island, we were pleased to discover that the admission fee was already included in the boat fare covering all the islands.

The sturdy jetty provided a sense of security, and the boat owner offered helpful insights about the island’s amenities, restaurants, and activity spots like banana boat rides.

We were instructed to rendezvous at the jetty when ready to depart.

Prior to exploring, we checked the facilities and found that there was a nominal fee for using the restroom.

Seeking shade under a tree, we rented a plastic rug from a local vendor, creating a cozy picnic spot by the beach.

This designated spot allowed us to safely leave our belongings while enjoying a refreshing swim.

For fellow swimmers, a tip: choose the right side of the jetty for a dip, as the left side (when facing the island) tends to have numerous jellyfish, causing itchiness.

Food Options at Pagang Island

The restaurant on Pagang Island offers local delights like Dendeng Balado with Steamed Rice, as well as favorites such as two-minute noodles (Indomie Rebus) and Nasi Goreng.

However, during our visit, we noticed a peculiar absence of fresh coconut drinks, despite the abundance of coconut trees on the island.

Alcoholic beverages were also not available. Interestingly, we later learned that bringing your own food and drinks from home is allowed.

If we had known this, we would have come better prepared for our beach picnic day.

Our focus was on enjoying the beach, and we didn’t explore the island on foot or climb up the hill.

Being a weekday, the timing was perfect – fewer visitors, and the beach was less crowded.

When it came to food, there are two options: you can dine in at the restaurant or place an order and pick it up at a designated time from the waiter.

We had to make two trips to check if our food was ready. Once it was, we brought it to our chosen picnic spot on the beach to savor.

After spending half a day at Pagang Island, we moved on to the next destination.

As we reached the jetty, our boat driver, seeing us ready to go, promptly arrived and took us to our next adventure.

Pasumpahan Island: A Tranquil Retreat

Embarking on a boat ride from Pagang Island to Pasumpahan Island takes just 20 minutes, with the calm water, bright sun, and gentle breeze making the journey incredibly pleasant.

While reaching the island may require some effort, the beauty and amenities it offers make the trip truly worthwhile.

Once on Pasumpahan Island, we immersed ourselves in relaxation, water sports, beach walks, and exploration.

The environment is pristine and well-maintained, attracting a moderate number of visitors, though it can get busier on weekends.

The beach itself boasts a white sandy shoreline with soft sand, adorned with coconut trees, wooden benches, and gazebos.

In addition to leisurely activities, Pasumpahan Island’s calmer waves compared to other West Sumatra Province beaches make it an ideal spot for various water sports.

Also Read 7 Most Beautiful Villages in West Sumatra

Popular activities include swimming, jet skiing, diving, and snorkeling, allowing visitors to explore beautiful corals and encounter diverse fish species like Chaetodon.

Upon arrival, we noticed there were no overnight guests, meaning there was no electricity on the island at that time.

The caretaker informed us that they only switch on the power generator when they have overnight guests.

This meant no cold drinks were available, and surprisingly, even coconut drinks were not sold, which seemed amusing given the abundance of coconut trees on the island.

Food options were also limited, with only two-minute noodles and fried rice on the menu.

Despite these quirks, Pasumpahan Island’s natural charm and recreational opportunities made our visit truly enjoyable.

Heading Home

Feeling both hungry and a bit tired of the scorching sun and snorkeling on empty stomachs due to limited food options on the islands, we eagerly welcomed our boat driver’s swift arrival at the jetty.

In just 20 minutes, he skillfully brought us back to Sungai Pisang, where our boat driver kindly allowed us to use their shower facilities to freshen up while waiting for our ride back to Padang City.

Lessons Learned for a Better Trip:

Pack a Picnic: To avoid hunger pangs and enjoy the islands more, it’s a good idea to pack a cooler with cold drinks, snacks, and food.

Consider staying overnight at Pagang Island for a more extended island experience.

Sunscreen is a Must: Learn from our oversight and remember to bring sunscreen.

We skipped this step, and our sun-exposed skin ended up burnt and peeling for a week, taking a full four weeks for the peeling process to complete.

Bring Sufficient Cash: Cash is king in these parts, as your bank card won’t be of any use without ATMs along the way.

Having enough cash on hand ensures a smooth transaction process during your island adventure.

As we bid adieu to these slices of paradise, memories linger like sunbeams on our skin.

From the salty breeze of the boat rides to the dance of jellyfish beneath the jetty, each moment etched itself into the fabric of our island-hopping tale.

The lessons learned – pack a picnic, lather on sunscreen, bring cash – became more than practical tips; they were imprints of our immersive journey.

And so, we left with not just souvenirs but with the echo of waves, the taste of sea breeze, and the rich tapestry of experiences only found in the embrace of West Sumatra’s untouched beauty.