Tourism in the Land of a Thousand Islands: Uncovering the Secrets of Untouched Beauty

When I first heard about "Land of a Thousand Islands," I immediately imagined white beaches, clear blue water, and a hidden paradise untouched by crowds of tourists. But to be honest, I didn't really know what I would find until I actually set foot there. 

My journey started with a lot of curiosity, and, as usual, a little random research on the internet. There were lots of articles about famous tourist spots, but I wanted something different—one that was still "unspoiled" and didn't appear on Instagram too often. That's what brought me to Sombori Island. If you've never heard of it, don't worry. I also only found out after hearing a recommendation from a backpacker friend I met at a cafe in Makassar.

Sombori Island is often called "Raja Ampat's twin," but it is lesser known and much quieter. What's interesting, to reach this island, I had to take a small boat from a fishing village. The ship is very simple, without the frills of modern comforts, but that's what makes the experience feel more authentic. On the way, the sea breeze hit my face, while the sound of the ship's engine combined with the ripples of the water that split the ocean.

When I finally arrived, I was immediately amazed. Karst hills rise in the middle of the sea like a natural fortress, while the water is as clear as glass. I thought, "How can a place as nice as this still be quiet?" It turns out that difficult access and lack of facilities make Sombori not the main choice for ordinary tourists. But for true adventurers, this is the main attraction.

There was one moment that was truly memorable. My small group and I climbed the hill to reach the highest peak of the island. The trekking was quite tiring, especially with the tropical humidity which made you sweat immediately. But once I got to the top, I felt like it was all worth it. The view? It can't be described in words. A stretch of blue sea that seems endless, dotted with small islands that look like emeralds floating on the surface of the water. I could just sit there, silent, thinking, "This is a natural wonder that can't be found anywhere else."

But, as always, there are challenges too. I remember trying to snorkel at one of the locals' favorite spots. I was excited to see the coral reef which was said to be "still intact." Unfortunately, I forgot to bring environmentally friendly sunblock. After snorkeling, I noticed that some of the coral had faded in color—most likely due to chemicals from products like the ones I used. From there, I learned the importance of protecting the ecosystem, no matter how small our actions are. Now, I always make sure to use a marine-safe, mineral-based sunblock.

Advice for those of you who want to explore islands like Sombori? Bring all the basic necessities, especially snacks and drinking water. Don't rely too much on local shops, because the choice is very limited. And one more thing, make sure you respect local culture. I had a chance to chat with the fishermen there, and they were very proud of the natural beauty of their island. They just hope that visitors will also keep it clean.

At the end of the trip, I realized that the true beauty of the Land of a Thousand Islands is not just about the charming landscape. More than that, it's about experience—about slowing down, appreciating the little things, and learning from people who live side by side with nature. If you're looking for a tourist spot that will not only fill your Instagram feed, but also your heart, I highly recommend exploring these islands. 

And who knows, maybe you'll find your own little "secret" there. 🌴