Biawak means monitor lizard (Varanus salvator). This animal
is quite similar with Komodo. Komodo Island may have been familiar in
your ear because of its global reputation. However, have you ever heard
Biawak (monitor lizard) Island? This one must be very unfamiliar for
you.
Monitor lizard and komodo is quite similar, but komodo is indeed
larger and more verocious. Not like komodo which only live in Komodo
Island, monitor lizard can almost be found in every region of Southeast
Asia. In Biawak Island, there are a lot number of these lizards.
Although this animal cannot become the main attraction of this island, Biawak Island is still an exotic and peaceful island which is best suited as an excursion island.
Biawak Island is a part of an archipelago in Java Sea. This island is
located in the area of Indramayu Regency, West Java. Biawak Island is
in north of Indramayu Peninsula, or about 40 kilometers from north coast
of Indramayu, and administratively belong to Indramayu District,
Indramayu Regency. Biawak Islands consist of three big islands: Biawak
Island, Candikian Island, and Gosong Island.
It is obvious that the name Biawak Island is taken
from the name of this island endemic, biawak (monitor lizard). Actually,
the true name of this island is Rakit Island, but the local government
of Indramayu changed it into Biawak Island reffering to the high number
of monitor lizard living in this island. This lizard is quite unique
because living in salt water area. Every afternoon before sunset, so
many monitor lizard with varied size (20 cm – 1.5 m) will be visible
swimming on the beach. At this time, these lizards are usually hunting
for fish. Besides called Biawak Island, this island is also called
Menyawak or Bompyis Island.
Although not really popular, Biawak Island is an
interesting tourism object to be visited. With 120 hectare area, this
island is also rich with green mangrove trees. If it is seen from high,
the greens look beautiful surrounding the beach. This island can be
reached by 3 – 4 hour trip using motor boat from Karangsong dock,
Indramayu. This island is known for its underwater beauty which is lived
by colorful fish and amazing coral reefs. The attractive side of this
island is surely unique, because of its natural and healthy coral reefs
which are very enjoyable to watch. Here are some attractions that you
can find in this island.
Biawak Lighthouse
Actually, this small island is dangerous for every ship crossing this
sea. Therefore, a 65 meter lighthouse was built in this island to guide
the ship and prevent accident. The constructor was ZM Willem in 1872,
when Indonesia was still colonized by Dutch. The lighthouse still
function until now, and you can see the amazing view of ocean and dock
from top of it.
Monitor Lizard
Monitor lizard which is an endemic animal of this island is not
afraid of human. As an endemic animal, this lizard is still interesting
to be watched. If you want to see them, you can put fish or meat around
this island and then they will come quickly. Although they are harmless,
we still need to be aware because their tail can hurt you.
Gosong Island
Gosong Island is a small land located on top of the sea surface. This
island is about 1 hour trip from Biawak Island using boat. Gosong
Island is actually good for swimming and snorkeling. But, unfortunately,
Gosong Island’s environment has been broken by for the construction of
a refinery project.
Mangrove and Pine Forest
Biawak Island also has a dense mangrove on its
shore. Besides mangrove, a lot of pine trees can be also founded in the
middle of the island. This forest is the place for various birds, so it
will be interesting if you can observe them directly.
The Dock
The dock in this island is quite long and stands on a beautiful white
sandy beach. Some parts of it are already built by concrete, and the
other parts still use wood. Therefore, we must be a little bit careful
when crossing this dock. Apart from that, the atmosphere and view of
this island is very amazing.
Access to the Island
For reaching this island, you must cross the ocean from Karangsong
Dock, Indramayu. So firstly, you must get into Indramayu. To reach
Indramayu you can use bus or train from Jakarta. After arriving in
Indramayu, you can directly head to Karasong Dock to rent a motor boat.
The trip to Biawak Island usually needs around 3-4 hours.
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