KANGEAN ISLAND

Kangean Island is the name of an island among the many island that are stretched out east of madura island, of East Java. From the government administration poin of viw; the island is divided into two; West Kangean, wich included in the Sapeken Sub-District. Both Sub-District are part of the Sumenep Regency.

Geographically, on the topographic map, Kangean Islan is located closer to Bali Island, as compared to Lombok Island. To Bali Island in West Nusa Tenggara, it is a 4 hours sea journey by speedboat. This island, wich is 30.000 hectares in size, apparently holdsa tourisem potential that is feasible to be offered. In particular for adveturetourism, in free nature. The attraction of Kangean Island can be felt, starting with the journey from West Kangean to East Kangean. All along the route, a combination of natural forests with the captivatingbeaches of the Java Sea, are stretched out. If you would like to buy souvenirs, in Arjasa of West Kangean, there are wood handicrafts of bahar and sentaki roots. It is said that a cane of such wood has certain virtues for the user. Apart from that, the area is also known for its jungle fowls that have melodious crows, and are excellent studs for cross breeds. Ti is not too difficult to obtain these jungle fowls, because there is a breeding farm in Arjasa, managed by H. Ansoruddin.

The other tourit attractions are found more in East Kangean. Between Tembayangan Bay Harbour and Sepanjang Island, a little island south east of Kangean Island, a natural mangrove foresty is lined up. It even has a still intact habitat. Various animal, like monkeys, komodos and snakes, are still found here, in abundance. Hence, the mangrove foresty that functions as the transition between the marine and land eco-systems, can still be found on Kangean Islan. Because of its genuinity the Perum Perhutani Unint II of East Java, wich manages this area, has determined this area as one of the tourist locations that has a mangrove foresty, and a still intact eco-system, as its main presentation. Permits can be obtained at the Perhutani Station in Tembayangan Bay. Or further imfomation can be obtained from the Perhutani KPH Madura Office at jalan Joko Tole No. 190, Pamekasan. Phone (62-324) 22549.

To experience the beauty of the marine park on the mangrove foresty, no spy glasses or supporting equipment is needed, because it is fenced off by the rather dense mangrove foresty. The sea is clier blue, because of its remote location far away from pollution. A boat can be rented for Rp. 75.000,- a day to trevel along this marine park. Not far from the streches of mangrove foresty and only around 5 minutes by speedboat, there is a pearl oyster farm. Here, tourist can watch loosely how these valuable pearl oysters are bred. How these are harvested from the sea bedsm to be polished into a range of jewelry. Compared to other tourists destinations, the eco-tourism potential on Kangean Island indeed has not been fully developed yet. Everything appears still genuine and natural. But, it is actually this naturality that has become the attraction to visit the island.