Written by : Dewi Wulandari (A1B219037)
The name Berhala Island is commonly heard to residents in the Jambi and the Kepulauan Riau Province. Right in the waters of the South China Sea, Berhala Island can be reached in about 1.5 hours by fast boat from Muara Sabak Harbor, Tanjab Timur Regency. Berhala Island is located in the Malacca Strait and is still included in the administrative area of Jambi province. Berhala Island is a small part of a row of islands in the South China Sea. Its small area is dominated by dense forests and beautiful white sandy beaches. Berhala Island has a unique view with beaches around Riau which are rocky and clean. Berhala Island also has a number of important historical tourist destinations; there are several historical places and objects that have history ranging from cannons, forts to lighthouses.
On this island there is also a small hill on which there are a number of historical sites. First there is a tomb called the Tomb of Datuk Paduka Berhala. By people and historians in Jambi, Datuk Paduka Berhala is the husband of Putri Pinang Masak who is referred to as one of the rulers of the Jambi Malay country of Turkish descent. Second is the cannon site. Local people call the cannon as a relic of the World War II. Its position is right at the top of the hill. On top of this hill, you can still see the remains of a fort-like building.
Despite the spooky name, the island of Berhala holds a million beauty and amazing natural wealth. The area is a dense forest with white sand beaches. The white sand is even more beautiful with large rocks adorning the shoreline. The exoticism becomes more and more in the evening as hundreds of waving coconut trees. In addition to the enchanting beauty of white sand decorated with large volcanic stones, this island is also rich in the potential of Bahar Root forest and harbors various species of coral reefs located 200 meters from the beach.
Berhala Island has adequate facilities, but don’t expect a five-star resort. This island is suitable for those who want to enjoy the sensation of returning to nature, adventuring on the outer islands of Indonesia under a tent. For that, make sure to choose a location that is high enough. Do not be too close to the beach because it will be submerged if the tide is high. There are also several pavilions and buildings that can be used for sleeping.
From Jambi airport, we can reach Berhala Island via Kampung Laut or Nipah Panjang. The village became the gateway to the Island of the Idols. From Nipah Panjang, going to Berhala Island takes about 1.5 hours using a rented boat with varying prices. If from Kampung Laut, the duration of the trip is 2.5 hours from Jambi airport, then continue using a speedboat with a travel time of 1.5 hours.