Um Island sits right across the the Malaumkarta village in Makbon, a short distance away from Sorong in West Papua. Makbon is an inland lagoon, located north of the Bird Head Peninsula. Um Island is known as the habitat for bats and seagulls. Bats on this island look for food during daylight, while seagulls fly out at night. Quite the opposite of what we are familiar with.
Um Island is a unique getaway if you are staying for a couple of days in Sorong, gateway to Raja Ampat. The town of Sorong was once a bustling town for oil companies, but most have left since oil supply here has depleted. Therefore, the town is more cosmopolitan compared to other towns in Papua.
To be on Um Island is most relaxing if you have the whole day to drift into an environment filled with living creatures, above and below the glittering sea. Within a couple of hours you will find new friends among the Moi tribe, find new sensations swimming close to a sea cow (or dugong), dive by an underwater World War II wreck, or be plain exhilarated to catch your own lobster.
Get Around
It will take only around 15 minutes to walk along the beach that encircles the island, where you will find that you are probably the only person or couple there. If sandals are too much to wear, get rid of them and feel the fine pristine sand between your toes.
As you stop over in Malaumkarta Village, you realize that you would have missed many interesting aspects if you chose to go around on a motorized vehicle. Ask around and sit with the warmhearted natives, who are eager to practice their English. Although not too good at the language, they do make excellent buddies to share your smiles and laughter with under the shady coconut palm trees. An experience that you don’t come across too often at home.
Get There
To get to Um Island it is best to start from Sorong. You may want to learn a tad about the town of Sorong. From Sorong, you have several alternatives. Angkot or locally called bemo or taxi is convenient for a daytrip to Um Island. The distance to Malaumkarta Village at Makbon is around 40 km, taking between 2-3 hours drive. The normal price is Rp 15,000 one way. Make sure you book the angkot for your return journey to Sorong if you do not plan to stay overnight.
From Makbon, hire a longboat for Rp 300,000 to cross the sea to get to the island. From the boat, you can see Um Island covered with lush beautiful trees. This is a small island, which you can circumnavigate within only 15 minutes. Though small, yet it is rich in the number of species living here peacefully. Ask the longboat owner to wait if you wish to return the same day. Please note that prices can change without prior notice.
