Madura’s Enchanting Attractions and Delicious Cuisine

Madura’s tourist spots might not be as well-known as those in Bandung, Yogyakarta, or Bali. However, Madura – an island near Surabaya, the East Java capital – is surprisingly home to various captivating tourist destinations.

Madura is an island with an administrative area of 5,379 square kilometers. Most of the island is made up of coastal areas. Madura has earned the nickname ‘The Salt Island’ thanks to its impressive salt production, which is the largest in Indonesia.

Similar to other island regions, Madura is surrounded by many beautiful beaches and clusters of small islands. Thus, this island can be a great alternative destination to consider when visiting East Java.

In addition, since its opening in 2009, the Suramadu Bridge has made reaching Madura much more convenient. Taking the Suramadu Bridge is your only option if you plan on crossing over to Madura by land.

If you’re looking for some picturesque destinations to explore in Madura, there are a few top-recommended spots that you won’t want to miss. They include not only beaches but also highlands with mesmerizing views. 

3 Madura’s Iconic Destinations

Gili Labak

Just as Lombok has Gili Trawangan, Madura also has its own small, equally beautiful islands. A popular destination among tourists, Gili Labak is situated in the Sumenep regency. When you’re in the Sumenep regency, be sure to check out the must-see island in southeast Madura.

Due to Gili Labak’s remote location, you’ll need to take a ferry from Kalianget port to reach this island. It takes about 2 hours to reach the destination. Gili Labak’s crystal clear waters that blend shades of green and blue as well as peaceful isolation, make the ferry ride worth it.

Various activities can be enjoyed at Gili Labak, such as swimming and snorkeling to spot sea creatures, or simply relaxing on the beach with fresh coconut water.

Giliyang Island

If you’re still in Sumenep and looking for another destination, Giliyang Island could be a great option. It is only 28 kilometers from the city center. Once you get there, you’ll immediately feel physically and emotionally refreshed.

Giliyang Island is not only charming but also known to have the second highest level of oxygen in the world. Fantastic! It is no wonder that Giliyang Island is a popular destination for tourists seeking healthy getaways in Indonesia.

According to research conducted by the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) in 2006, the oxygen level on Giliyang Island is significantly higher, ranging from 3.4 to 4.8 percent, compared to other areas. As a follow-up to LAPAN’s research, the National Environmental Agency (BLH) in Sumenep conducted a test in 2016.  The test revealed that the oxygen concentration in Giliyang Island is 21 percent.

Ratu Pamekasan Highlands

Unlike the two previous destinations, Ratu Pamekasan Highlands is a tourist spot situated in the highlands, surrounded by picturesque mountains and hills. The location is a refreshing oasis in Madura, a largely coastal island.

Located in Kampung Durian, this highland tourist spot is just 20 kilometers from the city center  and offers stunning views  from 200 meters above sea level.

The fresh air and picturesque mountains and hills make Ratu Pamekasan Highlands the perfect place to escape city life’s hustle and bustle and capture memorable photos for social media.

3 Must-Try Culinary Delights in Madura

Madura is a beautiful island off the coast of Java, Indonesia, with a rich culinary tradition. Here are three of the island’s must-try dishes:

Nasi Serpang (Serpang Rice)

This dish is still relatively unknown to many Indonesians, but it is a local favorite in Bangkalan, Madura. Nasi serpang is one of the main dishes that is consumed by the locals on a daily basis.

At first glance, it looks quite similar to nasi campur (mixed rice) in other areas. A plate of nasi serpang usually comes with coconut milk-based broth and various side dishes, including salted eggs, clams, beef jerky, mung bean vermicelli, spicy grilled tuna, and shrimp, as well as beef skin crackers. Peanut crackers and shrimp cooked with spicy shrimp paste sauce add to the flavor.

Rujak Cingur (Mixed Vegetable and Meat Salad)

A visit to Madura would be incomplete without trying rujak cingur, a unique and delicious salad that is a specialty of the island.

Rujak cingur is made with various ingredients, including cingur (boiled buffalo or cow snout) mixed with slices of cucumber, yam beans, mango, and hog plum.

Unlike typical salads, rujak cingur is served with a special sauce made with petis (fermented shrimp paste), palm sugar, fried shallots, and spicy bird’s eye chilies. The combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors in rujak cingur is truly unique.

Sate Madura (Madurese Satay)

Last but not least, there is a dish that has become very popular and easy to find in other regions, sate Madura. Sate Madura is an authentic Indonesian dish made from small pieces of skewered meat, typically lamb or chicken. The meat is cut into small cubes and skewered using bamboo.

After that, it is marinated in a special sauce made with spices like coriander, garlic, turmeric, and others. Sate Madura is served with rice cakes, slices of cucumbers, and a flavorful peanut sauce.

Use a Car Rental Service for a Trip to Madura

After knowing the tourist destination in Madura, it is time for you to arrange a schedule for a family trip. Especially now that the school holidays have started, it would be the perfect time to take a break and refresh your mind by spending time with your children.

For transportation services, you can use Car Rental Services in Surabaya from TRAC. Just choose what you want: rent a car and drive it yourself, or have someone drive it for you.

For easier booking, you can use the TRACtoGo app. Get the app now from Google’s Play Store or Apple’s App Store. Become a member and enjoy the benefits offered by TRAC services.

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