Explore Kampai Island in North Sumatra, an exotic island with beautiful beaches, mangrove forests, pilgrimage tours, and culinary specialties such as legendary shrimp paste.
Kampai Island, located in Langkat Regency, North Sumatra, offers a unique tourist attraction, with beautiful beaches, historical heritage, and supernatural stories that attract tourists.
The island is located along the coast of the Strait of Malacca and has many attractions, including Berawe Beach, which is famous for its stretch of white sand and clear blue sea.
Apart from that, Kampai Island also has historical value as a former trading center in North Sumatra and holds several historical tombs that are often visited as pilgrimage sites.
The Uniqueness & Attraction of Kampai Island
Kampai Island offers a variety of natural and cultural charms that make it a suitable destination for tourists who want to vacation while enjoying the tropical atmosphere and learning about local history. Here are some of the main attractions of Kampai Island:
1. Berawe Beach with Soft White Sand
Berawe Beach is one of the popular beaches on Kampai Island, with fine white sand and calm sea. The beauty of this beach is made even more alluring by the coconut trees lining the coastline, creating a perfect tropical atmosphere. The gentle waves make this beach suitable for relaxing and enjoying the coastal panorama.
2. Sacred Long Tomb
This tomb is a historical site believed to be the resting place of a trader and cleric from Pakistan who once traded on Kampai Island.
The length of this tomb reaches 8 meters, making it one of the unique tombs in Indonesia. Local residents believe that this tomb has high spiritual value, so it is often a pilgrimage destination for tourists.
3. Salam or Red Gold Tomb
Another famous tomb on Kampai Island is the Salam Tomb or also known as Mas Merah. The legend circulating in the community states that this tomb is the resting place of a husband and wife who became the ancestors of the local population.
This story adds to the uniqueness of Kampai Island and attracts many tourists who want to know the local history and culture.
4. Mangrove Forest Exploration
As an island located on the coast, Kampai Island has a mangrove forest area that functions as a natural abrasion barrier. In addition to providing protection for coastal ecosystems, the mangrove forests on this island are also being developed into educational tourism destinations.
Tourists can explore the mangrove forests while learning about the importance of preserving coastal ecosystems.
5. Terasi, a specialty of Kampai Island
Terasi or belacan from Kampai Island is famous in North Sumatra for its special quality. This shrimp paste is traditionally produced by the local community and is often used as a typical souvenir from this island.
Although the number of shrimp paste craftsmen has decreased, the quality of this product is still maintained and is sought after by tourists who want to bring home the typical taste of Kampai Island.
Access to Kampai Island
Kampai Island is located in Kampai Village, Langkat Regency, and although access is still quite challenging, the journey to this island provides a unique sense of adventure for visitors. Here are some route options to Kampai Island:
From the center of Medan City, tourists can head to Beras Basah Village in Langkat, which is the crossing point to Kampai Island.
From here, visitors can cross the river using a wooden boat or boat with fares ranging from IDR 5,000 to IDR 10,000 per person. For those bringing vehicles, the crossing fee is around IDR 30,000 for motorbikes and IDR 60,000 for cars.
For visitors who love sea adventures, traveling by wooden boat is an interesting experience in itself. This trip allows tourists to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery along the waters of the Malacca Strait before arriving at Kampai Island.
Fun Activities on Kampai Island
Kampai Island offers a variety of interesting activities that can be enjoyed by tourists, both those who want to relax and those who want to get to know the local culture more closely:
1. Relaxing at Berawe Beach
Berawe Beach is the perfect place to relax while enjoying the cool sea breeze and the calming waves. This beach has a wide stretch of white sand and is perfect for those who want to enjoy a tropical atmosphere. Visitors can sit under shady trees or walk along the beach while enjoying the sea view.
2. Pilgrimage to the Sacred Long Tomb
Visitors who want to learn about the history and spiritual values of Kampai Island can make a pilgrimage to the Keramat Long Tomb. This place is often visited by tourists who are interested in local stories and beliefs about the role of this tomb in the history of trade in North Sumatra.
3. Explore the Mangrove Forest
The mangrove forest on Kampai Island is an interesting educational tourism destination. Tourists can explore the mangrove trails designed for visitors and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature.
This mangrove forest ecosystem provides an opportunity for tourists to learn about the importance of preserving the coastal environment.
4. Enjoying Special Culinary
Various culinary specialties of Kampai Island, especially those made from shrimp paste, are ready to pamper tourists’ tongues.
Dishes such as grilled fish with shrimp paste seasoning, sour vegetables, and coastal satay can be enjoyed at local stalls. Tasting this culinary delight while enjoying the sea view is an experience not to be missed.
5. Bring home typical Kampai shrimp paste as a souvenir
Terasi, typical of Kampai Island, is a favorite souvenir for visitors. With its distinctive aroma and taste, this shrimp paste is sought after by tourists to take home as a souvenir from this island.
This shrimp paste product is made traditionally, which adds authentic value and deliciousness to this special spice.
Tourist Facilities on Kampai Island
Although Kampai Island does not yet have very complete facilities, this island provides basic facilities that make visitors’ holidays comfortable. Here are some of the facilities available:
- Prayer room : Visitors who wish to worship can make use of the prayer room available in the tourist area.
- Food Stalls : Several local food stalls serve fresh and delicious coastal cuisine.
- Bicycle Rental : Tourists can rent bicycles to tour the island and enjoy the natural atmosphere.
- Parking Area : Parking facilities are provided for visitors who bring vehicles.
Tips for Visiting Kampai Island
- Bring Cash : Most transactions on the island are done in cash, especially for buying souvenirs or local cuisine.
- Comfortable Clothing and Footwear : Make sure to bring comfortable clothing and footwear, especially if you want to do activities in the mangrove forest or beach.
- Best Time to Visit : Visit Kampai Island during sunny weather to get the best views and enjoy outdoor activities.
Kampai Island in Langkat, North Sumatra, is a tropical tourist destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical heritage, and cultural richness.
From the exotic Berawe Beach to pilgrimages to historical tombs, Pisang Island has its own charm that makes it worthy of being a holiday destination.
