Pulau Karang Sumatra’s Best-Kept Secret You Can’t Miss!
The Shocking Truth About Pulau Karang
You’ve heard of Bali. Maybe even the Mentawai Islands. But Pulau Karang? Crickets. This tiny, untouched paradise in North Sumatra is the kind of place travel influencers die for—white sand beaches, turquoise water, and zero crowds. But here’s the kicker: Most people haven’t even heard of it. Why? Because it’s not on the “Instagram-approved” circuit yet. Yet.
Why You’re Sleeping on Sumatra’s Hidden Gem
Pulau Karang is the definition of “underrated.” While Bali gets overrun with selfie sticks, this island is so low-key that locals from Medan treat it like their private backyard. But here’s the problem: If you’re flying into Medan, the 20+ hour round-trip journey to Pulau Karang feels like a death sentence. So why bother? Because this island is worth every second of travel hell.
The Local’s Secret: Skip Medan, Head to Singkil or Sibolga
Pro tip: Don’t start your trip in Medan. Instead, base yourself in Singkil (the gateway to the Banyak Islands) or Sibolga. Both towns are a 2–3.5-hour drive from Barus, the nearest port to Pulau Karang. Why does this matter? Because a day trip from either town cuts your travel time in half. Plus, you’ll avoid the soul-crushing boredom of a 10-hour bus ride.
The Boat Ride: A Mini-Adventure You’ll Never Forget
Once you’re in Barus, hiring a boat is as easy as grabbing a coffee. No bookings needed—just show up at the port, haggle like a boss, and pay ~700k IDR (~$50 USD) for a round-trip ride. The 30-minute journey is pure magic: dolphins, open ocean, and zero Wi-Fi. Just don’t puke overboard.
What to Expect When You Land
Spoiler alert: Pulau Karang is uninhabited. No resorts, no hotels, just a handful of drink stands and locals who’ll stare at you like you’re an alien. But here’s the catch: This is a conservative Muslim area. So unless you want to offend everyone, keep your swimsuit modest. No thongs, no bare chests.
The Lighthouse Scam (and Why It’s Still Worth It)
The island’s lighthouse is closed to visitors because people kept stealing the lights. Yeah, really. But don’t let that stop you. The walk there is pure bliss—bent palm trees, soft sand, and zero tourists. And the lighthouse? Perfect for drone shots. Just don’t try to climb it. You’ll get yelled at.
How to “Own” the Beach (Without Being a Jerk)
Want the island to yourself? Show up early. Seriously. By 9 AM, the local tour groups arrive, and the vibe shifts from “private paradise” to “family reunion.” Pro tip: Bring your own snacks. The drink stands sell soda, but you’ll pay through the nose for a sandwich.
Where to Crash Before/After Your Trip
MB Camp Singkil: The only decent hotel in Singkil. The owners are legends—they’ll hook you up with transport and insider tips.
OYO 1500 Mh Residence (Sibolga): Basic but clean. Perfect if you’re heading north.
Meet Adi: Your Sumatra Savior
Based in Singkil, he’s the guy locals trust for road trips. His rates are fair, and he knows every corner of North Sumatra. Just don’t expect him to speak English. Bring Google Translate.
The Final Verdict: Is Pulau Karang Worth It?
Hell yes. This island is the antidote to overhyped destinations. No lines, no noise, just nature. But here’s the catch: It won’t stay secret forever. So go now—before the Instagram hordes ruin it.
