When in Padang

About ten days before the end of February, I got a chance to visit Padang, a city situated near the equator. During our journey, one of our stops for lunch was Soetan Island, often mispronounced as Setan. The trip from our hotel to the dock, where we could rent a boat from locals, lasted approximately two hours. Although there wasn't much to do while on the boat, the scenery was truly breathtaking.

The sky boasted a clear, blue hue with a subtle green tint, creating a mesmerizing sight. We might have been fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of fish swimming alongside our boat. As we sailed, passengers on other boats warmly greeted us and waved, as if we were old friends, despite not knowing anyone on those boats. It was a rather amusing experience. However, despite the enchanting surroundings, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease caused by the dark color of the water, hinting at its significant depth.

After a lengthy journey, we finally reached Soetan Island! There were a few huts available for rent, and if we still needed to bring our own food and drinks, we could purchase them from local vendors. We arrived just as the sun was setting, leaving us with the option of admiring the stunning scenery ahead to cool off.

While the water was crystal clear, we thought swimming on the beach would be more enjoyable if we came early or late in the evening when the weather was more pleasant. Additionally, the sky was exceptionally bright that day. Despite the presence of banana boats and jet skis on the beach, no one seemed inclined to use them because of the intense heat. Before this, I had only seen murky or brown seas, so this was my first experience with a pristine blue ocean.

After lunch, we visited the mangrove forest before returning to the port. Admittedly, the mangroves may not have been the most visually striking, but they are vital in the surrounding ecosystem. These mangroves serve as natural buffers, absorbing seawater and preventing coastal erosion.

Moreover, they help absorb carbon dioxide while producing oxygen, contributing to a healthier environment. Additionally, they protect marine life in search of food, including smaller fish, which ultimately benefits the entire marine ecosystem. You can trust this information because I double-checked it by reading a scientific article. (Lol!)

Ahh... We felt so relieved when we finally got back to the mainland. It meant we were going back to our normal life after our island adventure. The island was full of exciting experiences, beautiful landscapes, and carefree moments that made us forget our usual routines and duties. Stepping on solid ground reminded us of our responsibilities, but we weren't sad about returning. It was like reuniting with our normal life, challenges, and tasks. It was a mix of emotions because we were leaving the enchanting island behind. Still, we were also looking forward to returning the memories and experiences we had gathered during our island trip into our daily lives.