Breakfast and Check-Out: The Start of My Adventure
My day in Bandar Lampung started with a hearty breakfast at my hotel before checking out and leaving my luggage at the reception. I had an afternoon flight back to Jakarta with AirAsia, but I figured I had enough time for a short adventure before heading to the airport.
Instead of staying close to the airport, I decided to visit Mutun Beach. Although it was farther from the airport, it was still relatively close to the city. Initially, I wanted to explore Kiluan Bay, a spot highly recommended by my local friends, but due to time constraints, I had to save that for another trip.
Getting to Mutun Beach: A Slight Detour
Unlike Java, where Grab Rent is available, I discovered that in Lampung, you can’t rent a Grab car for a whole trip. However, I assumed that since Mutun Beach is a touristy area, I would be able to find a Grab ride back without much trouble.
I booked a Grab to take me there, and the drive took about one hour from my hotel. Along the way, I realized I had forgotten to bring sandals, so I had my driver stop by an Indomart to buy a pair.
First Impressions of Mutun Beach
When I arrived at Mutun Beach, I immediately noticed its strong local vibe. Unlike other Indonesian beaches that attract a mix of tourists, I was the only foreigner there at the time. Later, a former shopkeeper I chatted with mentioned that many Korean tourists also visit the area.
Unfortunately, the water wasn’t very clear—the beach lacked the crystal-clear quality I had hoped for. Since I didn’t have much time before my flight, I figured I’d just dip my feet in the water and relax. But then, I found out that boats were available to take visitors to Tangkil Island (Pulau Tangkil), just a short ride away.
Boat Ride to Tangkil Island: A Private Trip
I was told the boat ride to Tangkil Island would take only five minutes and cost 200,000 IDR (around $13) for a round-trip. This seemed pretty expensive compared to Indonesia’s general cost of living, but since I wasn’t sure when I’d return to Lampung, I decided to go for it.
To my surprise, I was the only passenger—meaning I basically had a private boat! The boat operator told me to call him when I was ready to return.
Discovering the Hidden Beauty of Tangkil Island
Tangkil Island turned out to be a hidden gem. Though small, it was peaceful and much cleaner than Mutun Beach. The water was surprisingly clear, making it a great spot for swimming. There were gazebos where people relaxed and enjoyed the view, creating a serene and laid-back atmosphere.
While exploring the island, I came across a food stall selling rojak, a traditional fruit and vegetable salad. I had been wanting to try it but hadn’t found the chance before. The vendor asked if I wanted chili in it, and I confidently said yes.
Big mistake. 🤣
The spice level was way too intense for me! The dish had a miso-based flavor with a hint of fish paste, giving it a unique taste. Despite the spiciness, it was surprisingly delicious, making for an interesting food adventure.
A Fun Language Exchange with Locals
At this time, I had only learned basic numbers and phrases in Malay, which is similar to Bahasa Indonesia. Since most Indonesians in this area don’t speak much English, it was the perfect opportunity to practice my language skills.
I’ve always found that learning a few local phrases makes travel experiences even richer. The stall owners and nearby vendors were super friendly, and they seemed to enjoy our little language exchange as much as I did! We shared laughs and had a great time communicating in a mix of simple Bahasa Indonesia, gestures, and smiles.
The Real Challenge: Getting Back to the City
After spending some time on the island, I called the boat operator, and he took me back to Mutun Beach. This is when the real struggle began.
Finding a Grab back to the city was nearly impossible! It took me a long time to finally get a ride, and when I did, the driver drove painfully slow. I tried to urge him to go faster, but it didn’t help much.
By the time I reached the city, I had already missed my AirAsia flight to Jakarta. 😱
In a desperate attempt to make it back to Jakarta the same night (to avoid missing my international flight the next day), I switched to a different driver who agreed to speed up in exchange for a generous tip. Even so, when I got to the airport, all flights were fully booked.
The last flight of the day with Lion Air was also sold out, and there were three people ahead of me on the waiting list. Things weren’t looking good. But at the very last moment, a seat became available, and I managed to catch the flight back to Jakarta. What a relief! 😅
Final Thoughts: An Unforgettable Adventure
Although the day ended in a stressful rush, my trip to Mutun Beach and Tangkil Island was an unforgettable experience. The local vibes, friendly people, and unexpected adventures made it all worth it.
If you’re planning a visit, just be mindful of transportation options—getting a ride back to the city can be tricky. And if you try rojak, maybe go easy on the chili! 🌶️🔥
Would I go back? Absolutely! But next time, I’d make sure to plan my return trip a bit more carefully. 😆
This article is a follow-up to “My Adventure Traveling Around Indonesia – Part 1”.