Sempu Island Nature Reserve
A protected nature reserve in South Malang, Sempu Island boasts a stunning hidden lagoon and pristine white-sand beaches, offering an adventurous esca...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best for trekking conditions
Sempu Island Nature Reserve
Best Time
Best for trekking conditions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A protected nature reserve in South Malang, Sempu Island boasts a stunning hidden lagoon and pristine white-sand beaches, offering an adventurous escape.
"THIS IS THE HIDDEN PARADISE IN MALANG, THAT YOU SHOULD VISIT."
✅ Secure Your Permit & Guide
Essential for entry. Budget around 200k IDR for permit and local guide.
🎒 Bring a Trash Bag
Help preserve this nature reserve by collecting any trash you find.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Segara Anak Lagoon
Central Sempu Island
A stunning saltwater lagoon with white sands and calm, clear waters. A true hidden gem.
Pristine White-Sand Beaches
Various locations on Sempu Island
Experience the tranquility of untouched beaches with soft, white sand.
Jungle Trekking
Across Sempu Island
An adventurous trek through lush jungle to reach the island's natural wonders.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Reserve Status
Pack for Adventure & Conservation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✅ Secure Your Permit & Guide
Essential for entry. Budget around 200k IDR for permit and local guide.
🎒 Bring a Trash Bag
Help preserve this nature reserve by collecting any trash you find.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Jungle treks can be challenging; good shoes are a must.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water for the trek and your stay.
Tips
from all over the internet
✅ Secure Your Permit & Guide
Essential for entry. Budget around 200k IDR for permit and local guide.
🎒 Bring a Trash Bag
Help preserve this nature reserve by collecting any trash you find.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Jungle treks can be challenging; good shoes are a must.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water for the trek and your stay.
🛶 Arrange Boat Transport
Small boats cost around 130k IDR to reach the island.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sempu Island is lauded as a 'hidden paradise' with stunning natural beauty, particularly the Segara Anak Lagoon and its white-sand beaches. Visitors appreciate the tranquility and the adventurous trek through the jungle. However, its status as a nature reserve means access is regulated, and some find the facilities basic and the water not always pristine.
"There was a conflict between locals and the government whether this place is opened for public as a tourist attraction or keep it untouchable for a nature preserved area. If you by any chance managed to come here, plesase prepare yourself with a trashbag, collect trash as many as you can, that way you are helping the locals to keep clean this beautiful lagoon."
Reymond
"THIS IS THE HIDDEN PARADISE IN MALANG, THAT YOU SHOULD VISIT. This island is actauly the conservation area to keep the animal and wood and many rare plantation in Malang. Sempu name come frome the name of the tree that grow in this island. Sempu is not a tourisim destination , but you can still be here by registred in permit letter and rent the local guide here. Local guide and permition letter will be charge about 200k IDR and you need the small boat to reaach the island about 130k IDR. You can also make a camp here with aditional charge to local guide. There is also 2,5 km tracaking to see the beautiful lagoon and many beautiful beaches. but all the effors will be paid off when you see the beach and all surounded there."
lateefa hanum
"Beautiful small island in south Malang. If you want to go there, you must pay Rp 5000 for administration (on 2008). You must to take small boat to get there. I was paid Rp 100.000 for 1 boat on 2008. It can take 10 people. The fisherman will take you and drop it when you will goes to the island. When you want to go back, the fisherman will pick you up. Sempu island has long and great track across the jungle. It take 2-3 hours across the jungle to segara anak on summer. But, it take more when raining, at about 3-4 hours. When you arrive in segara anak, your track will pay it. Segara anak is small lake with salt water. It has beautiful scenery, white sands, and no waves. It is hiden heaven in South Malang."
Luffy Monkey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sempu Island is located in South Malang. You'll need to travel to the southern coast and arrange for a small boat to take you across. The boat ride costs approximately 130k IDR.
From Malang city, you can hire a car or take public transport to the southern coast near Sendang Biru Beach, which is the usual departure point for boats to Sempu Island.
While direct public transport to the exact departure point might be limited, you can usually get to nearby towns in South Malang and then arrange local transport or a short taxi ride.
The boat trip to Sempu Island is relatively short, typically taking around 15-30 minutes depending on sea conditions.
No, you cannot drive your own car to Sempu Island. The island is a nature reserve and accessible only by boat. You'll need to park your vehicle at the departure point on the mainland.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Sempu Island is a nature reserve and requires a permit for entry. You'll need to register and obtain this permit, often arranged through your local guide.
The cost typically includes an administration fee and a local guide fee, which can be around 200,000 IDR in total. This fee helps support conservation efforts and local communities.
Permits are usually arranged through the local guides at the departure point. It's best to coordinate this with your guide before heading to the island.
The main entry fee covers access to the island and its attractions, including the Segara Anak Lagoon. There are no separate entrance fees for the lagoon itself. +1
As a nature reserve, Sempu Island doesn't have strict opening hours like a typical tourist attraction. However, access is generally during daylight hours, and overnight camping might be possible with prior arrangement and guide approval.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions are the beautiful Segara Anak Lagoon, pristine white-sand beaches, and the adventurous jungle trek to reach them. You can swim, relax on the beach, and enjoy the natural scenery.
The trek through the jungle to Segara Anak Lagoon can take between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the weather and trail conditions.
Yes, the Segara Anak Lagoon is ideal for swimming as it's a calm saltwater lake with no waves. Some beaches might have gentle waves, but caution is advised.
Camping is possible on Sempu Island, but it requires arrangement with your local guide and adherence to reserve regulations. Be prepared to be self-sufficient.
Sempu Island is a conservation area known for its high biodiversity. You might encounter various plants, birds, and other small wildlife in its natural habitat.
📸 📸 Photography
The Segara Anak Lagoon offers stunning turquoise waters and white sand for breathtaking shots. The untouched beaches and lush jungle also provide beautiful photographic opportunities.
Drone usage might be restricted in nature reserves. It's advisable to check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for capturing the beauty of the lagoon and beaches, offering softer light and fewer harsh shadows.
Capture the contrast between the white sand, clear lagoon water, and the surrounding greenery. The journey through the jungle also offers unique photographic moments.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a waterproof camera or phone case is useful for beach and lagoon shots. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎒 Budget Travelers
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Sempu Island's Conservation Status
Access is therefore managed through a permit system and the mandatory hiring of local guides. This ensures that visitor numbers are controlled and that guides can educate visitors on responsible behavior within the reserve. The fees collected contribute to the upkeep of the reserve and support the local economy.
The Trek to Segara Anak Lagoon
Despite the effort, the trek is widely considered worth it. The path winds through lush vegetation, offering a glimpse into the island's natural beauty.
Responsible Tourism on Sempu Island
Respecting the island's status means minimizing your impact. Avoid disturbing wildlife, stay on designated paths where possible, and be mindful of noise levels. The permit and guide system is in place to help manage visitor impact and ensure that the island remains a pristine natural environment for years to come.
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