Air Manis Beach Visit

Experiencing the sun and sand, Philippine student correspondent, Miko de Vera, visited Air Manis beach, Padang, yesterday, May 1, 2011.

Air Manis beach is about a 45-minute angkot ride from Pasar Raya. You could reach it by taking the 5,000 Rupiah ride on a dark blue angkot. Through the rise and fall of the mountain-like path, the journey shall take you to the Air Manis beach, located along the outskirts of the Padang city.

After paying what seems to be an unofficial entrance fee of 2,000 Rupiah, the trails of the nippa huts and brown-colored sand starts to greet you a “SelamatDatang!”

A wide stretch of beach sand, seawater, and coconut trees is not only what Air Manis beach is all about. You could try barefoot walking along the seaside until you reach the Pisangor Banana Island. And eventually, traverse your way through the knee-deep water and experience a whole new Indonesian island.

Also, Air Manis beach is laden with enough traditional restaurants, serving “miegoreng" and “mie rebus” for about 5,000 – 7,000 Rupiah to savor your food cravings. Refreshments and beverages, such as fresh coconut drinks would cost you around 6,000 – 7,000 Rupiah. On top of all these, you get to eat and dine along the seaside of Air Manis.

But what really makes Air Manis beach special is the legend and folklore it holds. Opposite the direction of the Pisang Island, tourists and local people amaze their eyes with the ruins of a legendary ship and its captain, supposedly transformed all into stone. Walking furthermore, a golden wall tells the legend of a man cursed into stone by his mother due to his conscious abandonment.

All in all, Air Manis is a tourist spot yet to be capitalized into its full potential. The local tourism board should without a doubt look into tapping these kinds of seaside wonders. Nonetheless, this Air Manis beach is worth the escape from the hustles and jostles of Padang City.