Lariti Beach

Geological Phenomenon: The Miracle of the Parting Sea (Tombolo)

The main attraction that distinguishes Lariti Beach from other beaches in West Nusa Tenggara is the presence of a sandy path that emerges, splitting the sea. Geomorphologically, this phenomenon is known as a tombolo, which is a sand sediment mound connecting the main island to a small island opposite it due to the meeting of two sea currents.

When the sea recedes, a natural sand bridge approximately 150 meters long and 7 meters wide will emerge. This pathway connects the main coastline to a small, uninhabited, green island opposite. Visitors can walk on the still-damp sand, flanked by ripples of waves from both the left and right, creating a magical sensation as if they are splitting the ocean.

Coastal Landscape and Ecosystem

Lariti Beach is surrounded by Bima's characteristic hilly and arid topography, which provides an extraordinary color contrast. The seawater here has stunning color gradients, ranging from clear white at the edges, to turquoise green in shallow areas, and deep blue in deeper parts.

The sand at Lariti Beach has a unique texture; a combination of fine white sand with small coral grains. On the side of the small island (Lariti Island), vegetation is dominated by typical coastal shrubs and a few shade trees that provide protection from the tropical sun. Its underwater ecosystem also holds rich biodiversity, where visitors can see starfish, small crabs, and various types of shells when the tide is low among the coral rocks.

Various Outdoor Activities

Exploring Lariti Beach offers varied experiences depending on the sea tide conditions:

1. Walking on the Tombolo: A must-do activity is crossing the sand bridge to the small island during low tide. This is the best moment for photographers to capture the natural symmetry created by the meeting of two currents.

2. Exploring the Small Island: Upon reaching the opposite island, visitors can climb a small hill to get a bird's-eye view of the entire beach area. From this height, the curved coastline and the sea's color gradients are clearly visible.

3. Swimming and Snorkeling: The waters around Lariti are relatively calm due to their location within a bay. This makes it a safe place for swimming. In some spots near the rocks, visitors can do light snorkeling to see the fringing coral ecosystem, which is home to small fish.

4. Enjoying the Sunset: Lariti Beach's position, facing a certain direction, offers a dramatic silhouette of Bima's hills at dusk, with the sky colors changing to purplish orange.

Best Time to Visit

The success of a visit to Lariti Beach heavily depends on the sea tide schedule. The parting sea phenomenon usually occurs at specific times, generally between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. It is highly recommended for tourists to check the tide tables from BMKG or ask local residents before departing.

Seasonally, the best time to visit is during the dry season (May to September). During this period, the sky tends to be clear and cloudless, providing the maximum contrast of blue sea colors. However, during the rainy season, the hills around the beach turn fresh green, offering a different and more soothing visual experience.

Conservation and Environmental Protection Efforts

As an increasingly popular destination, environmental issues are a primary concern at Lariti Beach. The tombolo ecosystem is very sensitive to environmental changes and plastic waste. Currently, local management along with the aware tourism community (Pokdarwis) strives to maintain the cleanliness of the beach area through regular clean-ups.

Visitors are strongly urged not to take coral, not to leave trash on the small island, and to stay on the sandy path when crossing to preserve the integrity of the tombolo's sediment structure. The protection of this coastal ecosystem is crucial to ensure that this natural phenomenon can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.

Accessibility and Supporting Facilities

Lariti Beach is located about 50 kilometers from the center of Bima City, with a travel time of about 1 to 1.5 hours by land. The road to the location is well-paved, passing through exotic mountain and coastal scenery. Access from Sultan Muhammad Salahuddin Airport Bima takes a little longer, but the journey will be rewarded with the natural panorama presented along the way.

Facilities at Lariti Beach have seen significant improvements in recent years. There is a spacious parking area, gazebos (beruga) for relaxing, public toilets, and several local stalls serving fresh seafood and young coconuts. Although it has begun to be developed, the natural atmosphere of the beach remains preserved without permanent structures that spoil the coastline view.

Conclusion

Lariti Beach is a tangible testament to the grandeur of nature in Eastern Indonesia. The parting sea phenomenon is not just a visual attraction, but a natural symphony that brings together the power of currents, wind, and geology. For nature tourism enthusiasts seeking tranquility and uniqueness not found elsewhere, Lariti Beach in Bima is a must-visit destination on your travel list. The beauty offered here reminds us of the importance of maintaining the balance of coastal ecosystems so that similar wonders remain sustainable along the Nusantara coastline.