Gili Iyang Island

Inhaling Nature's Purity: The Charm of Gili Iyang, Indonesia's Island with the Highest Oxygen Content

Pulau Gili Iyang, located in Dungkek District, Sumenep Regency, Madura, is not just an ordinary marine tourism destination. This island is a unique natural laboratory and has been crowned as one of the places with the best oxygen content in the world—second only to the Dead Sea in Jordan. With an area of approximately 9.15 square kilometers, Gili Iyang offers a wellness tourism experience that blends with the pristine coastal ecosystem of East Java.

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Ecosystem Uniqueness: The Lungs of the World in East Madura

The most prominent natural feature of Gili Iyang is not something that can be seen with the naked eye, but rather what is inhaled by the lungs. Based on research from the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN), the oxygen content on this island ranges from 20.9% to 21.5% during the day. This figure far exceeds the average in urban areas often saturated with pollution.

This clean air is created thanks to stable sea breeze circulation and minimal motor vehicle pollution. The island's vegetation is dominated by tropical trees, dense shrubs, and mangrove ecosystems at several coastal points that function as natural air filters. This unique environment has a direct impact on the local population's demographics; Gili Iyang is known for its many elderly residents who remain fit and have sharp eyesight and hearing despite being over 90 to 100 years old.

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Geographical Landscape: Coral Cliffs and Hidden Beaches

Topographically, Gili Iyang presents a stunning contrast between its coral landmass and the blue Java Sea. One of the iconic spots is Batu Canggah. This place is a giant coral cliff jutting into the sea, offering an unlimited horizon view. The geological structure here was formed by thousands of years of abrasion, creating rock passages and small stalactites under the shade of exotic cliffs.

Besides cliffs, the island has several beaches with different characteristics. Pantai Ropet is a paradise for peace lovers. Unlike the crowded beaches in Bali, Ropet has a stretch of fine white sand with seawater grading from light blue to dark blue. On its seabed, there are coral reefs that are home to various species of small coral fish and marine life typical of Madura's waters.

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Outdoor Activities and Nature Tourism Experience

Tourists visiting Gili Iyang are invited to slow down their pace of life (slow travel). The main activity that must be done is, of course, "Oxygen Therapy." Tourists usually walk or cycle around the island in the morning when the oxygen content reaches its peak.

1. Caving: Gili Iyang has at least 10 exotic natural caves, such as Gua Mahakarya. This cave has an area of about 800 square meters and is adorned with active stalactites and stalagmites that glisten when exposed to flashlight beams. The air inside the cave remains fresh and not stuffy, a tangible proof of the island's extraordinary oxygen circulation.

2. Snorkeling and Diving: The waters around Pantai Ropet offer good visibility to observe the underwater ecosystem. Hard coral reefs dominate this area, serving as a refuge for ornamental fish.

3. Cliff Observation: Visiting Batu Canggah via a wooden path built along the cliff edge provides an adrenaline-pumping sensation along with tranquility as you hear the sound of waves crashing against the rocks below.

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Best Season and Seasonal Variations

The best time to visit Gili Iyang is during the dry season, between May and September. During this period, the sky tends to be clear and the seawater is very clear, making snorkeling and cliff photography activities more optimal. The east wind blows, bringing dry, fresh air, keeping the air temperature comfortable even when the sun shines brightly.

Conversely, during the rainy season (December - February), sea waves in the Java Sea tend to be high, which can sometimes disrupt the traditional boat crossing schedule from the port in Sumenep.

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Conservation and Environmental Protection

As an environmentally-based tourism destination, Gili Iyang strongly emphasizes the concept of sustainability. The local government and community work together to limit the number of fossil fuel-powered vehicles. The main modes of transportation on the island are electric bicycles and three-wheeled vehicles (tossa) to maintain air quality.

Awareness of coastal ecosystem protection is also continuously being raised. Cliff and cave areas are preserved to remain natural without massive concrete structures, to prevent damage to the fragile limestone formations. Visitors are strongly urged not to leave trash and not to damage the stalactite formations inside the caves.

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Accessibility and Supporting Facilities

Reaching Gili Iyang requires a bit of an adventurous spirit. The journey begins from Sumenep city center towards Pelabuhan Dungkek (approximately 45-60 minutes by land). From Dungkek, tourists must cross using a traditional wooden boat owned by local fishermen, with a travel time of about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on wave conditions.

Facilities on the island have seen significant improvements. There are many homestays owned by local residents, offering an authentic experience of living among the Madurese community. Electricity is now available 24 hours a day thanks to the construction of a PLTS (Solar Power Plant), which aligns with the eco-friendly tourism concept. For culinary experiences, tourists can enjoy fresh seafood such as grilled teak wood fish and other traditional Madurese dishes prepared traditionally.

Gili Iyang is the perfect escape for those who want to restore their body and soul from the hustle and bustle of city pollution. Here, nature not only provides scenery but also gives life through every purest breath in Indonesia.