This tiny 1.5km2 gem of an island off the South Sumatra coast is becoming a popular destination for tourists visting Pesisir Barat. With no real stand out features that disinquish it from the coastal areas around Krui it's easy to be left wondering why. That's until you start heading to its white sandy shores and realize it's often all about the journey.

Getting there

Located only 1.9km from the mainland you'd think getting there would be easy. However the lack of tourist infrastructure turns it into quite the little do it yourself adventure.

There are two locations to depart to the island. In the end both routes probably take just as long.

Krui Town to Pulau Pisang Pier

The 12km boat trip from Krui Town departing from the Kuala Stabas Pier takes approx 45 min. If you're travelling June to July leaving from the Kuala Pier you "might" be lucky and see some dolphins on the way.

Cost: approx IDR 30,000 to 35,000 per person each way.

Departure time: 8:00am. Dependant on weather conditions.

Tebakak to Pulau Pisang Pier

This boat ride is in a smaller Junkung and takes only 15 to 20 minutes. However first you have to get to the Tebakak Pier 25 min north of Krui in Way Sindi. Though a much shorter 2km trip the smaller boat and shallow water can make this a rough and choppy ride.

Cost: approx IDR 25,000 to 35,000 per person each way.

Parking at Tebakak Pier: 50K per day

Departure times: 7:00am to 08:00am and 14:00pm to 15:00pm. Dependant on weather conditions.

What to do on the island

If your reasonably fit you can easily walk around the island in 1hr but 2hrs is a more enjoyable pace to cover the 4.5km. If walking is not your style you can hire a bicycle or motorbike.

Snorkelling & Swimming

Unlike the mainland beaches around Krui Banana Island offers some great spots for snorkelling and swimming. Protected from the wind and ocean swell they are perfect for a refreshing paddle after a day of exploring. You will have to bring your own snorkelling gear with you.

Surfing

There are two surfbreaks on the island neither of them are suitable for beginners. The Right on the south of the island is an intermediate level wave and The Left is for advanced tube masters. If your plan is to surf Banana Island seek confirmation from a local Krui surf guide that the conditions will be favourable.

Must Dos

Climbing a radio tower. Yes that's correct if you're really not afraid of heights one of the attractions is to climb the 4 levels of the radio tower. The view is actually worth the climb.

Jumping off the old pier on the south side of the island seems to be a must do activity if you're a water person visiting Pulau Pisang.

Costs 2025 (IDR)

• Parking
  • Tebakak Pier: 50K per day
• Boat fares
  • From Tebakak Pier: 25k to 35k per person, each direction
  • From Krui Town: 30k to 35k per person, each direction
  • Private boat hire: 600k to 700k per day
• Transport on Pulau Pisang
  • Bicycle: 50k per day
  • Motorcycle: 75k per day
• Accommodation on Pulau Pisang
  • Homestay: 250k to 350k per night. With fan (no meals)
• Food
  • Rice and fish: 15k to 25k

  With a population density of over 1000 people per km2 Pulau Pisang is not a deserted island retreat. Long weekends and public holidays can be quite busy. If you're staying overnight come prepared for the karaoke sessions much loved by domestic tourists.

In Lampung there is no set price for foreign tourists and the locals do not like foreigners haggling over costs. In general a foreigner can expect to pay 50 to 100% more than a local. There are situations where politely bargaining for a better deal is tolerated ... on an island in the middle of nowhere is probably not one of those times.