I woke up at 3 am in the morning, got dressed in my bikini, then packed an extra pair of clothes, a towel, lots of food and water, mosquito lotion, and some sunscreen. I was about to head to Heaven on Earth in Indonesia—Sempu Island. It was going to be a 3-hour drive to the coast, a 15-min boat ride to the island, and a 2-hour walk to get the lagoon next to the Indian Ocean. The car and boat ride was less than extraordinary, but the 2-hour walk was an adventure of a lifetime—especially given the jewel that I was to discover at the end of the journey.
We got off the boat and crossed some shallow water. On the other side was a muddy jungle that seemed to hold all the secret wonders of the world. Our guide, Hendra, told us that the island was divided into two areas—area A is mostly uninhabited by dangerous animals, while area B is where the jaguars dwell. As much as I wanted to see a jaguar, I was happy to hear we were about to venture into area A. J
Crossing the muddy paths, I can see that there were many visitors in the past. The footprints in the mud were our guides, and their presence gave us just enough knowledge to reach the lagoon. Step by step and slip after slip, we got our muddy selves through the jungle without serious injuries. Along the way, I kept on wondering: perhaps the animals are all spying on us. Their voices were so vivid yet we could never see them—I heard monkeys and birds; even some unidentified croaking sounds that perplexed us all. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were laughing at us clumsy human beings.
As sudden and unexpected as the sun seems to creep up at dawn, we spotted clear, CLEAR, blue water. “We’re here,” said Henra. Each of us were so concentrated on that one step in front of us, that time disappeared, our hungers and thirst vanished. Yet as soon as we saw that water, even that slippery mud in front of us became solid ground. We raced to the lagoon, forgetting all our aches and pains.
There it was—paradise. I have never seen clearer water and whiter sand in my life. How can I have lived for 20 years on Earth and have never even seen this hidden wonder? I kicked off my half-broken muddy shoes, and to my surprise, the sand was one of the most solid kinds I’ve ever set foot upon. My feet didn’t sink in, and the heat of the sun was not trapped in the sand. It was comfortable and cool. I stood there, just for another second, to absorb all that was around me. I looked over at a large opening between the rocks that separated the ocean from this land, and I listened carefully to the Indian Ocean beating ruthlessly against these rocks. The opening allowed the clear sea water to gush into the lagoon. With each oceanic wave, the lagoon came to life with a soft sound of the sea. I wanted to be a part of this all! So I took off my clothes and ran into the lagoon in my bikini. I let the cool, salty water absorb me in. I let the sun shine its rays onto my skin. The girls and I floated, swam, laughed, took pictures, and enjoyed all that was around us. I felt true serenity.
On the way back, we began hearing a distant but familiar sound—the Muslim prayer broadcasted by loudspeaker throughout Indonesia. Together with all praying Muslims, I thanked God (whomever it/He may be) for creating this Earth with all its wonders. I knew that even though my internship about tourism and environmental protection was about to end, I will always be a part of this project for the rest of my life. Our Earth, our home, will be protected; its beauty will be shared. J I just wonder, what other jewels are there for me to discover? I can’t wait to find out.
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