Cinta Island, Exotic Natural Charm Wrapped in Love Legend in Gorontalo
Cinta Island in Gorontalo, a unique heart-shaped destination with a romantic eco-resort, presents exotic sea panoramas and legendary love stories.
Pulau Cinta, a small heart-shaped island in Boalemo Regency, Gorontalo, presents a romantic charm that has earned it the nickname “Indonesia’s Maldives.”
Not only famous for its shape that resembles a love symbol, Pulau Cinta also offers stunning ocean views and eco-friendly cottages located on the water.
Moreover, the island holds a legendary tragic love story, making it a meaningful tourist destination for local and foreign tourists.
The Romantic Origin Story of Cinta Island
The legend surrounding Cinta Island adds to its appeal. It is said that during the Dutch colonial period, a Gorontalo prince fell in love with a Dutch princess.
Although their relationship was hindered by cultural differences and the ongoing war, they still met secretly on this island.
The natural beauty and their forbidden love story gave the Island of Love its own name and historical value. For many tourists, the romantic vibes of their story are still felt today, adding an exotic feel to the island.
The Underwater Beauty of Cinta Island
Cinta Island and the waters around Tomini Bay are known for their enchanting underwater beauty. With shallow depths and clear water, tourists can enjoy snorkeling right from the cottage area.
Some dive spots even allow you to see untouched coral reefs and colorful tropical fish, making it a little paradise for sea lovers.
Location and Route to Cinta Island
Cinta Island is located in Tomini Bay, Boalemo Regency, Gorontalo, Sulawesi. To reach this island, tourists can start their journey by flying to Jalaluddin Airport, Gorontalo.
After arriving, the journey continues by land to Boalemo Regency, which takes about two hours. From there, tourists can rent a boat to cross to Cinta Island with a travel time of about 25 minutes.
Travel Tips: It is advisable to book accommodation in advance on Cinta Island. Some accommodation packages provide free shuttle service from the port to the island, so you can save time and transportation costs.
Interesting Activities on Cinta Island
Cinta Island not only offers stunning views, but also a variety of exciting activities that visitors can enjoy, such as:
1. Enjoy the Beauty of the Island from the Boat
Cinta Island has a very beautiful view of the clear blue sea. Visitors can go around the island by boat to enjoy the views from different angles. The calm sea and natural atmosphere create a refreshing traveling experience.
2. Snorkeling in the waters of Tomini Bay
Tomini Bay is one of the snorkeling paradises close to Cinta Island. With a depth of around 2-3 meters, these waters offer beautiful views of coral reefs and various types of tropical fish.
Tourists can easily see the colorful marine life without even diving too deep, making it a safe and fun activity for beginners.
3. Trekking in the Forest Around the Island
Apart from the sea, Cinta Island is also surrounded by lush forests. For nature lovers, trekking in the surrounding forest is an interesting option.
During the trip, visitors will enjoy the calm and cool forest atmosphere and can see the native flora and fauna of Papua that live around this area.
4. Enjoy the Sunset and Romantic Night on the Island
There is nothing more romantic than enjoying the sunset on Cinta Island with your partner. As dusk falls, the sky turns a reddish orange color that reflects on the surface of the sea.
At night, stars are scattered across the sky of Cinta Island, creating a magical atmosphere that makes the night feel very special.
Accommodation Facilities on Cinta Island
Cinta Island offers 15 cottages spread around the island, forming a heart shape that looks beautiful from above.
These cottages are built with an eco-resort concept, using environmentally friendly materials such as wood and thatched roofs, and facing directly to the sea. There are three types of cottages with different sizes and facilities:
- One Bedroom Cottage (92 m²): Suitable for couples who want a romantic and intimate atmosphere.
- Two Bedroom Cottage (156 m²): The perfect choice for a small family or friends who want to vacation together.
- Three Bedroom Cottage (212 m²): Provides more space, complete with a living room and terrace overlooking the sea.
The rental price for a cottage on Cinta Island ranges from IDR 3,000,000 to IDR 5,000,000 per night, including three meals a day and transportation costs from Tilamuta port.
Tips and Preparation Before Visiting Cinta Island
- Book Your Cottage Early: Due to the popularity of Cinta Island, it is best to book your cottage well in advance to ensure you get the accommodation you desire.
- Bring a Camera or Drone: The view of the island from above is unique, and tools like drones can help capture the beauty of Cinta Island from a different perspective.
- Be Mindful of Season and Weather: Gorontalo’s tropical weather makes conditions on Cinta Island subject to change. Visit during the dry season for the best experience and clearer views.
- Respect the Environment: Cinta Island is a protected area, so please avoid littering and preserve the surrounding nature.
Cinta Island in Gorontalo is not just a tourist destination, but a place that offers a deep romantic experience.
From heart-shaped cottages, the beauty of the blue sea, to the touching legend of love, Pulau Cinta is the ideal place for those who want to experience a different holiday experience.
With various eco-friendly facilities, water activities, and natural scenery that spoils the eyes, Pulau Cinta is an unforgettable destination for a vacation, honeymoon, or just to escape from the daily routine.
Cinta Island truly combines natural beauty and romance, making it the “Maldives of Indonesia.” If you want to visit a destination full of wonders and stories, Gorontalo’s Samalona Island is a place you should include on your travel list.
