Madura Island was in my plans to include in my circumnavigation of East Java, Indonesia, and an option would have been to include it as a separate round trip ex Surabaya.
I was keen on accessing it, however, from the east. At first I wasn’t sure that would have been possible, but scouring the coastline of the north coast of East Java, I discovered the insignificant port of Jangkar Pier.
Offering a virtual back door to the far eastern end of Madura, I had to use it.
Madura turned out to be a surprise and a highlight of the tail end of my journey. East Java wouldn’t have been as memorable had I not have included Madura in my trip.
Madura’s people, despite the stories you come across of hot-tempered men and being a hotbed of traditional, conservative Islam, are, as all Javanese, friendly and inviting, and the island’s scenery a pleasant mix.
The capital, Sumenep, was a pleasant surprise. Its Grand Mosque (featured image) is an impressive piece of architecture.