Islands of Pakistan: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Pakistan, a land of diverse landscapes, is blessed with picturesque islands that offer an unforgettable experience to travellers. In this article, Graana.com will provide details about the stunning islands in Pakistan, each with its unique charm and allure.

 

List of Islands in Pakistan

Following are some of the Islands located in different areas of the country that should be on your travel list.

 

Astola Island

 

 

Located around 25 kilometres off the Balochistan coast, you’ll find Astola Island, a sparsely inhabited gem. This island, which belongs to the sub-district of Pasni in Gwadar, Pakistan, stretches approximately 7 kilometres in length and 2.5 kilometres in width. 

The locals affectionately call it “Haft Talar” or the “Island of the Seven Hills” due to the presence of seven small hillocks and a large tilted plateau. Another name it goes by is “Jabl-e-Zareen,” which translates to “beautiful mountain.” Astola Island’s natural beauty and unique landscape make it a fascinating destination for exploration and appreciation.

Astola Island poses a challenge for eco-travellers as it lacks any lodging facilities, making it a “hard” destination to visit. Those who do choose to spend the night must come prepared with their own camping provisions. Despite this, Astola Island offers an array of exciting activities such as scuba diving, fishing, and camping, attracting numerous adventurous souls.

 

Khiprianwala Island

 

 

Situated near Port Qasim and Landhi Town, Khiprianwala Island offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. However, the island faces a significant challenge as it gradually loses land to the encroaching sea, making it a sinking paradise. The island is also home to coastal swamps, which are part of Pakistan’s largest mangrove forest.

Despite its allure, Khiprianwala Island lacks basic facilities, deterring many tourists from visiting. However, if you’re eager to experience this hidden gem, you can seek the help of local fishermen who can guide you to the island or even take you there on their boats.

 

Twin Islands – Bundal and Buddo

 

 

Located near the coastline of Clifton Beach, Karachi, Bundal Island, and Buddo Island, also known as Twin Islands, offer a delightful coastal escape. Formerly known as “Dingi Island” and “Bhundaar Island,” these paradises are now accessible to residents of Karachi.

Luxurious eateries and fine dining restaurants in these nearby areas add to the charm of visiting the Twin Islands. However, as night falls, locating the islands can be challenging. Bundal Island is easily accessible from the seashore, and Buddo Island lies on its western side.

Apart from being popular tourist attractions, these islands are essential for the livelihoods of many fishermen. During the annual “Urs” of Saint Yusuf Shah, the islands buzz with devotees, adding to their cultural significance.

 

Baba and Bhit Islands

 

 

Nestled near Kimari Town, Karachi, the Baba and Bhit Islands offer a relatively small but stunning expanse covering approximately 4km. Despite a sparse population of around 25,000, these islands have gained recognition and popularity compared to other islands in Pakistan.

 

Shams Pir

 

 

Adjacent to Karachi’s western edge, along Kakapir and Sandspit Beach, lies Shams Pir island, a serene island village named after Hazrat Shams Pir, whose shrine it hosts. For those seeking an adventure to this island for exploration or fishing, boat hire is available from Karachi harbour.

 

Charna Island

 

 

Dubbed as a diver’s paradise, Charna Island in Karachi is a popular gateway for sports enthusiasts. A 1.5-hour cruise ride from the main city, this island was previously known as Cheerno.

Located close to Mubarak Village, renowned for its excellent fishing spots, Charna Island attracts sports enthusiasts and fishermen alike. Activities such as cliff diving, scuba diving, jet-skiing, snorkelling, and speed boating offer exhilarating experiences.

The best time to visit Charna Island is during February and March when tourism companies offer attractive packages for groups and individuals. Furthermore, the island is a wildlife haven and has been declared a Marine Protected Area (MPA) by the National Coordinating Body of the Mangroves for the Future Programme Pakistan.

 

Zalzala Koh

 

 

Zalzala Koh, also known as Earthquake Mountain or Zalzala Jazeera, meaning Earthquake Island in Urdu, emerged off the coast of Gwadar, Balochistan province, Pakistan, on 24th September 2013 following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake.

Initially, the island attracted attention, but it began to sink and eventually disappeared entirely by the end of 2016, as satellite images showed it had submerged about 3 metres (10 feet) into the sea within a month of its appearance.

Believed to be a mud volcano, Zalzala Koh rose from the seabed due to the emission of methane gas caused by the earthquake, as stated by Ali Rashid Tabriz, the head of Pakistan’s National Institute of Oceanography.

Located about 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) from Pakistan’s coastline, the island had varying measurements, with its height estimated at 15 to 20 metres (50 to 65 feet), length at 175.7 metres (576 feet), width at 160.9 metres (528 feet), and surface area at 22.726 square metres (244.62 square feet) according to satellite data, though there were some debates about these figures.

Although the island itself was devoid of life, the waters surrounding it became a flourishing habitat for fish and other marine organisms, including the coral species Acabaria delicata, leading to a boost in the local fishing industry.

 

Malan Island

 

 

Malan Island, also known as Pir Gaib, is a fascinating mud volcano situated in the Arabian Sea, approximately 3 kilometres off the coast of Balochistan, Pakistan. In March 1999, the island seemingly vanished, having depleted its water content. The disappearance was attributed to ocean currents and strong winds, similar to an incident that occurred in the same region in 1999. Remarkably, the island resurfaced, floating on the water’s surface, only to submerge once more.

However, in 2010, Malan Island made a surprising reappearance and has since become a sought-after tourist destination in Pakistan. Its mysterious vanishing acts and reappearances have intrigued explorers and travellers who now flock to this unique spot to witness its wonders firsthand. The island’s existence is now well-known, adding to its allure and drawing adventurers eager to experience its ever-changing nature.

 

Manora Island

 

 

Manora is a charming small peninsula nestled between Karachi Harbour to the north and the Arabian Sea to the south, serving as a protective barrier. With a population of 4,273 local residents as per the 2017 census, Manora was once an island but is now connected to the mainland through a 12-kilometre-long natural sandbridge known as Sandspit, formed due to silting.

The historical significance of Manora is evident in the remnants of the Manora Fort, constructed in the 1790s to guard against pirate raids. This fort underwent subsequent upgrades by the British and later by the Pakistan Navy.

The geographical setting of Manora and its neighbouring islands creates a shield for Karachi Harbour, with mangrove forests gracing the western bay bordering Sandspit and Manora Island. The coastline is further protected by the presence of Peelu trees (Salvadora persica), preventing erosion and enhancing the island’s natural beauty.

 

Manora Island Tourism

Manora’s extensive sandy beaches, seamlessly merging with the shores of Sandspit and stretching for several kilometres towards Hawkesbay, have become a favoured destination for the people of Karachi. Adding to the charm of the southeastern end of Manora island is the majestic Manora Point Lighthouse, standing tall at 38 metres (125 ft), ranking among the tallest lighthouses in Pakistan.

Acknowledging the high influx of tourists and travellers, the Government of Sindh has invested in upgrading the island’s infrastructure. This includes the construction of driveways, restaurants, hotel accommodations, a golf course, and a kids’ play area.

Modern recreational facilities and water sports activities have also been introduced, enhancing the island’s appeal. The overall development and modernization project amounted to a total cost of 650 Million Pakistani Rupees. As a testament to its progress, the latest addition to Manora’s attractions is the Manora Beach Resort, which was inaugurated by Murad Ali Shah, the Chief Minister of Sindh, in October 2021.

In 2020, efforts were made to enhance connectivity by upgrading the Manora Beach Road, providing a smooth link between Manora and Kakapir, crossing Sandspit. Additionally, the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has ambitious plans to construct a Harbour Crossing Bridge, which will connect the West and East Wharfs of KPT to Manora Island. Once completed, this bridge will significantly reduce the distance between Manora and the areas of Defence and Clifton, cutting it down by almost 30 kilometres.

 

Getting to the Islands

Reaching these paradisiacal islands is an adventure in itself. While some islands are accessible via boat rides from coastal cities like Karachi and Gwadar, others may require chartered boats or helicopter transfers. It’s essential to plan your journey in advance and ensure you have all the necessary permits and permissions to visit these pristine locations.

 

Best Time to Visit

The climate in Pakistan can vary significantly, so choosing the right time to visit the islands is crucial. The ideal time for island exploration is during the winter and spring months when the weather is pleasant, and the seas are calm. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season, as the heavy rains and rough seas can hinder travel and exploration.

 

Accommodation and Facilities

While some islands offer basic camping facilities for the adventurous souls, others have small resorts and guesthouses to cater to tourists. Be prepared for a rustic experience on certain islands, as they focus on preserving their natural charm. Remember to carry essential supplies and medications.

 

Respecting Local Culture and Environment

As responsible travellers, it is essential to respect the local culture and customs of the regions we visit. When interacting with the locals, embrace their traditions and show appreciation for their way of life. Additionally, be mindful of the environment and avoid leaving any traces of your visit. Sustainable tourism ensures that these pristine islands remain a treasure for generations to come.

 

FAQs

 

1. Are there any accommodations available on Astola Island?

As of now, Astola Island lacks lodging facilities. Visitors interested in staying overnight must come prepared with their camping provisions.

 

2. How can I reach Khiprianwala Island?

Khiprianwala Island is accessible through local fishermen who can guide you to the island or arrange boat transfers.

 

3. Can I visit the Twin Islands without any prior permission?

Yes, Twin Islands (Bundal and Buddo) are now accessible to the public and do not require specific permissions for visitation.

 

4. Is Charna Island suitable for non-divers?

Charna Island offers a range of activities, including cliff diving, jet-skiing, and speed boating.

 

5. When is the best time to visit Malan Island?

The ideal time to visit Malan Island is during the winter and spring.

For information, visit Graana blog.