RED SAND BEACH
Pasir Merah Beach or Gawu Soyo in Nias language is the only beach with pink sand on Nias Island, which can only be found in the village of Ombolata, Afulu District
The Pasir Merah Beach or Gawu Soyo in the Nias area is the only beach with pink sand on Nias Island, which can only be found in the village of Ombolata, Afulu District, North Nias Regency. This beach stretches along 2.2 kilometers in width between 20-100 meters. The color of the sand on this beach looks redder in the morning, the more the afternoon turns brownish red.
According to the myth that developed and spoken from generation to generation by local people it is said that the red color on this beach comes from the blood of a Haria snake (version of the Naga snake) that was successfully killed by Satria Laowömaru in a snake cave 8 km from Gawu Soyo. The snake's blood splashed and spread throughout the coast in the village of Ombölata Afulu and lasted until now. However, geologically, the red sand is the result of erosion and red coral fragments from the middle of the sea which are carried by waves to this beach.
Red Sand Beach which is often juxtaposed with Pink Beach on Komodo Island is one of the beach tourism icons that must be visited while on Nias Island. The charming red sand at Gawu Soyo from afar looks like a red clay. But when touched, it turns out that the sand is not clay as we imagine because the red color of the sand is very thick and the grains are so fine. So when walking on this beach, the grains of soft sand like to stick to our bodies.
This beach is right on the edge of the highway so it's easy to find. It is 80 km from the center of Gunungsitoli (2.5 - 3 hours drive). From Tureloto Beach it takes ± 40 minutes to go to this exotic beach, and tourists usually visit here after enjoying a beach tour in Tureloto.
Due to its location on the northwestern side of Nias Island, this beach is one of the spots for sunset hunting. It is not uncommon to see photographers come to capture the sunset on this virgin beach. Especially right in front of it is Wunga Island which is one of the foremost and outermost islands in Indonesia. Also not far from this beach (about 5 km to the west) can be found Walo Beach, which is one of the surfing places in North Nias.
Tourists who visit are not advised to swim on this beach because of its location directly opposite the Indian Ocean so that it has large waves rolling and strong undercurrent. However, visitors can take pictures, play sand while enjoying young coconut water that can be ordered to residents who live around this beach. The blue color of the sea water is crystal clear and the blue sky and red sand are the right combination to produce good photos.