Gili Iyang

Gili Iyang lies off the eastern end of Madura and is known in Indonesia for a specific claim: measurements taken by the national aeronautics agency in the 2000s found oxygen concentrations in the air higher than typical, and the island has been promoted since as an oxygen island with health-tourism framing. How meaningful the difference is in practice is arguable - the readings are modestly above ordinary sea-level values rather than dramatically so - but the island does have an unusually large number of residents living past ninety, which is what gave the story its legs. Beyond that it is a small limestone island with no cars, coral coast, caves, a cliff viewpoint at Batu Cangga and villages living from fishing and cattle. Transport is by motorbike taxi and the accommodation is homestays.

The landscape

• The oxygen claim - readings above typical values, and the health framing built on them.
• A car-free island - motorbike taxis and walking only.
• Limestone coast and caves - cliffs, coral shore and the Batu Cangga viewpoint.
• Long-lived residents - the unusual number of people past ninety.

When to go

April to October; the crossing is rough outside that. Two days.

Good to know

The oxygen difference is modest and the health claims are marketing rather than settled science. Facilities are homestays with limited power. Boats stop in rough weather. Madura is conservative - dress accordingly.

Nearby

Sumenep and its kraton are on Madura; Surabaya is west.

Key facts