By: Tayyiba Naeem
Research Assistant, Directorate of Tourism, Balochistan
Pakistan is blessed with inexhaustible treasures for wanderers. Exploring the Islands, an untouched picturesque beauty, Astola is a hidden treasure in Balochistan. A virgin sight to cherish the splendour nature also known as Jezira Haft Talar (Island of the Seven Hills). The gleaming color of water hook the sight to ecstasy and it is hard to resist.
The island consists of a large tilted plateau and a series of seven small hillocks (hence the local name “Haft Talar” or “Seven Hills”), with deep chasms and crevices, which are several feet wide. There are several natural caves and coves on the island. The south face of the island slopes off gradually whereas the north face is cliff-like with a sharp vertical drop.
Located in east of Pasni, Astola has been declared as the first Marine Protected Area (MPA) under the Convention on Biological Diversity in June 2017. The island falls under the jurisdiction of Pasni as it is 39 kilometers away from a small port of the city.
Moreover, Astola Island’s water lodge around 22 species of corals, dolphin, whale and various other species. Even the endangered Arabian Sea humpback whale, a rare marine mammal only found in Arabian Sea has been spotted infrequently in the area around the island. The breathtaking seabed is visible at about a depth of 20 feet which is home to endangered green and hawksbill turtle. The island is imperative for endemic reptiles, multi-coloured fish as well as various breeds of water birds.
Astola Island is a popular but “hard” destination for eco-tourism as no lodging facilities are available on the island. There are, however, no infrastructure facilities for tourism here like hotels or camps, but that gives you all the more opportunities to set up camp any way you like. Some of the most popular activities at Astola are scuba diving, fishing, and camping, Yachting, Pedal boating, Kayaking, and Canoeing. Moreover, many travelers go to have a look at turtle breeding as well. To get around the other islands, boards and ferries can also be used. However, when you are on Astola Island, there aren’t a lot of options. You can either walk on foot or hire a bicycle.
Some cultural footprints are also present on the Island. There is a whole slew of natural caves on the island with ruins of an ancient temple. A mosque dedicated to the Muslim saint, Pir Khawaja Khizr. This mosque was primarily the prayer site for the fishermen that came around during the fishing season. In addition, a lighthouse was installed on the island for the purpose of safe passage of vessels by the Government of Pakistan in 1982. It was replaced by a solar-powered lighthouse later in 1987.
There’s nothing better than an island with nothing but water surrounding you. The sound of the waves, the noises the wildlife make, and the feeling of being in an open area can make you feel at peace with the world!
