The lush green of Cu Lao Xanh

Located in the southeastern part of Gia Lai province, Cu Lao Xanh is like a rough gem being polished day by day to shine brighter on its development journey.

Every morning, before the sun rises, fishing boats return, bringing with them the salty breath of the sea and the rhythm of diligent work. As the sun rises, its rays illuminating the water's surface, and the speedboats cut through the waves, taking visitors to explore the islands and discover their captivating, unspoiled beauty.

Cu Lao Xanh Island as seen from the speedboat landing at the pier. Photo: Le Van Nhung

A pristine small island…

After completing our personal procedures, at 7:45 a.m., the speedboat cut through the waves, taking us to Nhon Chau island commune (also known as Cu Lao Xanh island). The morning was fresh and cool, with a gentle breeze blowing from the open sea, making the whole group even more excited and enthusiastic about the journey. Sitting on the speedboat amidst the vast expanse of sky and sea, the sense of space suddenly changed. Gone were the cramped confines of the city, the noisy sounds of urban life, only the sound of the engine, the waves lapping against the side of the speedboat, and a breathtakingly wide space that felt almost within reach. The sea surface sparkled like silver under the sunlight, and the sky above was clear and transparent, stretching to the distant sea. As the speedboat accelerated, the sea breeze tossed our hair back, carrying the distinctive salty taste that only the sea can offer. Nearly 30 minutes passed, and the speedboat glided over the waves, bringing us to Cu Lao Xanh.

The speedboat docks, taking tourists to Cu Lao Xanh island. Photo: Le Van Nhung

My first visit to Cu Lao Xanh left a breathtaking impression on me. The Chairman of the People's Committee of Nhon Chau Commune, Duong Hiep Hung, gave us an overview: This island commune is only a little over 3.6 square kilometers. The eastern side is where the island's inhabitants have lived for generations, while the western side, though uninhabitable due to the northerly winds in winter, offers a cool breeze during the monsoon season, allowing residents to relax on Gala Beach and listen to the gentle sound of the waves. A summer beach is also being developed on this side. Cu Lao Xanh has 605 households with 2,360 inhabitants. “The islanders mainly rely on fishing for their livelihood. In recent years, thanks to the development of tourism , their living standards have improved significantly. The island commune now has a primary and secondary school. However, the islanders are also determined to send their children to study on the mainland, resulting in many children achieving high academic results and working in administrative units and businesses both within and outside the province,” Mr. Hung informed.

The national flag pole on Cu Lao Xanh island. Photo: Quoc Bao

During our trip to the island, we happened to meet journalist Ta Ngoc Hai, former Deputy Head of the Special Programs Department of the former Binh Dinh Radio and Television Station. Mr. Hai said that he had visited the island many times for work, even in its early, undeveloped days when few people considered it a tourist destination. Today, he brought his wife to learn about Cu Lao Xanh. According to Mr. Hai, besides enjoying the sea breeze, visitors should also explore the Fairy Well, the Youth Flagpole, Gala Rock Beach, Hoan Bang Cape, and Thao Nguyen Rock Beach. Particularly noteworthy is the lighthouse on the island, built and operating since 1890, which emits light signals to guide ships safely.

A view of Cu Lao Xanh island at sunset, seen from the mountaintop where the lighthouse is built. Photo: Le Van Nhung.

From the mountaintop where the lighthouse stands, one can admire the most beautiful panoramic view of the island at any time. “In addition, visitors can also learn about the Thành Hoàng Temple, built by the islanders long ago. In the 8th year of Bảo Đại's reign, the Thành Hoàng Temple was officially granted the title “Bổn Cảnh Thành Hoàng”. Besides that, the Nam Hải shrine, dedicated to the Nam Hải God of the South Sea, was granted the title “Đại Càn Quốc gia Nam Hải tôn thần” with the honorary title “Trang Huy Dực Bảo Trung Hưng Thượng Đẳng Thần”,” said Nguyễn Tiến Dũng, Secretary of Nhơn Châu commune.

Positioning for green tourism

Currently, the island commune receives an average of over 200 tourists daily, yet it continues to be known as the "green island." This achievement is thanks to the island's workers who collect and process waste, transporting it to the incineration plant starting at 4 AM every day. Therefore, visitors always experience cleanliness, fresh air, and tranquility. Mr. Duong Hiep Hung, Chairman of the People's Committee of Nhon Chau commune, said that Cu Lao Xanh is currently a bit chaotic because the eastern road of the island is being repaired and renovated, and the square is being rebuilt after damage from Typhoon No. 13 in 2025. However, it will soon be completed to serve tourists and residents of the island commune this summer. Captain Nguyen Tu Duy, who drives the Son Tung YACHT 01 speedboat belonging to Son Tung Transport Business Co., Ltd., said: Every day, 4-5 speedboats serve tourists (30 passengers per speedboat). On weekends, Cu Lao Xanh island welcomes nearly 400 tourists. During holidays, the number of visitors to the island commune is even higher. Currently, there are many speedboat companies serving tourists, such as Son Tung, Son Hai, Cu Lao Xanh Travel, Cu Lao Xanh Tourist, etc.

In the morning, people buy seafood when the fishing boats bring their catch to the island. Photo: Le Van Nhung

At 5 a.m., fishing boats begin docking, and small boats unload seafood onto the island. Most of the fishing boats here are small, operating near the shore to provide a livelihood for the island's inhabitants. Fresh shrimp, squid, and fish are weighed and purchased by women right on the island, creating a lively atmosphere. The fish and squid are packed into boxes and sent to markets in Quy Nhon, from where they are transported elsewhere. Some people buy them to send back to the mainland as gifts for relatives. In Cu Lao Xanh, visitors can choose from seasonal seafood and have vendors prepare delicious dishes such as squid pancakes, shrimp pancakes, steamed squid, fish hotpot, or many other tasty meals to their liking. All of this contributes to the steady rhythm of daily life on the island.

Enjoying squid pancakes right on the island. Photo: Nhat Vu.

In the afternoon, the southerly wind blows from the sea onto the island, making the air cool. The pristine beauty and crystal-clear waters create a peaceful atmosphere on Cu Lao Xanh island. In our conversation, the Chairman of the People's Committee of Nhon Chau commune, Duong Hiep Hung, said that to keep the island green, the local government is guiding residents to refrain from harvesting coral for souvenirs; building a brand for squid seafood that meets OCOP standards; regulating the transportation of tourists by car and motorbike; creating a logo and developing small-value souvenir products to attract tourists as gifts. In particular, the island commune is organizing the commercial breeding of monitor lizards, grouper, snapper, and squid. In addition, the government is also aiming to cultivate various types of trees such as Terminalia catappa, Terminalia catappa, and coconut trees to enhance the greenery on the island; and calling on investors to exploit the untapped tourism potential, such as diving to experience coral reefs. Organizing tours to experience life as a fisherman at sea, with activities such as pulling nets, squid fishing at night as the sun sets, or camping to contemplate the changing seasons amidst the vast ocean… From here, tourists can take memorable photos of their trip exploring Cu Lao Xanh, which is developing day by day in a new life, contributing to awakening the island's potential for green tourism.

According to Gia Lai Newspaper

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/xanh-tham-cu-lao-xanh-a484380.html