PEQUENO ISLAND

BRINGING TO YOU YET ANOTHER OF THE LESS VISITED SPOTS OF GOA

By Aditi Malhotra

Images by Armaan Malhotra

Pequeno Island is more popularly known as the ‘Bat Island’ and when some of my friends suggested paying a visit to this island, I was really sceptical. But then I learnt that there is nothing to be alarmed about, there are no bats on the island nowadays.

Although once upon a time till the 70s or 80s you would be greeted by the site of trees laden with Flying Foxes, one of the biggest species of Bats But further research taken up later did not find any evidence of Bats but the name Bat Island stuck. Although the island lies just a few km away from Baina Beach in Vasco, we chose a different way of reaching the island. We hired a private boat from the Dona Paula Jetty and set out on a day full of beauty and adventure early in the morning. It was a 45minute boat ride to Bat Island and on the way, we did spot some dolphins and also tried our luck at fishing. Overall, it was a ride filled with so much fun that I got even more excited to explore what all the day had in store for us on the island.

Once we reached the island, we found our own piece of a small stretch of beach and it felt as if we were the only ones on the island The calmness, serenity, peace and virgin beauty that I could feel the moment I set foot on the island remains unmatched to date. The cool, clear blue waters were surely inviting and we could not resist taking a dip in the sea But that dip lasted for more than an hour and the experience of splashing in an open sea felt surreal.

While we were enjoying the sea, our boatman had made a fire and was preparing to grill a fresh catch right there Apart from grilling a fish, he also roasted some potatoes and made a chicken curry with some rice. It was one of the most pleasant sights ever. On one side, there was this gorgeous sea and we were lying on the sand soaking up the sun and on the other hand, the food was being cooked. After having a delicious meal, it was time for another round of swim in the sea, followed by the most calming nap on the sand before we rode our boat for the return journey. If you too love such serene and calm picnic kinds of days, head to Bat Island and thank me later The overall combination of rock, sand and inviting blue waters will never disappoint you.

Untouched almost virgin sites will lend a sense of solitude you seek. You can have a campfire going and make some unforgettable moments with your friends and family If you are looking for some thrill then you must try water sports and even explore some underwater life on this Island. Some amusing marine life on this Island acts as a magnet for visitors. As for me, I love Goa even more when I explore such places and experience something so unique and satisfying Please travel responsibly and do not litter.