Bawean Island, Volcanic island in Java Sea, Indonesia
Bawean Island is a round landmass in the Java Sea off the coast of Gresik, Indonesia. An extinct volcano forms its interior and rises above the surrounding seascape.
Dutch seafarers first documented the island in 1597 when they found a shipwrecked vessel near its shores. A permanent settlement gradually developed there over the following centuries.
The population of 83,455 inhabitants maintains strong connections to Sunni Islam while speaking a particular variation of the Madurese language.
The island is reached by ferry from Gresik, and an airport has operated there since 2016. Visitors should expect limited services and infrastructure away from the main settlement.
Women make up the large majority of residents on this island, as many men work overseas for income. This demographic difference has earned it the local name Island of Women.
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