About 25 km off the coast of Balochistan, in the Arabian Sea, lies a large uninhabited island about 7 km long and 2.5 km wide, with sheer white cliffs surrounded by warm turquoise water. A narrow white beach runs around the periphery of the island. At places, the cliffs shrink inland to create secluded cloves. It’s almost like in the Mediterranean.

Astola Island, also known as Jezira Haft Talar (Island of the Seven Hills), has long been Pakistan’s secret. This largely unspoiled island has all the hallmarks of a tourist getaway, but thanks to its remote location, the island’s exquisite beauty has remained untarnished. To reach Astola, one has to drive seven hours from Karachi to Pasni, a sea port in the Arabian Sea, about 40 km from Astola Island. From there, the destination is another three-hour by boat. There are no facilities on the island, save for an old lighthouse and a small mosque. People who visit the island usually camp at the beach and go snorkeling or deep sea diving.

Photo: Abbas Ali Toor