The Unspoiled Beauty Of Remote Islands, Karimun Java

No matter how far you gaze, there will only be beauty

The islands of Karimun Java are located up north of Java Island. The limited access to this area is one of the main reasons why it’s not as famous as other beaches in Indonesia. There are two ways to get to the main island. You may take an hour and half voyage from Semarang city via a speed boat that costs 150,000 IDR for each passenger (approximately 12 USD). The other option is a six-hour ferry journey from Jepara city. This costs only 40,000 IDR or approximately 3 USD. The locals call this ferry “the Iron Turtle” due to its slow pace. You can purchase the ticket directly at the port ticket booth.

The six-hour voyage is still enjoyable with this amazing view across the ocean

If you are not familiar with Javanese area, culture, and insights, it is better for you to join a local tour group with a complete tour package. One travel agency that I would recommend is Wisata Kita tour. They offer a complete package at very affordable costs for a backpacker. Accommodation, tickets, watersports, gears, and meals for four days are all bundled at a cost of 655,000 IDR (approximately 50 USD). Plus, they provide a photographer to capture every moment you have during the tour. You can get all that as well as the extra hospitality from the local people.

There are no five-star hotels on the islands but local inns that suit backpackers’ budget (around 50,000 IDR or approximately 4 USD per room for one night). If you prefer a fancy hotel that costs more than 300,000 IDR per night (approximately 25 USD), you would have to spend the night at Semarang, which is approximately one and a half hour away from Karimun Java main island.

Capture every moment you have with your friends and family

Karimun Java consists of many exotic private islands that you can reach by fisherman boat. If you are not in a tour group, you can hire a local fisherman boat for 50,000 to 200,000 IDR (approximately 4 to 16 USD) depending on your destination and time. Each island provides different experiences such as observing turtle breeding, watching Javanese eagles fly around the hills, snorkeling with fishes, or even swimming with sharks!

See the beauty beneath the ocean at various snorkeling spots

Karimun Java offers many great snorkelling spots. Each spot has its own unique beauty of fishes and corals at various depths. The local tour group provides all water sport gears, hence you need not worry about bringing your own equipment. On the other hand, you would need to pack your own snorkelling gears if you are not planning to join any tour group. This is because there are no sport gear stores around.

The only stores that you would find here are souvenir and bicycle rental stores. The souvenir stores sell t-shirts, beach apparels, unique necklaces, bracelets, handicrafts made of seashells, etc. The price is affordable and you can get even a cheaper price if you buy in bulk. To rent a bicycle, they usually charge 50,000 IDR (approximately 4 USD) for one day.

Reconnect with nature and regain your inner peace

Karimun Java is the perfect place to connect with nature. It’s as if you own the beach. There is no fuzz and buzz around you, just you and the beauty of your surroundings such as the soothing breeze, the sound of the gentle ocean waves, and the smooth white sands that you are sitting on. It is a priceless experience just to sit here, breathe easy, and let go of all the problems that you may be facing in your life.

The sun is setting at the horizon

After a long day of activities, before you go back to your inn or hotel, spend some time at the local port. Right before it gets dark, Karimun Java presents the perfect beauty of the sun setting at the horizon. This is the perfect way to wrap up the day. There is no public transportation around, so you will need to walk for approximately 10 minutes back to your accommodation from the port.

Generally, meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided in the tour package. If you are visiting on your own, you can try the local seafood at Alun-alun area. It’s a football field turned into a local market at night. They serve fish meatballs, chargrilled fish, coconut, and many more. Look forward to an affordable meal that’s bound to help you rest before another adventure starts in the morning!