KarimunJawa

Karimunjawa is a newly discovered untouched virgin paradise, said to become the “next Bali”
Boasting beautiful tropical reefs and enormous well preserved national park, this new tourist destination is an experience for both the experienced traveler and the newbie.
The first thing about Karimunjawa is the hassle of getting there. Until recently there has been no information on the internet on how to get there. Asking directly to Indonesian tour agents and hotels also draws a blank. Just recently a new website was launched www.karimunjawa-ticketing.co.id that has up to date schedules and the webmaster says that once the airport is up and running regular flights they will be listed also.

There are a few ways to “tackle” Karimunjawa. Firstly getting there. By far the best way is by using the Kartini 1 express ferry that leaves from the Central Java capital Semarang. This 3.5hr trip is quite fun aboard this modern vessel. Both the VIP and Business sections (there is no economy) are both air-conditioned. The vip section has nice big reclining seats and both sections have movies playing. Its great fun to get out the back of the boat and take in the sights of the massive ships passing by and the hundreds of small local fishing boats. The trip goes by quite fast and you arrive in time for lunch.

The second option is the barge that leave the port of Jepara (about 1.5hr drive from Semarang). This ship is the main pipeline for the local people for getting their goods and vehicles to and from Karimunjawa. The economy section is open air and not really comfortable. The vip section though is air conditioned with nice reclining seats and tray table with movies playing. You can also go upstairs onto the deck and get a sun tan and take in the view. The price is also super cheap but the time it takes to get there does cut into your holiday.

Once on Karimun you have stepped back in time when there were no taxies. Unless you have pre arranged a pick up (almost impossible unless you book via a resort) you will have to negotiate with one of the local pedicab driver to take you to your destination. The few cars that are there will take you but the price is very steep.

Karimunjawa is an island chain stretching in a northwesterly direction 83 km from Jepara. Central Java. This archipelago is a cluster of 27 islands in the java sea. Only seven of the islands are inhabited. The reefs are a mixture of fringing, barrier, and patch with bottom depths ranging from 15 to 40 meters. The name of Karimunjawa is taken from Javanese language 'Kremun kremun saking tanah Jawi' addressed by one of Wali Songo (the Nine Saints who had introduced Islam in Java) to describe how far this mini archipelago from Java, to be exact from Semarang and Jepara. Stands from 27 islands, this mini archipelago became marine national park and it's like a treasure for those who love marine life. Here can be found protected coral reefs (very colorful plateaus and plains in deep and shallow waters), secluded and tranquil white beaches, pelican and hornbill, sea grass and kinds of sea creatures, from crabs, anchovy, starfish, sharks, stingray, jellyfish, red snappers, etc.

Diving
This activity can be done in northern and western part of Karimunjawa island, eastern part Menjangan Besar island, around of Menjangan Kecil island, southern and western part of Geleang, western part of Bengkoang island, western part of Parang island, eastern part Kembar island, around of Katang island, northern and eastern part of Krakal Kecil island , and western part of Kumbang island.

Snorkling
This activity can be done in Menjangan Besar and Menjangan Kecil island, western part of Bengkoang island, around of Kembar island, and northern and eastern part of Krakal Kecil island.

Swimming
Locations used by swimming activity are eastern and southern part of Karimunjawa island, southern and western part of Menjangan Kecil island, western of Tengah island, around of Parang island, Kembar island, and Kumbang island.

Sunbathing
Almost all the coasts in Karimunjawa island have white sands with long coast line. This situation made a lot of Karimunjawa coasts are right places for sunbathing, watching the sunset, or sunrise.

Roaming the Sea
For anyone who can not swim and dive, using glass bottom boat can be a good reason to roam the sea in Karimunjawa. The tourists are able to see the under water scenery. It's really fantastic for whom like fishing, snorkling, and diving.

Watching Under Water Aquarium
Menjangan Besar island have a location where an under water aquarium resides. Here, the tourists can see beauty of aquatic faunas, the life of sharks, and others.

Ref: www.travelersfortravelers.com; www.indonesia-tourism.com