If you are in Jakarta and become weary of the frenetic turbulence of the modern metropolis, hop on an early morning boat and escape across the Java Sea to a paradise island in the sun in THOUSAND ISLANDS.
White sand, coconut palms fringing the shore, multi-coloured coral reefs, abundant shoals of unique, colorful fish, a golden sun setting in clear blue skies… If you are a nature and sea lover, you will surely fall in love with this place.
The Thousand Islands are a chain of islands to the north of Jakarta’s coast, a group of over 110 islands referred to as the Thousand Islands or Kepulauan Seribu. Thousand islands are one of the top tourist destinations in this part of Jakarta. They are within easy reach from jakarta by boat or chartered aircraft. several islands have been developed as tourist resorts or for recreational purposes, where there are bird and marine sanctuaries. The northern part of these islands have been zoned as a national marine park to preserve its underwater resources and beauty.
White sand, coconut palms fringing the shore, multi-coloured coral reefs, abundant shoals of unique, colourful fish, a golden sun setting in clear blue skies…does that fit your image of Jakarta?
Here tourists enjoy the pristine beaches, amazingly beautiful blue crystal clear water, underwater scenes through snorkelling and diving. Most of the islands have been converted into resorts, although some remain virgin and uninhabited.
Thousand Islands, Indonesia
Putri Island (Pulau Putri)
One island between many of ‘thousand islands’ off North Jakarta. Pulau Putri is 55 kilometers away from Ancol Marina and takes approximately one and a half hours to reach by speedboat. Like the other island, Putri island offers sandy beach and crystal clear water all around. Aside from its beautiful beaches, what makes it special is they have a mini sea-world, an outdoor aquarium and a glass tunnel inside. Putri Island is famous for its underwater tunnel where one can observe diverse coral reefs, fish, and other marine animals.
Sepa Island (Pulau Sepa)
Sepa island is considered by many to be one of most beautiful of the Thousand Islands. It has beautiful beach with white sand. With its unspoiled surroundings, Flat beach, and white sand. Perfect for snorkelling or sun bathing. Don’t forget to bring your sun block. Popular spot for the scuba divers
Hantu Island (Pulau Hantu)
Pulau Hantu can be reached by speedboat in 2 hours from Ancol Marina. This area is famous for having some of the best diving spots in the Thousand Islands. Other water sports activities that people enjoy here aside from diving are wind surfing, snorkeling, and jet skiing. Bird Island, as the name suggests, is a bird sanctuary run by the Forestry Department. It is home to many species of local birds. Migratory birds from other countries also go here at certain times of the year.
Kotok Island (Pulau Kotok)
Kotok Island has beautiful white sand beach and charming underwater panorama. There’s a resort in this island, with aircon, shower, restaurant and we still can use cellphone.
Normally, the price of the hotel includes meal and transportation by speed boat.
Snorkeling from the pier is really fun because the coral reef are colorful, various kinds of fishes, sometimes in a sudden we swin in the middle of a school of fish. Really wonderful!
There’s a dive shop here so we can dive too.
Rambut island (Pulau Rambut) – ‘palace of birds’
If you want to see birds in its wildlife, you may come to this island. Because Pulau Rambut is only for birds. Birds are protected by law here. There are plenty kind of them, they nested in tall tree. Their feather spread all over this island.
Pramuka Island (Pulau Pramuka)
Different to another island in Thousand Islands with fancy resorts or as private island that belong to a company or rich people, this island is for public. It’s a ‘kampung’ (village).
This island is a good base to explore Thousand Islands. It’s a lot cheaper to stay here and you can also see daily life of the people. Especially if you’re in backpacker trip and willing to stay among locals. Room rate varies from only 5 US$ to 30US$.
Then all you have to do is rent a boat for the whole day and visit other islands. And there’s a dive centre here, if you don’t dive, rent the gear for snorkeling.
Macan Island (Pulau Macan)
Pulau Macan in the Thousand Island chain is a gem. The scene is totally mellow geared towards conscious fun. Snorkeling trips on living reefs, paddle out to their deserted island, get a traditional javanese massage, chill on the sundeck, or dive off the dock. There is plenty to do in this fabulous place run by a great guy eco focused with a solar power system, reef regeneration project, organic gardens, and eco soaps to protect the beauty of the local environment. Don’t forget the tradition of watching the sunset on a special allocated deck with cocktails and yummy snacks. The best thing is the all-inclusive affordable price that leaves you worry free once on the island. Enjoy, relax, disconnect!
You can reach the Thousand Islands in several ways. First, you can hire a speedboat from Ancol Marina. Second, you can take a ferry that takes passengers to some of the islands. If you have the money to spare, you can hire a helicopter to take you to Pulau Macan Besar or Big Tiger Island.
Note:- When you stay at one island of thousand islands (kepulauan seribu) don’t miss the underwater view. All you have to do is rent a taxi boat and ask the boatmen to take you to a good coral reef nearby. And if you rent it for a day you can snorkelling at 3-4 places.
