Karimunjawa: Paradise Close to Us!

Yay!! It's holiday! Before I go back to my hometown, I've planned to visit karimunjawa.Actually it's been a long time since I really wanna go to Karimunjawa, almost 2 years I think. Karimunjawa can be reached by public boat through Jepara and Semarang. There are 27 islands in Karimunjawa archipelago. Everything can be found here, white sand beaches, corals, colorful fishes, cheap seafood!

We took bus at 8 p.m..it was supposed to arrive in Jepara at 5 a.m in the morning but too bad..a truck blocked our way..as result, we missed the ship..great..we arrived 10 minutes after the ship departed. Some said that the ship will depart at 9 a.m but when it's full, they will depart earlier..then we missed the ship..Haiz...But then, we stayed in a home stay and went to Pulau Panjang. It was just 15 minutes from Kartini Harbor. It was okay, we had fun but we missed 1 day in Karimunjawa and missed 2 islands which should be visited in day 1

Next day..we woke up really morning. we afraid the ship would leave us again, but then, they departed at 9 p.m..ckck...it took 6 hours to reach Karimunjawa..and I got seasick haha..Fortunately I could sleep for 4 hours on the ship..AFter we arrived in Karimunjawa, we were fetch to our home stay..without wasting time, we went to shark captivity and we swam with the sharks. Really nervous whether the shark will bite us or not. Then we went back to home stay. Almost forgot! In the night, we ate grilled squid. It was really cheap only Rp 10,000.

Look! Sharks !

Time to explore !!

Menjangan Kecil

Beautiful underwater

It is undeniable that Karimunjawa is a paradise! Menjangan Kecil is a wonderful place to hit. Take your goggle and experience the unforgettable underwater. Grab some bread and spread it in the water, colourful fishes will come after you ! That's what I did. Clear visibility, the corals were just so amazing!

Ujung Gelam

Tropical paradise! Dare to climb the tallest coconut tree? I didn't know that climbing coconut tree was not easy. At least I climbed for few meters, sat on the trunk and enjoy the absolute amazing view of the sea. The gradation is just to good to be seen. Light green to dark green, to turquoise, to light blue, to dark blue, perfect combination!

Gosong Spot

Another beautiful snorkeling spot. I found some unique corals here, corals that looks like brain, corals that looks like huge rounded stone, and many else.

Cemara Besar

A small empty island with white sandbar in the middle of the sea. It was our last stop. Look around and everything is blue. Relax, enjoy the wave, the wind, and the sound. I love Karimunjawa.

How to Get There:
There are two alternatives to Karimunjawa, from Jepara and Semarang.

Jakarta-Jepara (12 hours): Shantika Bus Rp 120,000

Boat from Jepara (Kartini Peer)
-KMP Muria (6 hours): Rp 30,500
   schedule: Jepara-Karimunjawa (Saturday, Monday, Wednesday) 9 a.m
                  Karimunjawa-Jepara (Sunday, Tuesday) 8 a.m. (Thursday) 9 a.m.
-Bahari Express (3 hours): Rp 80,000
   schedule: Jepara-Karimunjawa (Monday, Tuesday, Saturday) 10.30 a.m. (Friday) 14.00
                  Karimunjawa-Jepara (Moday)1 p.m. (Wednesday)10.30 a.m. (Saturday)8 a.m. (Sunday)2 p.m.

Semarang
KMC Kartini (3.5 hours): Rp 259,000
schedule: Semarang-Karimunjawa (Monday) 7 a.m. (Saturday) 9 a.m.
                   Karimunjawa-Semarang (Tuesday) 11 a.m. (Sunday) 2 p.m.

Boat rental for island hopping starts from 300,000-500,000/day
Snorkeling rental 25,000/item/day
Plenty homestay starts from 70,000-150,000/room/night

I suggest you to join regular trip from wisata kita if you're in small group. I joined them 4D3N trip for Rp 500,000 only all in. Enjoy Karimunjawa

Traveled in 23-26 July 2011

Thanks to wisata kita , Vivi Aprilia, Sherly