Karimunjawa Island and National Park in Indonesia

In the Java Sea, north of Central Java, lies the stunning Karimunjawa Archipelago. It consists of 27 picturesque islands, only five of which are inhabited. The main island of the archipelago is Karimun (not to be confused with Karimun Besar in Riau Islands Province).

In 2001, 22 islands in this chain were declared a marine reserve, named Karimunjawa National Park. This article explains what makes this park so special and why it's worth adding to your must-visit list.

General information:

• Location: About 80 kilometers from the city of Jepara, Indonesia.
• The total area of the islands: about 45.5 square kilometers.
• Population: about 10 thousand residents.
• Large islands: Karimun and Kemujan.

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Karimunjawa National Park

Karimunjawa National Park, also known as Taman Nasional Karimunjawa or Crimon Java National Park, is one of six national marine parks in Indonesia. The reserve's rich biodiversity includes mangrove forests, coastal and lowland tropical valleys, seagrass beds, algae beds, and magnificent coral reefs, making it a key marine protected area. The park's permanent inhabitants include approximately 40 species of birds, deer, lizards, porcupines, and snakes.

One of the main attractions of these places is the excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. Some of the healthiest coral reefs in Indonesia are located here, offering travelers a vibrant experience and a kaleidoscope of marine life. Snorkelers can glide over vibrant coral gardens teeming with fish, while divers can explore impressive drop-offs, underwater caves, and shipwrecks.

The park covers approximately 300 hectares of mangrove forests, making a walk through them a true adventure for nature lovers. Walking along wooden walkways through the forest, you can admire the intricately intertwined roots and emerald greenery, and also explore the unique coastal ecosystem. Along the way, you'll come across a wooden tower you can climb to enjoy the view of the dense mangrove canopy.

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Karimunjawa Culture

The majestic Devadaru tree holds a special place in the region's culture, often revered for its medicinal properties and hardness. In Karimunjawa, the Devadaru tree is deeply ingrained in local folklore and traditions. It is believed to possess mystical properties and is often associated with spiritual rituals and ceremonies.

Beyond its cultural significance, the Devadaru tree plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Karimunjawa Islands. Its dense foliage provides shade and creates a home for various species of birds, insects, and mammals. Its deep roots, in turn, help prevent soil erosion and stabilize coastal areas, contributing to the overall health of the islands' ecosystems.

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Things to do in Karimunjawa Islands

Snorkeling and diving, walks through mangrove forests and rice terraces, jungle treks and trips to uninhabited islands – this amazing archipelago of pristine nature has it all.

Beach holidays

Tanjung Gelam, Sunset Beach, and Batu Topeng are the main beaches, where azure waters and enchanting Indonesian sunsets await. Bobby Beach is the perfect place to watch the sunrise. Some beaches offer water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, banana boat rides, and jet skis, while others offer a romantic and secluded atmosphere.

At night, you can see the magical glow of plankton on the beaches of Karimunjawa. However, this phenomenon is not constant, so it's best to check with locals or your hotelier about the best time and location to witness it.

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Snorkeling and diving

The clear waters of Karimunjawa are perfect for snorkelers and divers. Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, and spot barracudas, mackerel, pufferfish, cuttlefish, squid, octopuses, sea turtles, and other marine life. Shipwreck diving is a must-see on the Karimunjawa Islands.

Popular dive sites include Menjangan Besar, Gosong Cemara, Hawksbill Point, Sleeping Beauty, Indonor, and others. Each site offers unique underwater landscapes and rich marine biodiversity.

• Menjangan. A small island located south of Karimunjawa. The surrounding warm waters conceal a beautiful coral slope and a sunken wooden ship, resting at a depth of 27 to 8 meters below the surface.
• Indonor. Another dive site for wreck diving enthusiasts. Besides exploring the remains of a shipwreck sunk to a depth of approximately 16 meters, you can observe groupers, parrotfish, crocodilefish, and other marine life.
• Gosong Cemara - an atoll with a vibrant and beautiful coral slope, the maximum depth of which reaches 27 meters.

If you're a beginner, the Karimunjawa area has plenty of shallow reefs ideal for snorkeling.

Diving lessons are available on the islands. The Kura Kura resort, in particular, offers lessons and dives for both beginners and experienced divers, as well as children aged 8 and up. The approximate cost of a single shore dive is approximately $50.

Many resorts and guest houses organize snorkeling tours for their guests, as well as fishing trips and island hopping excursions.

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Island hopping

Embark on a journey to explore the islands that make up the Karimunjawa archipelago. Rent a boat or join a tour to visit uninhabited corners, pristine beaches, and secluded coves. Menjangan Kecil, Menjangan Besar, Cemara Kecil, Krakal, and Tanjung Gelam are just a few of the picturesque locations worth visiting.

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Fishing

Join local fishermen on a small fishing boat equipped with traditional fishing gear. Experience traditional fishing techniques and return your catch to the ocean or take it home for a barbecue dinner.

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Sunset Cruises

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Karimunjawa's sunsets with an evening cruise around the archipelago. Some hotels and operators offer sunset cruises with refreshments, allowing travelers to relax and fully enjoy the idyllic atmosphere.

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Cultural immersion

Experience the rich cultural heritage of Karimunjawa by visiting local villages with friendly islanders. Learn about traditional fishing techniques, sample local cuisine, and experience the warmth and hospitality. Don't miss cultural events and festivals featuring traditional music, dance, and ceremonies.

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Getting to Know the Turtles

Karimunjawa is home to several species of sea turtles, including the endangered green and hawksbill turtles. To protect them, a turtle center was established on Menjangan Besar Island. Eggs collected from nesting sites are transferred to incubators on the center's grounds, where they are protected from predators and other threats. After hatching, the hatchlings are released into the ocean, giving them a better chance of survival.

Relaxation and wellness

Relax and rejuvenate your body and soul in the serene setting of Karimunjawa. Indulge in spa treatments inspired by traditional Javanese healing practices, and relax by the pool or on the beach under the tropical sun. Many resorts and guesthouses offer yoga and meditation classes, providing a wonderful opportunity to find inner peace and harmony.

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Visiting the fish market

The fish market at Alun Alun Square, located in the center of Karimun Island, offers a wide selection of freshly caught seafood, both live and ready-to-eat. Here you'll find everything from various types of fish, squid, and shrimp to lobster. A variety of snacks and drinks, as well as local souvenirs, are also available at the market and in the surrounding area.

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Where to stay in Karimunjawa

Accommodation options in Karimunjawa range from rustic beach bungalows to comfortable resorts offering visitors an island-style experience. For example:

• Kura Kura Resort. A 4-star eco-resort with villas and cottages, an elegant restaurant with a varied menu, a pool and bars, and an on-site dive center.
• Breve Azurine. A boutique resort named after a small Javan bird. It offers rooms with sunrise views, fine dining, and a wide range of activities. Beach packages (excluding accommodation) are available , including access to the lagoon and pier, sun loungers and towels, kayaks, snorkeling equipment, showers, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments.
• Eco Casa Resort. An eco- resort located on the beach. The hotel features a bar, restaurant, and transport rental services.
• Happinezz Hills. A small hotel located on a picturesque hill. It offers cozy rooms, a swimming pool, a bar, and a restaurant serving Asian and Western cuisine. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. A variety of tours and excursions are organized for guests.
• Ayu Hotel Karimunjawa. An affordable hotel with well-maintained grounds and friendly service.

Kura Kura Resort

How to get to Karimunjawa

The archipelago can be reached by flying from Surabaya to Devandaru Airport on Kemujan Island. There are also regular ferry and speedboat services from the ports of Jepara and Kendal (near Semarang) to Karimunjawa.

To get around the islands of Karimunjawa and Kemujan, you can rent a car or scooter. Other islands can be reached by boat; check with your hotelier to see if this is possible.

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