karimunjawa snorkeling tour

Guest reviews

Snorkelling & island hopping (sharing tour)

An absolute must is to explore the islands and underwaterworld of the archipelago by boat. After we receive your booking request we will check for availability and send you a confirmation by e-mail.

About the tour

Not included, cancellation.

• Reviews (1)

An absolute must is to explore the islands of the archipelago by boat. Join our snorkelling & island hopping tour! Around 08.30 a.m. we depart from the harbour and will go to the first snorkelling spot. After looking for Nemo near the reefs we will go to the first island where you can enjoy the white beaches and blue ocean. While you are relaxing on the beach we will prepare lunch: barbecued fish with vegetables, rice and a fresh fruit salad. If you have special dietary requests, please let us know in advance!

After lunch we will continue the tour by going to the second snorkelling spot where you can see colourful corals and fishes. If you are lucky you may even find some turtles! After this we will go to the second island. You will have time to explore the island, take pictures, sunbathe or swim in the ocean. On the way back you can enjoy the vibrant sunset. After sunset we will head back to the harbour. During the entire tour we will take pictures with an underwater camera, you can download these after the tour.

We offer this tour both to the west and east side of Karimunjawa. The guide will decide on the schedule of the day based on the weather conditions. We can’t promise we will visit either the west or east side of the main island or visit any specific islands.

• Snorkelling equipment
• Underwater camera
• Transport to the harbour is not included
• Scooter parking fee at the harbor
• Money for personal expenses

To confirm your booking we need to receive the payment for the tour by 21.00 the evening before you go on the tour . You can pay this in cash, by bank transfer or  credit card at hotel The Happinezz Hills. In case you pay by credit card 2% transaction costs will be added to your bill.

• To cancel your booking and receive a full refund, you must send your request by 21.00 the evening before your booking. 
• If you want to cancel after 21.00, for any reason, we are unable to issue a refund.
• The tour will not be cancelled if it is raining. The underwater world of Karimunjawa is still beautiful in the rain. It is possible though we will leave one or two hours later once it has stopped raining. 
• If the weather is very bad and there are unsafe ocean conditions then the tour will be cancelled.. In the case of unsafe conditions/inclimate weather we will offer you a full refund.
• If you are not at the agreed location on time, the guide will wait for you for a maximum of 15 minutes. After 15 minutes the group will leave. If you miss the boat we are unable to offer a refund. In case of a delay please contact us as soon as possible.

1 review for Snorkelling & island hopping (sharing tour)

Loes – July 17, 2023

We booked a private snorkeling tour for our family. It was fantastic! The guide spoke good english and helped us during snorkeling. It was the first time for us. So special to see all the colourful fish and coral! The fish barbecue was also very tasty!

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Karimunjawa Island Beaches & Snorkeling 🥽

Nestled like a string of pearls in the Java Sea, Indonesia’s Karimunjawa Island is a tropical haven that promises sun-kissed shores, crystalline waters, and an underwater world teeming with vibrant marine life.

With its pristine beaches and exceptional snorkeling sites, Karimunjawa Island has emerged as an unmissable destination for travelers seeking a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. In this article, we will take you on a virtual journey through the island’s captivating beaches and snorkeling treasures, revealing why Karimunjawa should be at the top of your travel bucket list.

Karimunjawa island beaches

For many travelers, the big attraction of the small tropical islands of Indonesia are the beaches. After travelling through the urban cities of Semarang and Jepara in central Java to reach our destination, we were looking forward to spending 10 days relaxing on the white sands of Karimunjawa island.

Karimunjawa’s Best Beaches

For such a large island, there are surprisingly few good and easy-to-reach beaches on Karimunjawa.

The best, unblemished beaches can be found on the smaller islands to the west and the east. To visit these places, you need to arrange a day-tour with one of the local tour organisers, such as Jon at  SeaSky .

On Karimunjawa island itself, we found the 5 best beach areas worth visiting.

• On the far western point of the island you can find Tamjun Gelam  beach and  Batu Topeng  beach. As the sun dips below the horizon, Tanjung Gelam comes alive with a mesmerizing display of colors. This beach is renowned for its stunning sunsets, casting a warm glow over the surroundings. It’s a photographer’s delight and a romantic setting for couples.
• In the north of the island – past the airport – you can visit  Timo beach .
• On the eastern side of the island, north of the Breve Azurine , you can follow a jungle path for around 40 minutes to reach some very pleasant secluded beach areas.
• Aptly named, Paradise Beach lives up to its moniker with its powdery white sands and azure waters that seem to stretch into eternity. The beach offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, making it an ideal spot for lounging under swaying palm trees or indulging in leisurely strolls along the shoreline.
• Adventure enthusiasts will find their paradise at Ujung Gelam . on the western tip of the island.

For all of these beaches, you have to walk out quite a way into the sea before it’s deep enough to swim. You also have to watch out for the razor-sharp coral, black stone fish and spiky sea urchins.

Like something out of ‘Hellraiser’! You don’t want to be stepping on these…

In fact, many of Karimunjawa’s beaches are better suited for snorkeling than for swimming.

Don’t expect the Maldives on Karimunjawa island itself. A number of beaches we visited were not very clean, and we came across plenty of discarded plastics and refuse.

Some of Karimunjawa’s beaches won’t get you too excited…

Recommended Snorkeling Sites

Breve azurine.

On the eastern side of the island, the Breve Azurine resort has it’s own private beach, which is kept clean enough. If you’re prepared to pay their inflated room rates, you can relax on their beach and use their snorkeling equipment.

Unfortunately, the underwater lagoon here isn’t so interesting. It’s also quite difficult to find a break in the shallow reef ‘wall’ , leading out to the deeper water. As with the reef opposite the Waru Guesthouse , there are clusters of large sea urchins everywhere which can hamper your maneuverability under water.

Near the Waru Guesthouse

At the south of the island you can hire snorkeling equipment from the Waru Guesthouse   and explore their reef. They charged IDR 25,000  per person per day for mask and fins. You can also hire a  Go-Pro  camera from them if you’d like to take some underwater footage.

Here again there was nothing spectacular to see, but the underwater world is colourful enough. Snorkeling here is quite a pleasant way to stay cool and while away a few hours.

Waru beach doesn’t look promising, but is better seen from underwater

Menjangan Besar

Prepare to be spellbound as you dip beneath the surface of the Menjangan Besar waters. This snorkeling site boasts an awe-inspiring underwater world, showcasing vibrant coral reefs and a kaleidoscope of marine creatures. Keep an eye out for playful sea turtles and schools of exotic fish.

Cemara Kecil Island

If you’re seeking an off-the-beaten-path snorkeling experience, Cemara Kecil Island is your answer. The crystal-clear waters here allow for unparalleled visibility, and the coral formations seem almost otherworldly. It’s as if you’ve stepped into a hidden realm beneath the waves.

Gosong Cemara

For a unique twist to your snorkeling adventure, make your way to Gosong Cemara, a submerged sandbar that emerges during low tide. It’s a surreal experience, snorkeling over the shallow sandbar with the breathtaking drop-offs just a fin’s kick away.

Planning Your Karimunjawa Island Getaway

• Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to explore Karimunjawa Island is during the dry season from April to October. The weather is sunny and the sea is calm, perfect for beach lounging and snorkeling.
• Accommodation: From charming beachside bungalows to eco-friendly resorts, Karimunjawa offers a range of accommodation options to suit various budgets. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the peak travel months.
• Local Cuisine: Don’t miss the opportunity to savor authentic Indonesian flavors. Fresh seafood delicacies, aromatic rice dishes, and tropical fruits are staples of the local cuisine.

Whether you’re a sun seeker, an avid snorkeler, or simply someone in search of a serene tropical escape, this Indonesian gem caters to all. The island’s blend of natural beauty and underwater wonders make it an unforgettable destination that promises to rejuvenate your senses and create lasting memories.

Plan your journey to Karimunjawa today and embark on an adventure that combines relaxation and exploration in a way that only paradise can offer.

If you enjoyed Karimunjawa Island Beaches & Snorkeling , check out our Central Java Travel Plan . You may also like:

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Karimunjawa Islands Travel Guide | How to go to Karimunjawa

Karimunjawa islands travel guide.

Karimunjawa islands travel guide – Karimunjawa or is usually called Karimun Java , is islands in Java Sea that included in Jepara regency. It is the home for coral reef, mangrove forest, beach forest, and also 400 species of sea fauna. This island has been established by the government as a National Park. There are some extinct animals which are treated in special way such as hawksbill, green turtle, and white chest albatross. Karimunjawa is also a home for a unique plant called Dewadaru. It becomes the icon of the island and has other name such as Ceylon Ironwood and Indian Rose Chestnut.

Read : Java Travel Guide

Karimunjawa Island Travel Map

Karimunjawa Travel Map

Where is Karimunjawa Islands?

Located northeast of Semarang or north Jepara regency, Central Java. People need to go by boat to cross the sea and arrive in Karimunjawa.

Things to Do in Karimunjawa Islands

Several Karimunjawa things to do can be seen below:

1. Snorkeling 

For you who like water activities, going to Karimunjawa is a good choice. You can satisfy your hobby such as snorkeling. The islands have a good coral and marine life. Some places best for snorkeling are:

• Cilik island
• Gosong Cemara island
• Menjangan Kecil Island
• Tanjung Gelam

2. Island hopping

Island hopping is a must activity here. If it not for this one activity, then why should go to Karimunjawa, right? There are some of the favorite island and the one who is secluded, good for snorkeling, having barbeque party, or just relax in its seashore. Some of them are:

• Cemara Besar and Cemara Kecil island
• Menjangan Besar and Menjangan Kecil Island
• Geleang Island
• Karimunjawa
• Tengah island

3. Sea Shark Conservatory at Menjangan Besar Island

One pool with sharks? If you dare to try it, the Shark Conservatory at Menjangan Besar Island is for you. You can make friends with shark in the pool while relaxing your body. Although, it is best to stay calm (not touching the sharks) and let the experts guide you.

It is another water activity in Karimunjawa. Diving is perfect to do in:

• Cemara Kecil Island
• Menjangan Island
• Tanjung Gelam Island
• Tengah Island
• Cilik Island

Explore the shipwreck by diving also in Kemujan island.

5. Visit Tiny Sand Islands

The Gosongs (sand islands that only come up when the sea tide low) are something you should experience here. You can go by boat to reach it. Walk around the little island made of white sand, dip your feet in the water, and the last take photos.

6. Watching Sunset and Sunrise in The Best Beach

If you wonder can you admire the beauty of Karimunjawa sunset or sunrise, and where can do it, actually almost all spot supporting you for that. But the two most popular is in Ujung Gelam Beach and Bukit Cinta Hills.

7. Mangrove Trekking

The last but not least is exploring the mangrove jungle. Karimunjawa has mangrove forest as the habitat for many unique flora and fauna. Do the trekking and if you have the chance, chase the sunset with all beautiful green and warm tone that can be catch from above the hill.

How to get to Karimunjawa Islands

Now you can have imagined what kind of holiday you can get in Karimunjawa . But, how to get to Karimunjawa?  There are few options to go to Karimunjawa island in Central Java. You can start either from Semarang or Jepara.

Other flights to Karimunjawa is also provided. Airfast Indonesia provides flight from Surabaya to Karimunjawa. The ticket price is between 300.000 – 400.000 rupiahs. The flight schedule is Tuesday and Thursday at 12.25 a.m. That is the best way from Surabaya to Karimunjawa. But if you are from Bali you can still go to Karimunjawa by using airline in I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and go to Achmad Yani International Airport in Semarang first. Bali to Karimunjawa cannot be taken directly, so you need to transit in Semarang and then continues to go to Semarang Port, Tanjung Mas. In Tanjung Mas you can use ferry boats to cross to Karimunjawa.

Flights to Karimunjawa from Semarang operate by Wings Air from Lion Air Group with flight schedule below:

• Semarang Airport 11.20 – Karimunjawa Airport 11.50 (30 minute flight)
• Karimunjawa Airport 12.10 – Semarang Airport 12.40 (30 minute flight)

Ferry slow boat Karimunjawa from Jepara (Kartini Harbour) operate by indonesiaferry (6 hours)

• Route Jepara Karimunjawa Monday, Wednesday and Saturday leaving at 7 am Friday leaving at 6.30 am
• Route Karimunjawa Jepara Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday leaving at 7 am Friday 1 pm

Fast boat Karimunjawa from Jepara (Kartini Harbour) operate by Express Bahari (1 hours 45 minutes)

• Route Jepara Karimunjawa Monday, Tuesday, Friday leaving at 9 am Saturday leaving at 10 am
• Route Karimunjawa Jepara Saturday leaving at 7 am Wednesday, Sunday leaving at 11.00 am Monday leaving at 12 pm

Fast boat from Semarang (Tanjung Mas Harbour) operate by Express Bahari (3 hours)

• Route Semarang Karimunjawa Friday leaving at 8.30 am
• Route Karimunjawa Semarang Sunday leaving at 1 pm

Karimunjawa From Singapore

If you are travelling from Singapore you may catch flight to Semarang airport then continue by boat to Karimunjawa Island.

Karimunjawa Boat Express Bahari

Nearby Attractions

Semarang – the capitol of Central Java province. Offers some heritage building and old town.

Borobudur Temple – the biggest budhist temple in Indonesia located in Magelang, Central Java.

Yogyakarta – Lots of attractions in this heart of java, famous for culture, art, nature and temples.

Dieng Plateau – the highest hindu temple in Java, beautiful panorama surroundings, plantations and crater.

Bromo – the best sunrise view in the world. Located in East Java, Mount bromo is the most popular tourist destination.

Travel Yogyakarta to Jepara

We provide travel from Yogyakarta to Jepara leaving everyday. And also return, Jepara to Yogyakarta. For you who would like to go Karimunjawa Island, feel free to contact us for more information about boat schedule to Karimunjawa and the newest price.

Reservation Hotline: +62274520545 Mobile : +628112637768 or +6285878686610 Reservation Email: [email protected] Reservation Hours: Monday – Friday: 08.00 – 17.00 hrs – Saturday: 08.00 – 14.00

Top Karimunjawa Islands Trip Deals

Karimunjawa regular, 3 days 2 nights.

Karimunjawa Regular Trip 3 Days 2 Nights, Snorkeling & Island hopping.

KARIMUNJAWA CLASSIC

4 days 3 nights.

Karimunjawa Island Classic Tour 4 Days 3 Nights, Snorkeling & Island hopping.

KARIMUNJAWA ADVENTURE

Karimunjawa Island Adventure Tour 4 Days 3 Nights, Snorkeling & Island hopping.

KARIMUNJAWA BROMO TOUR

6 days 5 nights.

Visiting Karimunjawa Island National Park and the splendid Mount Bromo Tour.

Read also :

• Central Java Tour Package
• Yogyakarta Tour Package
• Karimunjawa Travel Guide | How to go to Karimunjawa
• Karimunjawa Complete Tour ( Best Seller )

Accomodation in Karimunjawa

Diving in karimunjawa, accommodation in karimunjawa.

There are many good qualities Karimunjawa accomodation such as hotels and resorts in the islands that make your trip more comfortable. You can choose starting from the cheapest until the best resort which availaible there. Though some hotels centered around the port, others may be spread to other area and islands. Some even are expensive resorts located in private island.

Karimunjawa Hotels

We can give you some of the best and favorite Karimunjawa hotels. But, surely, we are open to your choices about where to stay if that’s what you want.

• Asri Karimunjawa
• The Happinezz Karimunjawa

Karimunjawa Resort

If you have more budget for your trip, you can try to stay at Karimunjawa resort . They are:

• Breeve Azurine Lagoon
• Kura-Kura Resort
• Menjangan Kecil Resort
• Karimun Lumbung.

The resorts and hotels recommended are usually have facilities such as meals, wifi, hammock, snorkeling or diving spot, and located near Karimunjawa top attractions or in the seashore. Some even in a private island.

You can use Pamitran Tours services to get the best facilities and good price too. We can also help you to design a nice holiday in Karimunjawa which we put into Karimunjawa Tour Package 4 days 3 nights and Karimunjawa Tour Package 3 days 2 nights . To see all the prices you can check at our website. You can find the example itinerary karimunjawa 3D2N

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Other Destination in Java Island

• Central Java Tour
• East Java Tour
• Yogyakarta Tour
• West Java Tour

Location and Diving Spot in Karimunjawa

With a population of about 10,000, Karimunjawa islands is the best choice to spend a holiday in solitude. The two main islands, Karimunjawa and Kemujan, are located side by side and are the largest island cluster compare to the other.

Check also : Diving in Raja Ampat

Except for the wonderful tourist destinations situated in some islands, Karimunjawa diving spots are another famous thing among the tourists. There are five most popular spot to dive. The first most famous diving spot is Menjangan Kecil, in which if you are lucky enough you can meet turtle and stingray. In this island you can also go to shark breeding and play with them. The second spot is Cemara island which has beautiful coral reef under the water. Next is Cilik island. It has the big and healthiest coral reef in Karimunjawa islands. The underwater scenery is also still beautiful and that is why tourist usually goes here. Other two islands that are usually used to dive are Tengah island and Tanjung Gelam.

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Pamitran Tours is local agent in Indonesia which provides unique tour programs like trekking, culture, nature, city tour, etc to Indonesia Tours and tour packages to Bali, Java, Flores, Raja Ampat, Lombok, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi. We also serves ticketing, hotel reservation, car and motorbike rental, bus hire in Indonesia.

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Karimunjawa Islands, one of the best islands in Indonesia

Karimunjawa Islands are definitely one of the most beautiful islands we have seen in Indonesia.

These little blissful islands are a vision of the tropics. Perfect white-sand beaches with turquoise water which will hurt your eyes. This amazing hidden gem of Indonesia is definitely a “must” destination to visit. It takes an effort to get there as it’s not a very known destination (not yet) but definitely worth it.

Table of Contents

As you probably noticed as well, many places are getting crowded and touristy. That’s why we try to look for places which are not commonly known and not many people heard of. If you think that those places do not exist anymore, you will be surprised. There are still many left. And, the Karimunjawa Islands are one of them.

READ MORE: 2 PERFECT WEEK ITINERARY FOR INDONESIA including Karimunjawa Islands.

Before we get started though we want to bring your attention to the use of sunscreen and how most available products threaten marine life all over the world. The problems are caused by the artifical ingredients and chemicals used in conventional sun screen that run off into the water. Furthermore, what is bad for the ocean can’t be good for us. Raw Elements tries to tackle those issues with products that are based on certified natural and organic ingredients. Make sure to use our code GIGI10 to get 10% off.

WHERE ARE THE KARIMUNJAWA ISLANDS?

The Karimunjawa Islands are a group of 27 tropical islands in the Java Sea incorporated into the District of Jepara in Indonesia. It is located 80 km north of the city Jepara in Central Java. The islands’ name means “a stone’s throw” in Javanese. It is for sure not a stone’s throw away from the mainland.

WHEN TO VISIT THE KARIMUNJAWA ISLANDS?

The best time to visit the islands is during the dry season , generally speaking from April to October.

WHY VISIT THE KARIMUNJAWA ISLANDS?

If you love to escape the typical touristic places and try to look for a quiet destination, then Karimunjawa is perfect (for now). The best thing about the Karimnujawa Islands is that they are still not very known among travelers. For instance, Lonely Planet just recently started to mention them at all.

HOW TO GET TO THE KARIMUNJAWA ISLANDS?

Getting to Karimunjawa is not that easy. In fact, it took us ages. It was also very confusing to figure out the best and at the same time the cheapest way. We stayed in Yogyakarta which I really recommend visiting. The two temples Prambanan and Borobudur are really worth seeing.

From Yogyakarta, you have to get to the harbor city called Jepara. In Java, distances are usually short if one checks for kilometers only. However, the time it will take in the end is more or less like traveling to the moon. So, when you check Google Maps, it is a casual 200 kilometers. Unfortunately, Indonesian streets and especially Javanese streets are helplessly overcrowded and chaotic.

TAKE A MINIBUS TO THE HARBOUR

A Bus/Mini Bus ride will take anywhere between 5-8 hours from Yogyakarta to Jepara. A private taxi to Jepara is way too much, so we were looking for a travel agency that organizes night shuttle buses to Jepara. Usually, they pick you up at a meeting point or your accommodation at 11 PM and you will drive through the night to catch a ferry or boat to Karimunjawa in the early morning. Our minibus was almost 90 min late (we were close to believing no one will ever come), very small and not very comfortable. At least there was air-conditioning cooling the bus down to a very “pleasant” 10 degrees Celsius. The ride is also incredibly bumpy. Remember my experience on the boat to the Gili Islands ? Peanuts in comparison.

OUR ADVICE: Try to avoid sitting at the back of the shuttle bus. Our bus had a very long wheelbase and the roads are not great neither. So every time we hit a hole I really thought we had an accident. Unfortunately, I didn’t get much of sleep neither. I even had to take a motion sickness pill, as it felt like I am on a roller coaster to hell.

CHECK THE BOAT SCHEDULE

We arrived at “lovely” Jepara around 4.30 AM. “Lovely” because Jepara is not. There are two types of boats to choose from in order to get to Karimunjawa from Jepara. Speed boat or ferry. And there are many things to take into account. Depending on your travel agency, on the day you plan to go and also on your budget.

IMPORTANT: Every day there is a different schedule for the boats to Karimunjawa. You can check it here. There are days where the speed boat doesn’t even go. On Thursday, there is no boat at all 😀 So, book your hotel accordingly.

The link is provided by Ayu Hotel on Karimunjawa. When in doubt contact your accommodation for boat schedules. Moreover, you will need to check the wave forecast to make sure that there are boats going. Thus, if there is any red color between Java and Karimunjawa no boat will go.

For some reason, it is very hard to get tickets for the speed boat, especially for the return trip. It seems that the company sells most tickets to agents and tour guides in Jepara. So it is very likely that you will need to take the ferry very early in the morning and no speedboat at 11.00 AM. But, don’t worry. We had a really good experience taking the ferry, in fact, it was the best part of our journey to the Karimunjawa islands. Just get a VIP ticket and you are good to go.

READ MORE: The best Komodo tour in Flores, Indonesia: visit Padar Island, secret pink beach and komodo dragons

HOW MUCH WILL THE BOAT COST YOU

The speed boat costs about 150.000 Rp (10 EUR) one way and takes about 2 hours. The ferry is 50.000 Rp and it takes usually 4.5 hours. However, the queue for the tickets is very long. And that is why a travel agent or the minibus driver will wait in the line for you. Usually, they will charge a little tip (around 20.000 Rp). We decided to get VIP ferry tickets which I highly recommend. A VIP seat costs only 25.000 Rp (ca. 1,50€) extra and will make a huge difference. Coming to Jepara without any sleep, completely destroyed and frozen the boat ride was like a visit to a Spa. The VIP seats are very comfortable, and I slept almost the entire way. The room is also reasonably air-conditioned and does not feel like a butcher’s chamber to keep meat fresh. The common area doesn’t have any Aircon and the seats are very uncomfortable. It is also usually completely overcrowded and super loud.

After 12 hours we arrived at Karimunjawa Islands. Honestly speaking, I was thinking: Karimunjawa, you better be good, because it took forever to get here.

VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW

If the ferry leaves at 7 AM it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will. It can leave earlier. You need to be at the harbour at the latest at 6.00 AM because the boat will leave once it is full. Both times our boat left at 6.30 instead of 7 AM.

WHAT TO DO ON KARIMUNJAWA ISLANDS?

Karimunjawa is an ultimate paradise and you can find one of the most beautiful beaches in Indonesia . Go for a snorkeling trip around Karimunjawa, grill your own fish, enjoy beautiful sunsets, rent a scooter and drive around. There is so much to do. I am sure you will find your piece of paradise.

READ MORE: THE BEST BEACHES OF SOUTHEAST ASIA

SNORKELING AND ISLAND HOPPING DAY TRIP WITH SUNSET IN KARIMUNJAWA ISLANDS

Our hosts from Ayu Hotel organized an awesome snorkeling trip for us. This trip was my absolute highlight on Karimunjawa. The snorkeling tour started at 9.00 AM and we came home after sunset, around 6.30 PM. We were on the boat with only one other couple, so we had plenty of room and paid 220.000 Rp.

The trip was amazing. Island hopping around Karimunjawa Islands is truly a breathtaking experience. The water changes colors constantly, so we could admire many shades of blue. At first, we drove for some time until we reached our first snorkeling stop and beautiful coral reefs. We saw a few clownfish, turtles and of course a huge variety of tropical fish.

After that, we drove for another 45 minutes and we arrived at a deserted island where our captain caught a few fish with a harpoon. That was our lunch. 

GLEYANG ISLAND

We continued for about 5 minutes and reached GLEYANG ISLAND where we spent around 2 hours.

THIS PLACE WAS SURREAL. The water was incredible. Fine white sand and amazing turquoise water left us breathless. I just couldn’t believe it. Also, the swing in the turquoise water kept me busy for some time. Well, I had to make some classy swing pictures 😀 After, we just lied in the shallow heavenly blue water. Seeing this island, I peacefully said: “Well, those 12 hours of terrible ride were definitely WORTH IT.”

Here our captain grilled fish. Served with rice, vegetables and as dessert, we got fresh fruits. I was really sad to leave this place. When the captain said that we have to return. I screamed. “Noooooo, just leave us here” 😀

READ MORE: The best beaches on Bali (with a map)

On the way back to the main island we watched a beautiful sunset on the boat. I really love those sunset moments. I felt so lucky to experience it. With every sunset, I reflect on my day and the best thing is that there is always a new day after.

READ MORE: Bali to Gili Islands: How you can easily get to Gilis

SPEND TIME ON UJUNG GELAM BEACH

The next day, our host recommended us to go to a beach called Ujung Gelam . He said that this is the prettiest and the best beach on the main island . We rented a scooter (70.000 Rp) and we went to check it out. He was absolutely correct.

Don’t travel without insurance! If you are still searching for travel insurance , check out World Nomads to get a quote and be covered in case you run into medical troubles.

An incredible place. Because we left early in the morning, we were alone there. On the left side of the beach, there is a little bay and this is where we spent the whole day. We were completely alone, surrounded by palms and rocks . We enjoyed this place so much that we even came back the next day.

Warm water and beautiful turquoise water with incredible surroundings will make you come again. As we came in the morning, the water was very beautiful. However, in the afternoon, around 3 PM, more and more locals and tourists from Java come to the beach.

Our advice: Come there as early as you can. Also. when we were driving there was no one on the road. We even drove around the coast for 2 hours to explore more beaches but we didn’t like it that much except of one other beach. So stick to Ujung Gelam Beach, you won’t regret it.

 DRIVE AROUND THE MAIN ISLAND

We highly recommend to just drive around main island and stop wherever you like for fantastic views. We also came back here for the sunset as we liked the view a lot.

SEE MORE: Would you like to visit a secret pink beach in Indonesia? Then check our blog post on how to find it.

GETTING BACK FROM THE KARIMUNJAWA ISLANDS

Getting back from Karimunjawa was also a very confusing trip . We actually wanted to go back with a speed boat and the travel agency told us that we have to get tickets back once we are in Karimunjawa Islands.

However, on the first day, we went to the ticket office and we just couldn’t get them. The answer was: “The boat is full ” and yet: “The boat tickets for the speed boat are being sold a night before the speed boat departs.” So the boat is full but the tickets are being sold a night before? Didn’t make any sense but okay. So we went there 1 day before at 07.30 PM. Waiting, waiting, waiting… Nothing. The office is closed. After waiting for 30 minutes one person asked if they can let us know when they will open the ticket office and how long we should wait. And the answer: “No, there is no point in opening the ticket office because there are no tickets left for the speed boat “:D OKAY, Thanks? Several people waited for nothing and the person in the ticket office couldn’t be bothered to let us know a bit earlier.

ASK YOUR HOST TO HELP YOU TO GET FERRY TICKETS

Finally, our hosts got us ferry tickets, so we didn’t have to wait in the queue. The next day we left at 6.30 AM to Jepara. The boat ride was so nice, we were the only Europeans in the VIP room, so a lot of staring eyes. Eventually, a few locals came to us and started to talk to us. They were truly lovely people, always curious and admiring that we are so tall and fascinated by our noses 😀 at least that is what they said.

In Jepara, we somehow found our shuttle bus back to Yogyakarta. The funny thing was that there were more people than seats . We had to tell the lady from the travel agency that we cannot possibly fit in, so they were forced to organize another car. The drive was endless. Driving during the day is even worse than at night, it took us 7 hours. 200 km, 7 hours. We came home and we were completely done. But, still, I am very happy that we went to the Karimunjawa islands.

CHECK OUR 2 WEEKS ULTIMATE INDONESIA ITINERARY

ALTERNATIVE AND (POSSIBLY) EASIER ROUTE TO KARIMUNJAWA ISLANDS

Get to Semarang where you can also take a speed boat or ferry to Karimunjawa . Like this, you can avoid traveling at night with a terrible minibus. An even more comfortable way is to fly from Surabaya to Karimunjawa. Airfast Indonesia is the airline that does it. Prices are even cheap: around 350.000 Rp/person. However, flights also depend on the weather.

IMPORTANT: There is no online booking possible and there are only 9 seats on the plane. The tickets can be only purchased directly at the airport in Surabaya. Also you have to consider that the Airport in Karimunjawa is around 22km away from most accommodations. Furthermore, there are no taxis to pick you up. A one-way ride in a private car should cost around 400.000 Rp. Bit rough.

WHERE TO STAY ON THE KARIMUNJAWA ISLANDS

Stay in ayu hotel.

I chose this place as it was mentioned in Trip Advisor with the highest ranking. And with a happy smile, I can say that the ranking is definitely justified. Eryl and Marco are amazing hosts and made our stay in Karimunjawa even more enjoyable. They were very attentive and caring. They have several cute huts which are very spacious and nicely designed. I really loved the bathroom which had no roof. So showering and looking at the palms kept me there for a long time.

The tasty breakfast every morning boosted our energy even more. Every morning we had a different breakfast (different types of pancakes, omelets, fruits, etc). Further, people who worked there are very kind, lovely and customer oriented. Marco and Eryl also organized for us an unforgettable snorkeling tour for us and you can also rent a scooter at the property (70.000 Rp). All in all, I highly recommend this place and I would stay there again.

Have fun on the Karimunjawa Islands 🙂

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About The Authors

Since I was little I always wanted to see the world. Travel to new places, get to know new cultures, see how other people live. I love beaches and I love discovering tropical destinations. That is why, together with my partner Nico, we created this blog to share with you the most beautiful beaches and stunning holiday destinations which we visited during our travels.

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18 Comments

Really like the detail in your description! This trip is definitely off-grid! Love the serenity of the beaches. Would like to know what the food was like.

Hello 🙂 Thank you so much for your comment. You can find some nice local restaurants on the main island with great prices and also places with western food, which are little bit pricey.

Wow, it really is a ton of work to get there! Thanks for all the detail!!

Hi Jessica,

thank you for your positive feedback!

This looks absolutely beautiful! Will definitely have to look into it more!

thank you. It was really a pleasant surprise. If you have any questions let me know.

Amazingly thorough article. The place sounds awesome and right up our street away from the tourist crowds.

Thank you very much for lovely feedback 🙂 Exactly, not so many tourists 🙂

Thanks for the terrific article

Thank you for your lovely comment, I am so happy you enjoyed the article 🙂

This is really useful, thanks.

Brilliant absolutely fantastic got loads if information thank you so much

Thanks! Glad that you liked it.

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Hi guys, me and Eryl are just sitting here an have a good read and beautiful memories come back, from the time you stayed with us at Ayu. First of all we hope you are all healthy. It has been crazy times this year. Karimujawa was completely shut down from 17 March until the end of October 2020. In a way that was also good for the nature and of course we had much more time for gardening, go fishing or snorkeling, and we even build a small little wooden canoe ourself. What can you do, when stuck in the Paradies? We want to send our best wishes to you, also Merry Christmas, even it absolutely not feels like Christmas here, at the end of November with 30 degrees outside, at ten at night. Enjoy your life, find some more beautiful beaches around the world, and maybe one day come back to us in Karimunjawa. In Love, Marco & Eryl

I am happy to tell that my wife and I are visiting Karmunjawa 19-07-2022 voor 10 day’s We are really looking forward to it

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Things to do on Karimunjawa Island, Java – Guide & Itinerary

Karimunjawa Island was, I suppose, the fun beachy section of my 16-day trip to Java (aka my favourite place in Southeast Asia). Although Karimunjawa Island is a hassle to get to – it’s a 2-hour boat journey from a city on the north coast of Central Java which is devoid of tourism – those who make an effort will be rewarded with pristine tropical beaches, a fun environment, unspoilt by over-tourism, and the friendliest locals you’ll ever encounter.

Please note that this blog post most likely contains affiliate links to products or services I use and love! If you click on the links, it means I get a little extra pocket money at no additional cost to you. This is what keeps my website ticking over – thank you!

Table of Contents

Where is Karimunjawa Island?

Here it is. Isn’t it cute? Karimunjawa is a 2-4 boat journey North of central Java with Borneo to the Northeast.

Why visit Karimunjawa Island?

The main reason to visit Karimunjawa is, essentially, the exact reason why most people HAVEN’T visited yet – it’s pretty hard to get to. So whilst you might have a headache on your way over, once you’re there, it’s going to be a hell of a lot quieter than similar islands off Thailand or Bali, for example. It’s a must-do for people who want a more raw island experience.

Despite the population only being around 9000, we were heavily outnumbered by locals – I kept spotting the same tourists over and over (in a lovely way, we’d spot each other and say hi). It felt as if there couldn’t be more than 50 Western tourists total, though there surely were more hiding elsewhere. It had a great vibe and was fun to explore a place where you have no idea what’s around each corner.

When to visit Karimunjawa Island?

Check the Indonesian holidays – Karimunjawa mostly has local tourism so it will be lot busier if your trip coincides with a Javanese holiday. I left on the Friday before a holiday and could see it felt A LOT more crowded the evening before I left. (Though the timing was great because there were so few tourists during my trip – everyone waited to arrive on their holiday!) I went in April and enjoyed near-perfect weather – though we did have a thunderstorm for an hour on a snorkelling trip while we were on a tiny fisherman’s boat and got drenched. All adds to the adventure though, right? April – October is generally thought to have the best weather.

How to get to Karimunjawa Island?

Karimunjawa is admittedly a hassle to get to. For boat schedules and how to book tickets, you can see my dedicated blog post on how to get to Karimunjawa. I have also included onwards journey information for Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Malang and Bromo.

How to get to and from Karimunjawa, Java’s Paradise Island

Karimunjawa Island Itinerary / Things to Do

First I’ll give you my suggested 3-day itinerary, based on the best things to do in Karimunjawa. Afterwards, I’ll give you a list of alternative activities and costs so you can make it suit you!

3 DAY ITINERARY

Day one – go snorkelling and island hopping.

This has to be one of the best things to do on Karimunjawa Island!

I paid 200K IDR  (20 AUD, 11.25 GBP, 4.16 USD)  for my snorkelling trip – that cost is for 3 snorkel locations, lunch and also island hopping. You will stop at at least 2 tiny uninhabited tropical islands – one on which they will make a fire and cook lunch for you. (I’m veggie and the vegan option was more than enough for me – they let me serve myself first since I wasn’t having the freshly caught fish, which I really appreciated as usually, people don’t think of that!)

Our trip began at 8am and we met at my hostel Bodhi Tree (a few minutes walk to the port). It ended at 17:30 and we saw the sunset from the boat as we approached the main island. Although this is more expensive than some snorkelling trips in SE Asia, bear in mind this includes hopping onto abandoned pristine islands in the middle of the sea and, if you make sure you avoid Javanese holidays (most of the tourists on Karimunjawa are locals) you might well be the only boat you see all day. The exact islands you hop to will depend on the weather. 🙂

Packing List for Thailand, Bali and Southeast Asia

SATU DUNIA – RECOMMENDED TOUR COMPANY – ECO-FRIENDLY

I have no doubt that all the companies will be super friendly on Karimunjawa Island, but I rated Satu Dunia for being eco-conscious. They brought bin bags on the trip so we could collect rubbish from the tiny islands if we wished – impressively quite a few of us got stuck in.

It was depressing to see the number of plastic straws, bottles, makeup containers and lotions, food wrapping such as instant noodle packets… and STYROFOAM that was broken up and littered everywhere making it impossible to collect. I certainly will never get close to buying another packed in styrofoam again. The locals also reminded everyone not to touch the coral or go to close to the sea animals, which is rare at other places I’ve been to. Please don’t chase turtles guys.

HIKING IJEN AT SUNRISE – Travel advice for seeing a natural phenomenon – East Java

DAY TWO – EXPLORE THE KARIMUNJAWA ISLAND BY SCOOTER

The cost to rent a scooter was  50K IDR  (5 AUD, 2 GBP, 3.58 USD) for 6 hours – so cheap between two people! It will cost 75K IDR for a full day.

Head to Bukit Love Hill Viewpoint

Cost: 10k for 3 three entries (1 AUD, 0.56 GBP, 0.71 USD) , so you can go back for sunrise or sunset! I highly recommend it for sunset – you should be okay to see it at most times of year since you get an amazing panoramic view from the top!

2. Head to the Northern Beaches

If exploring on your scooter, it’s a good excuse to head to the north and check out the beaches on the NW coast. Ask for a map (or use this one shoddily photographed here) and head up to Batu Lawang Beach – there are actually two or three beaches in this area. See the one I ended up at photographed here – me and the lovely Dutch girl I met were the only people there!

3. Scoot around the palm trees and mountains

Just driving around was super fun! I enjoyed it in the late afternoon when the sun was hanging low and so pretty! Perfection.

IF YOU’RE A SOLO TRAVELLER AND CAN’T DRIVE A SCOOTER (like me, though I was lucky enough to meet a Dutch girl who drove me around!)

• you can walk to Bukit Love viewpoint, though go early as it gets hot. People were so friendly and with any luck, someone will take you on their back. Speak to your accommodation about things to do or head to Bodhi Tree Hostel to hang out as the locals and tourists there are so friendly) to see if anyone can help you out or has room for a passenger!
• Feeling introverted ? I get that. Stay in the main town and you’ll have no issues booking on to trekking with a guide or going on a snorkelling trip (the port is a few minutes walk from the main town). If you’re shy, I recommend doing snorkelling FIRST as you’ll automatically end up meeting a group of other travellers.

DAY THREE – KARIMUNJAWA’S BEST BEACHES

Whilst I’m all usually all about exploring, it seems mad to come to beach heaven and not check them out! I get bored on beaches easily, so downloaded a few articles to read and went around lunchtime so I could enjoy the view with some veggie rice.

Whilst there are many beaches to choose from and you can’t really go wrong, the Western beaches are a great place to spend an afternoon. They have names like Pokemon Beach and Barakuda Beach. Ask your accommodation to recommend a great beach as I reckon it changes a lot depending on the season and how busy it is.

Cost for the Eastern beach I visited was 5K IDR – all other beaches I visited on Karimunjawa Island had no charge.

BEST SUNSET SPOT?

No Karimunjawa Island itinerary would be complete without the addition of an amazing sunset.

Pantai Ulung Gelam (where the below photos were taken) or Pantai Batu Topeng – they’re right next to each other. Check with your accommodation the best spot for sunset depending on the month you visit! (When I visited, I went in April and was treated to this amazing sunset. Absolutely incredible. I also loved my sunset at Bukit Love Hill (see above) but this one was definitely the best sunset on Karimunjawa!

How to take great travel photos of yourself – solo travel series

OTHER ACTIVITIES 

More things to do on Karimunjawa Island include:

DIVING : Diving costs usually 1 MIL IDR for two dives. 0830am till sunset (so presumably also includes island hopping with lunch). I didn’t dive on Karimunjawa as it was a minimum of two people and there simply weren’t enough tourists. Snorkelling was great fun though.

CAMPING OVERNIGHT ON A TINY ISLAND: Contact a tour company directly if you want to set up a private meal or, if you’re feeling adventurous, want to set up an overnight camping stay on a tiny island.

TREKKING: An 0830 to 1400 trekking trip with a guide will cost around 200K – 300K IDR depending on how many people there are (that’s 300K if it’s just you). Just make sure you take plenty of sunblock, snacks and your reusable water bottle!

HAMMOCKS can be rented for about 25K IDR a day. You can also do more extensive island hopping tours or go on a traditional fishing trip, which I didn’t look into as I am vegetarian.

Avoid shark-related activities where I believe they feed sharks to draw them in so tourists can interact with them and take photos. (I didn’t actually see this as an option where I stayed, but have heard it’s offered in the more expensive accommodations and those catering to local tourists). This is highly suspected to have a very negative impact on the local ecosystem alongside the animals’ well-being. Always be cautious when it comes to animal tourism.

WHERE TO EAT ON KARIMUNJAWA ISLAND?

Karimunjawa town has plenty of warungs to choose from, which are usually my preference (pass the sambal!), but if you’re craving some Western comfort food or a good honest veggie burger Eat & Meet is easy to find in the main town. Yes, it’s pricier, but sometimes you gotta give your stomach what it’s craving!

Meal at Meet and Eat – 50-80K IDR

Huge pancakes and cheap Western meals – 25K IDR

Warungs – usually 20 – 30K IDR depending on your option – are all pretty similar, so I don’t have a specific recommendation.

Can of coke from a shop on a hot scooter day – 12K IDR

Beer – Small 30k, Large 55k – – Amore cafe is pretty basic but has lovely harbour views to enjoy an evening Bintang. I don’t recommend buying beer on the beach – it’s very costly.

Night market – cheap food and comes highly recommended. I didn’t go as I don’t eat fish so not a huge help here.

TUMPAK SEWU FULL GUIDE – 3 waterfalls day trip, trekking info, how to get there, costs and solo travel advice – East Java

THE BEST HOSTEL I HAVE EVER BEEN TO

Bodhi Tree Hostel is an amazing place to stay on Karimunjawa Island. 

As an introverted solo traveller, I have pretty much never found a hostel with the right balance of interaction and, y’know, actually being quiet at night! The interesting locals chatted with me as soon as they realised I was solo, and I met another solo traveller instantly who was super chill and lovely. In the evenings, it was a chilled place to hang with other travellers of all ages (no one was getting wasted, just having a drink together and playing cards etc.) And – a rare treat – it was actually quiet between 10-11am. I could sleep! Yay.

And you can book snorkelling tours/scooters/boat tickets here too. Karimunjawa accommodations seem to be rated pretty highly, so you should be fine getting somewhere good, whatever your budget.

Where to stay in Karimunjawa?

Hostel: As mentioned before, I stayed in Bodhi Tree Hostel and absolutely loved it. With a restaurant, cute interior, and super friendly staff who will book island tours for you, it’s the best hostel I ever stayed in. Despite being so popular, it was quiet at night, too! Dorms from $5pn, private rooms from $16pn.

Hotel: Ayu Hotel Karimunjawa has absolutely gorgeous, air-conditioned rooms with garden views and a blend of Javanese and modern designs. Tours can be booked onsite. From $35pn.

Unique: For budget-friendly floating bungalows, Karimunjawa gives you the opportunity to live in luxury without the expense of the Maldives. Stay at the solar-powered Floating Paradise , overlooking the ocean and mountains from your terrace. Kayak from the pier or book tours and transport with your friendly hosts. From $72pn including breakfast and dinner.

PLASTIC ON KARIMUNJAWA

Tour companies like Satu Dunia (mentioned above) are already clocking onto the growing plastic problem on Karimunjawa. Whilst some have undoubtedly washed up on the island from elsewhere, another issue is disposing of rubbish on the island itself. Be sure not to make the problem worse and recycle accordingly or eat out overusing packaged goods (since it’s so cheap). And always bring reusable water bottles.

Find an enormous variety of hostels at HostelWorld – the original and best place for backpackers to find budget accommodation worldwide! Prefer hotels? Booking.com has you covered.

Anything I’ve missed ? I’m working hard to make my Java guides as comprehensive as possible so other travellers – especially solo backpackers like myself – are inspired to visit this wonderful island in Indonesia and know what to expect. If you found this useful, please pin for later or share with your other adventurous friends!

Read More: Java Ultimate Guide: Travel Advice and 2-week Java Itinerary

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Hi, I'm Cassie, and I've been solo travelling the globe since May 2018. In this time, I've backpacked around Southeast Asia, Japan and The Balkans, alongside living in New Zealand and Australia. Current location? Mexico

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11 comments.

Hi there, great review, and I like the eco-conscious info. Is there a boat fromSemarang and is the once a day flight from Semarang working again? Thx C

Thank you so much!

I have never heard of Karimunjawa but it sounds amazing!! Your photos are beautiful. This is a great guide.

Looks like paradise! I’d love to be there right now

I’ve never heard of this island! What a great article and I love your pictures, gave me wanderlust! 🙂

I love that you’re also writing about hidden gems, just like me! Indonesia never fails to amaze me. 🙂

SOOOO glad I found your blog! I just love off the beaten path places like this. I keep looking for other Indonesian islands to check out (besides Bali) & I’m so glad I now know about Karimunjawa & the Bodhi Tree hostel. Pinning & saving this blog for Indonesia planning… which will hopefully be soon.

Thanks so much! Such a beautiful place in Java.

Karimunjawa looks incredible Cassie! I definitely want to visit more islands in Indonesia in the future. The snorkeling looks amazing! Also, your photos are so beautiful.

What a great guide! I’ve never heard of Karimunjawa Island before. How many days would you recommend?

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Top 10 Best Things To Do In Karimunjawa, Indonesia

March 3, 2020 By //  by  Michael Leave a Comment

Want a great island break from Indonesian city life? Put Karimunjawa on your Indonesian bucket list right now! We spent 5 days here after visiting Halef’s family in Bandung and we discovered that there are so many awesome things to do in Karimunjawa that we had trouble narrowing it down to just our top 10.

If you haven’t heard of Karimunjawa (or Karimun Jawa or Karimun Java) then you’re not alone. The vast majority of people who visit Indonesia come for the beaches and partying on Bali. But we think you really should consider this group of islands off the northern coast of Java.

Where is Karimunjawa anyway?

Karimunjawa is an archipelago about 80 kilometers north of Jepara in Central Java. It’s most well-known for the Karimunjawa National Park – a marine conservation area that just happened to be the main reason we went there.

Karimunjawa National Park is famous for mangrove forests, beaches, and coral reefs. To get here, you can either fly (on Friday, Sunday, or Monday) or take the Karimunjawa Ferry from Jepara .

10 best things to do in Karimunjawa

The best reason to visit Karimunjawa, at least for us, was to just get away from the city – specifically the traffic in Bandung, where we happened to be at the time we decided to go. But there are a lot more reasons to visit than just get away from the craziness of the city.

In our opinion, these are some of the best things to do in Karimunjawa:

1. Kemojan Mangrove Forest

Did you know that Indonesia is the home to 25% of all the world’s mangroves? One-quarter! That’s insane! Mangroves are often called the nurseries of the ocean because a lot of fish species come to them to lay their eggs.

They also protect delicate ecosystems from storm surges.

Here you can walk along a huge boardwalk through a mangrove forest. These boardwalks go deep into the mangrove forests which span over 200 hectares.

The boardwalk route is about 2 kilometers, so be sure to have water with you when you do it. In addition to that, if it’s wet, the boardwalk can be slippery. Wear good shoes. Flip-flops don’t fit the bill.

I was wearing flip flops. Trust me on that one!

Mosquitoes in the mangrove forest: Yes, you’ll probably notice the mosquitoes here, so be sure to apply mosquito repellant before you go. We always recommend one with a high DEET content, like this at 40% . By the way, studies show that after 30%, it doesn’t get much better anyway. So if you find one for 30%+, you’re good.

2. Bukit Love

OK, we admit that this is a bit of a tourist trap. I’m not sure if I would put much effort into going to Bukit Love if I didn’t have to. That said, (Bukit) Love Hill is one of the most popular things to do here. And it’s the most popular Instagram site in Karimunjawa.

If you need a better reason to visit Bukit Love, come during the early evening. Love Hill in Karimunjawa offers the perfect vantage point to catch a view of an equally perfect sunset.

It’s only Rp. 10,000 to enter, so why not? At least get that shameless selfie.

And even if you don’t care about sunset photos or selfies, you’re covered. Bukit Love has a bar and restaurant, so relax with a beer or coffee while everyone else takes their selfies!

3. Karimunjawa Square / Alon-Alon Night Market

If you’re a fan of fresh seafood, then Alon-Alon is one of the best things to do in Karimunjawa at night. There are over a dozen stalls at the Karimunjawa Alon-Alon Night Market. They open up at around 6 pm and they sell everything from grilled fresh fish to grilled corn and sate ayam to pisang goreng (deep-fried bananas in batter).

Our favorite stall was that of a man on the corner making sate ayam . We were here for a few days and I went there three times – so good!

There are very few tables here though. Buy your food and sit on a mat in the field and eat with everyone else! Or sit at one of the tables by the stalls. You’ll take off your shoes and sit on the ground. This way of eating is called lesehan .

There is a small downside. Sometimes the grills get quite smoky. You might end up smelling of grilled fish smoke by the end of the night if you stay here too long.

Nothing a quick shower and a change of clothing can’t fix though.

Before you go: Here’s a quick introduction to Indonesian food !

4. Scuba diving in Karimunjawa

Not gonna lie. If there’s scuba diving to be done anywhere in the world, even if it’s mediocre, I’m probably going to do it. Fortunately, mediocre doesn’t describe scuba diving in Karimunjawa.

What I loved most about the scuba diving in Karimunjawa is how healthy the corals are. You probably won’t see many big animals here, but you’ll see very colorful coral, plentiful schooling fish, and several varieties of nudibranchs.

We did three great dives in Karimunjawa with Salma Dive Center . They were great. Not only that, but the owner (well, we think he was the owner) is a member of the Coast Guard and one of the people who makes decisions on ferry schedules. He can help you with the unpredictable ferry in Karimunjawa.

5. Snorkeling in Karimunjawa

If scuba diving is not your thing – or if you just haven’t taken the time to get certified – the second-best way to see Karimunjawa underwater is with a mask and a snorkel. Karimunjawa has some of the best snorkeling in Indonesia. In many areas, corals sit just 3 or 4 meters beneath the surface, making the coral reefs here very accessible to snorkelers.

Remember, look but don’t touch. Prolonged exposure to human skin can kill a coral and some of the more sensitive ones can die on contact.

Sunscreen and snorkeling: Obviously, you don’t want to be as red as a lobster after a day in the water. One of the downsides of many sunscreens is that they contain ingredients that kill coral systems. Be sure to wear what’s called “reef-safe” sunscreen. We use Burnout Ocean-tested sunscreen and recommend it to everyone.

6. Island hopping and beaches

I admit that, initially, I wasn’t excited about this. Island-hopping sounds like an overly touristy thing to do and I just wasn’t looking forward to it. But after island-hopping in Karimunjawa, I can understand why so many tourists recommend it!

Karimunjawa is home to plenty of nearby islands, so there’s a lot to hop!

People who visit love to hire a boat for the day and just skip from island to island to soak up the sun and relax for the day.

You can join a boat tour for anywhere from Rp. 150,000 to well over Rp. 2,500,000 depending on what you want to do and how private you want it to be. Here’s an example of a company that does such things (we have no experience with this company, but we just wanted to provide an example to get you started).

Our Karimunjawa island-hopping boat, which we hired privately cost Rp. 1,020,000. That included the fee to hire the boat (from 8 am to 5 pm), snorkeling equipment, a guide, a visit to a shark sanctuary and turtle conservancy, and 3-4 different islands. We split that cost among 4 people. In other words, about $18 US each for an entire day.

Although it sounds touristy, it was one of our best days in Kawimunjawa. Highly recommended.

Karimunjawa Island Hopping recommendation: We hired a young guy named Pak Rofik (Mr. Rofik) to take us island hopping. He came to our hotel, sat with us, and we worked to customize our day. Pak Rofik was terrific. We also ended up renting his motorcycle and hiring him to drive us to the airport. You can reach Pak Rofik at +62-852-9071-4146.

7. Karimunjawa Turtle Conservancy

This was a bit of a wonderful surprise, at least to us, because we didn’t even know it existed before we went there. We stopped by the Kawimunjawa Turtle Conservancy while we were on our island-hopping excursion (above). Normally, it’s not a side trip that’s included, but we were offered the option and took it – because, well, it’s turtles!

When you exit the boat and walk up the dock, you’ll see a kind of net basket on the side of the dock that includes hundreds of baby and juvenile turtles.

The person leading our boat tour even took a couple of the babies out of the water to let us hold them.

I’m no turtle expert, but I’m pretty sure this would be against the rules in the U.S. and other countries. But the turtles were handled very carefully by everyone.

To visit the conservancy (which is really just a beach with not much to see besides the turtles themselves) costs about Rp. 20,000 (about $1.50 US).

8. Pasar Karimunjawa

If you want to visit Pasar Karimunjawa – or Karimunjawa Market – you’ll have to get up early. While there may be people there at other times of the day, the market generally is open from 5 am to 7 am each morning.

People gather here to sell mostly fresh fish, but you’ll also find everything from children’s snacks to clothing.

The prices at the market are very inexpensive, as the majority of the people who shop here are local. This is definitely not a tourist market, so you’ll be able to find bargains here that you might not find at some of the touristy places around town.

9. Masjid Baitul Muttaqin

Normally, I wouldn’t put a place of worship on a list of things to do (unless it was somewhere famous for them like Vatican City, Jerusalem, or Mecca or something).

It’s not because I have anything against them. As I often tell people, I’d much rather go to see a beautiful place of worship than to hang out at a theme park any day of the week!

It’s just that churches, mosques, and temples aren’t really places you can spend much time at. They’re usually a quick hit and leave.

But Masjid Baitul Muttaqin (sometimes referred to as Masjid Agung Karimunjawa) is really a beautiful complex. The unique green minaret on this mosque towers over this modest island. This mosque on Karimunjawa really stands out from everything else.

10. Rent a scooter and just drive

In all honesty, Karimunjawa is a beautiful, quiet place, and one of the best things to do in Karimunjawa for me was to rent a scooter and just explore the island by myself. Currently, scooter rental prices in Kawimunjawa are about Rp. 75,000 per day.

Most of the best things to do in Karimunjawa involve boats and food, but renting a scooter in Karimunjawa is a sure way to be independent while you’re there.

Just remember, they drive on the left here!

Relax, you’re in Karimunjawa!

Seriously, you don’t have to go all the way to Bali to experience beautiful beaches and amazing scenery. Karimunjawa doesn’t see anywhere close to the number of tourists as Bali does, and it doesn’t experience the rowdiness and partying you get there either.

If you want “drinking and partying,” this probably isn’t the place to do it.

Your vacation in Karimunjawa is going to be peaceful and relaxing.

Final note: Avoid shark farms in Karimunjawa

Because we had heard so much about it, we decided to visit a place in Karimunjawa that houses sharks. I already knew that I was likely to recommend against visiting, but I decided to spend the $1.50 to check it out and be sure that I knew what I was recommending against – just to be sure.

This is what it looks like – nothing more than a pen with a bunch of blacktip reef sharks, a few white tips, and a guitarfish. No reefs, no other fish. Nothing.

Sharks are meant to live freely in the ocean. I think that’s obvious. But just in case anyone believes I am against captivity in all cases, that’s not true. I’m not against the proper display of sharks in aquariums (I was an enthusiastic volunteer diver at Georgia Aquarium for a couple of years). But if you’re going to house sharks, it’s got to be in a place where the sharks (or any marine animal) gets proper veterinary care. Water quality needs to be monitored constantly. Dietary needs need to be met.

As much as it might “look” like the sharks are OK in these places (and it kinda does, to be honest), they are not. They don’t have any of the proper care that they need. Basically, exploiting sharks is just a way for locals to make money.

This is money they need, by the way. But capturing and displaying sharks in an unregulated, unprofessional environment is just not the way to do it.

Please stay away. Looks are deceiving. Just because a place looks well-maintained does not mean the sharks are OK.

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Michael is originally from Canada but now resides in Atlanta, GA with his husband, Halef, who also writes here. He is a Couchsurfing expert. Michael has traveled to over 50 countries learning how to experience more for less as he travels.

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