Difference between revisions of "Karimunjawa"

Revision as of 07:47, 30 January 2013

Karimunjawa is a chain of 27 islands north of Semarang, off the coast of Central Java, Indonesia.

Understand

Designated as a national marine park. Karimunjawa consists of many small islands, with the main ones being Karimunjawa island, Kemujan island, Menjangan Besar island, and Menjangan Kecil island.

Sunset at Karimunjawa harbour

Karimunjawa islands' white sandy beach

History

Karimunjawa was originally settled by Sunan Nyamplungan, the son of Sunan Muria, one of the Muslim Saints (Sunan) who introduced Islam to Java.

Landscape

Mostly low lying islands with white sandy beaches. There is some fringing mangrove around Kemujan island.

Flora and fauna

One can find various kinds of sea animals, like turtles, sharks, and fishes, in the watery territory of Karimunjawa. In the land, especially in Karimunjawa island and Kemujan island, one can find many kinds of birds, deer, and even snakes.

Climate

Tropical. It is hot here in the dry season (approximately April to October) and wet and humid in the rainy season (December to March).

Get in

There are chartered planes from Semarang that fly from Semarang to Dewandaru Airport in Kemujan island. The airstrip has a sealed 900 metre runway.

There is regular ferry that sails from Tanjung Emas (port) in Semarang and Jepara to Karimunjawa Island. Contact Central Java Transporter ☎ +6285225993574, or email thejavatransporter@gmail.com about the Karimunjawa service. The slower, but comfortable, barge service operates out of Japara.

Get around

In Karimunjawa and Kemujan island, you can rent a car, motorcycle or even a bicycle. To get to the other near-by islands however, you need to rent a local boat for about Rp 200,000/day. Inter-island transportation can also be booked at the following link, where you can also view timetables.

Note: For one or two people, a motorbike would usually do, but if you're not familiar with motorcycles and would rather rent a car, it might be a good idea to book a rental car before you arrive in Karimunjawa, because there are very few cars on the island.

See

The island beaches and beautiful coral reefs.

Do

Many resorts in Karimunjawa, such as Kura-kura resort, provide diving activities. There are many interesting local spots for diving, like Taka Panyawangan and Gosong Cemara. There are some shipwrecks that attract many fish and divers alike. You can also go hiking around the island to find many places where there is a beautiful panorama

• tanjong (track), kemujan island, ☎ +6282334248611.

Buy

The best known handicrafts in Karimunjawa are its wood carvings, and many shops sell them.

Local cultured pearls, and jewelry made with pearls, can be bought at much lower prices than in Jakarta. If pearls interest you, make sure you check this out, but check the prices in Jakarta before you go to Kurimun, so you know the value of what you're buying.

Many people also go to Karimunjawa to find the dewandaru plant. They believe that dewandaru plants can make their life longer.

Drink

Alcoholic beverages are served in the resorts. Outside of these resorts, there are no pubs or clubs, but Bintang (Indonesian beer) can be purchased at some warungs (small, local shops). The beer is usually sold off the shelf, ie, hot.

Bottled water is a must and can be bought readily. Nevertheless, carry water with you wherever you go. At meals, seasonal fresh fruit juice, such as coconut, mango, orange or avocado, is a pleasant treat.

Eat

Surrounded by seas, Karimunjawa provides lots of sea food. Fresh fish and prawns are staples in the island diet. Restaurants are located within hotels. Other eateries, or 'warungs', provide decent cheap food like fried rice, fish, or an assortment of veggies. Be flexible and you'll do fine.

Sleep

There are various kinds of accommodation there, from the four star hotels to homestays. There are also camping sites.

The homestay places start from about Rp 120,000/night. A comfortable unit with airconditioner is about p 250,000/night.

Lodging

• Roemah Emak Villa, a relax home for family, next to the beach

• Tanjong Melati Homestay In the far north of the island, run by the local Bugis people. Warm family orientated hospitality, delicious fresh food cooked to perfection. Able to pick up directly from the ferry, tailor made day trips such as trekking, snorkeling amongst shipwrecks/fluorescent marine life. Relaxed immersion in the local culture with friendly faces all around. To make arrangements contact yadi, email: zoe.yadi@gmail.com. phone: +6282 334 248 611. email checked every saturday.

Moderate

• Melati hotel
• Blue Lagoon hotel
• Dewandaru hotel
• Wisma Apung floating hotel
• Escape Beach hotel

Splurge

• Kura-kura Resort, in Menyawakan island. Covered by coconut trees and surrounded by white sandy beaches and pristine coral reefs. It's a high class hotel with scuba facilities.

• Nirwana Laut Resort, a luxury resort with many facilities.

• Paradise Resort, private time share and holiday home. With a private entrance from the main road you experience the most amazing views high above the tree line overlooking the bay, national park and outer islands.

Camping

Backcountry

Stay safe

It is best to bring what you need as there is not a wide variety of goods on the island. Bring suncream (block-out, 30+) if you are fair skinned, also bring a hat and sunglasses. Dental flos is unobtainable on the island as are many medications. Also bring a pair of rubber sandals in addition to good walking shoes.

Get out