A Great Exploration For Your Summer Holiday!
So, are you going to explore Karimunjawa Island and go back home with hands full of unforgettable activities? Excellent!
Indonesia has more than thousand islands. These spread islands are connected by the wide ocean. One of these islands that you can access from Java is Karimunjawa which is located in the northern java. Karimunjawa itself is the main island of several small islands surrounding. As a National Park area, Karimunjawa has been so attractive and got everything you need to be your summer paradise. Beaches, sea life, mangrove forest and national heritage. No wonder that many people call it “The Paradise of Java”.
As travelling experiences are always about sharing and living adventures altogether, we wanted to make you inspired by these unforgettable activities in Karimunjawa. From all the potentials that Karimunjawa has, we will share 10 ideas of unforgettable activities in Karimunjawa that you can put in your itinerary.
Let’s jump into what’s been the most unforgettable activities in Karimunjawa that will make you do not want to leave this island soon.
1. Interacting with Sharks: Shark Preservation
Have you ever be in one pool with sharks? Shark Preservation in Karimunjawa is one of unique activities everyone can do on the land but in the water. This one is different from snorkeling or trekking. I can say that this place is unique and rare to find in outside of Karimunjawa.
What makes this shark preservation unique? Visiting this shark preservation is not only a challenge for your adrenaline, but also a way to get closer to one of protected animals by governments. There are advantages to be here; make friends with sharks (guides will watch for you) and get to learn about how to get in safe interaction with those sharks.
However, sharks are predators. You will be guided by the experts on how to stay calm and keep the situation conducive while walking down to their area. There are a few warnings need to be remembered while spending time with the sharks. They are baby sharks, you should not touch/ not allowed to touch them for safety reason. If you are bleeding, you cannot enter the area because they might think that you are to eat. But you can still see and watch them from the edge. This is going to be one of unforgettable activities in Karimunjawa you’d like!
In order to get to this place, you can join in a group of 4-6 people (share boat cost) for Rp.30.000 or get private boat (pay full) for Rp.300.000.
2. Mangrove Trekking Landscape Ending
Your exploration for unforgettable activities in Karimunjawa will be completed with a mangrove trekking adventure. Karimunjawa has a fascinating mangrove that will let you walk all the way its 10 hectares in 2 km of green scene. Forget the tour package and rent a motorcycle to get here. The way to get here is also nice and fresh. You will be riding through palms, coconuts, traditional houses and the edge of the beach.
This place has Bird Watching and Sunset spots that will trigger you to explore the whole area because of its hidden spots. Somewhere along your way, you will get into the area where the fishes keep their families from eggs to small fish. A tip from me, do not forget your powerful lotion before going in through this conservative mangrove forest.
3. Snorkeling Near The Coast of Menjangan Kecil Island: Morning to Dawn
Little Menjangan Island is located at the east side of Karimunjawa Island. This is the one we liked a lot that has most beautiful sealife. The area is way calmer and less people, really good place to snorkel even for the whole day if you want.
Unlike the other islands where you have to go to the middle of the sea to get good snorkeling point. Here you don’t have to. The boat crews will please you to start immediately after the boat is perfectly stopped. We started snorkeling from the quay and alongside the quay then kept snorkeling following the beauty undersea took us to.
The colorful corals are so tempting and flirtatious. The fish with many kind of sizes, colors and species will make anyone who sees it doesn’t want to go up to the surface and stop. We snorkeled from morning till dawn. It became one of my unforgettable activities in Karimunjawa.
4. Walking on the White Sand & Enjoy Perfect Sunset on Ujung Gelam Beach
Hunting for sunset? Ujung Gelam Beach for sure! Ujung Gelam beach has not much different from other beaches in Karimunjawa. But the location where it exists which faces west earth is perfectly perfect for sunset and also very supportive for some romantic moments.
This is a calm beach with smooth waves, snorkeling and swimming around are good idea to enjoy this beach. There are also several Warung (local restaurant) with easy access.
To get here you can head to Alang-Alang in Kemujan village with boat or motorcycle.
5. Relaxing Moment at Batu Topeng Beach
Exploring Karimunjawa Island by motorcycle is a really fun thing to do and hidden gems are there! The white sand beaches that became our daily companion and one place you should not miss is Batu Topeng beach. Located next to the side of Ujung Gelam beach, this beach has relaxing spots with dashing rocks and swings.
What we liked about this place is the Gazebo like dome village. Amazing spot for some relaxing moment and wide beach panorama with lazy waves but nice sound. This place is indescribably magical. When you are here and sit on the gazebo, you will notice more beautiful things that exist in your life and be grateful for it all.
6. A Piece of Heaven on Cemara Kecil Island (Small Casuarina Island)
Cemara Kecil Island is a wonderful island with no civilization. Named Tiny Casuarina Island because of the many Casuarina trees grow here and this island is tiny. The formation of the Casuarina trees, the white sand beach and the turquoise water make this place looks incredible. Swimming, snorkeling and diving are recommended. It is not dangerous because the waters is not so deep. While going on a boat, you will be able to see many beautiful corals in 2-4 meters away during normal tide. Can you imagine when the tide goes down?
7. Coconuts, Sun Bathing and A Swimming Pool Ocean on Gosong Seloka Island
Go sailing to the east of Karimunjawa Island, and you will be in Gosong Seloka in about 30 minutes. Some people call it Gosongan, some call Gosong Seloka. People usually come here in the afternoon before twilight for when the tide is low so the tiny island which looks like a big pile in the middle of the sea appears.
As travelling experiences are always about sharing and living adventures altogether, we wanted to make you inspired by these unforgettable activities in Karimunjawa Island. For some unforgettable activities in Karimunjawa, try to be there in the morning when the tide is high.
What makes this island unique is, even when it is morning and the tide is high that makes the big pile a bit sinks, here is the swimming pool in the ocean comes from!
8. Taking Motorcycle to Complete Your Adventure on Karimunjawa Island
Karimunjawa is not that big and not that small either. When you got the chance to explore the whole island, try it. Rent motorbike and make sure the fuel is full. You can start whenever you want, from east to west or south to north, Down for the forest or up for the hills. It will present you a wonderful sights. Wavy roads, fresh air and nature’s sound will make you never delete this unforgettable activities in Karimunjawa from your memory.
9. Exploring Local Night Market
Here is the one place where many people gathered and have fun at night! There are a lot of food sellers with variety of choices, and is a heaven for seafood lovers, best-selling! You can try any kind of sea food you. I got like 5 different plates of different food verities affordably while enjoying the night life.
While you are waiting for your food, you can choose your table in the middle of the yard with hanging little bulb and thousand stars above you. Outdoor activity at night, fun people, warm welcome, seafood and shopping are the vibes that they always keep. This is my one of unforgettable activities in Karimunjawa where I love to spend time
Want to see a little surprise? Come see this yard in the morning after spending night here, you will see a normal yard of houses. Like nothing ever happened! So don’t miss the fun night life in Alon-Alon.
10. Island Hopping
As Karimunjawa is the main island with other beautiful islands surrounding, hopping around Karimunjawa by boat is one of the most unforgettable activities in Karimunjawa you must do when you are here. The captain and your tour guide (if you have) will bring you to some favorite islands like Menjagangan Besar where the shark preservation exists, Menjangan Kecil with paired swings, Cemara Besar that shows white sand and many other wonderful islands. Also, they can bring you to the untouched islands by your request with some additional fee.
I hope these unforgettable activities in Karimunjawa of mine can help you to create an unforgettable vacation in Karimunjawa Island. Turn on that wide sights, embrace all the beauty around you and enrich wonderful exploration. Stay Wander!