Karimun Island: The Complete Guide For A Beautiful Vacation!

In today’s day and age, traveling is considered a form of escapism to some while a lifestyle to others. The reasons to travel could be several pertaining to one’s age, the nature of their job, academics or just plain preference among others. Whether you travel for fun or work- it teaches you the things you couldn’t have learned otherwise. Be it the unexpected situations that stand in your way while you travel or the new perspective of life a stranger teaches you, it’s the uncertainty of its nature that helps you in your journey of understanding yourself better.

Things You Should Know Before You Visit Karimun Island

clear blue sky-Karimun Island

If you are someone that would prefer traveling to a paradise of beaches and clear blue sky-Karimun Island is the place for the traveler in you. Great Karimun Island or Karimun (Karimun Besar in Indonesian) is one of the several islands in the province. It’s nothing less than the pride of Central Java among the locals and savvy travelers. Karimun also offers a marine national park known as Karimun Jawa National Park which is one of the six Marine Parks in Indonesia. The five ecosystems it supports are mangrove forest, seaweed and seagrass, coral reef, tropical rainforest, and coastal forest. The island is majorly inhabited by around 10,000 permanent citizens, mostly fishermen.

Must Read: A Tour Guide To The Java Island In Indonesia

How To Get To Karimun Island?

a fast boat to reach island coast

There are many ways to reach Karimun Island. One of the ways is to take a plane from Semarang (2 hours flight from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, 1 hour from Jakarta Bandung or Bali). Then, take another plane to Karimunjawa or take a boat from either Semarang or Jepara. You must check the weather forecast as the trips are highly dependent on low tide levels.

Things To Do In Karimun Island, Indonesia

One will never find themselves wondering too hard about what to do here since the island offers a range of touristy activities.

1. Island Hopping

exploring the beaches

Its one of the most popular things among those who visit this island. So, you could find yourself a boat and go hopping from one island to the other meanwhile exploring the beaches and the sea as you go. Some of the preferred islands are; Pulau Tengah, Tanjung Gelam and Menjangan Besar. They are touted to be the most beautiful islands in the world.

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2. Hiking

hike around the island

With the help of some locals, you could trek or hike around and discover breath-catching views of the islands and the sea. A bit of a hike away from Karimun is the best sunset spot on the island. From here you will be able to see Karimun in its entirety. Find a good company, get a few beers and you are all set here.

3. Diving

a watery wonderland

Its only natural for someone to visit such a watery wonderland and think of diving. It is the most popular sports activity among locals and tourists alike. The well-known local diving spots here are Taka Panyawangan and Gosong Cemara. We suggest you wear the proper diving equipment before going into the water. Also, stay on the lookout for any loose gear. You can also visit Karimun Island for snorkeling if not diving.

Suggested Read: 10 Jakarta Beaches That Are Bound To Make Your Indonesia Trip All The More Fun

4. Swim With The Sharks

view of the beach at night

This phrase turns into reality on this island with the key differentiator being the safety. You can sight sharks around the sight and swim with them to satisfy your adrenaline rush while locals take care of your safety. We suggest you not to touch the big fish. Also, don’t push yourself — do this when you’re a hundred percent ready.

5. Viewpoints

enjoys terrific viewpoints

Hilly Karimunjawa enjoys not only terrific viewpoints but ones filled with fun and cheesy props to flood your social media feed with pictures. You’ll have to pay an entry fee for the privilege of viewing some of them. Don’t forget to take your camera and experience the marvels of Karimun through the camera lens.

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6. Spend A Day At The Beach

island offers beautiful white beaches

What’s a vacation without a day of relaxation at the beach- Since the island offers beautiful white beaches with a terrific view, one can sip on the coconut water or chug a bottle of cold beer while indulging in some local dishes. The most popular beach among travelers is Pantai Batu Topeng. Kick back, buy a bottle of beer and bid stress goodbye. And when you’re at its fabulous beaches, do check out the Karimun Island nightlife where beach shacks lit up and there are night-long beach parties with music, food, and bonfire.

7. Mangrove Trekking

area offers trekking

Within the Kurimunjawa National Park, a protected mangrove area offers trekking along raised boardwalks deep into the forest. Tourists are generally discouraged by locals as they warn them about this activity being too expensive. There is a huge difference between what locals pay and what tourists do. It is said that the more foreign tourists who are seen to visit mangrove forests, the more the Indonesian government (and locals) are able to see their value which can help slow their destruction. One can think of this as a donation.

Suggested Read: 8 Best And Most Vibrant National Parks In Indonesia 2022 That Take You Into The Wild!

Places To Stay In Karimun Island

Here are some of the most comfortable and affordable options of hotels, resorts, inns, and cottages where you can stay during your vacay:

1. Breve Azurine Lagoon Retreat

Breve Azurine Lagoon Retreat

The rooms offer arguably better views, however the higher the tag, the more privacy. Decor is tasteful and classic made of all things natural like wood and rattan, perfectly complementing the tropical climate. The outdoor tub (with hot water!) is a bonus.

Location: Karimun Jawa 59455, Indonesia


Starting price: INR 7,127/-

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2. Ayu Hotel

Room view

This is more like a family business run by an Indonesian and a German couple which offers a style of three rooms. The interiors are simple and give a homely feel whilst sticking to its traditional style of interiors. The pastel decor and the comfy furniture makes it a perfect getaway for honeymooners. Book this hotel to enjoy world-class facilities.

Location: Jl. Kapuran | Kab. Jepara, Karimun Jawa 59455, Indonesia


Starting price: INR 1,987/-

3. Karimun Lumbung Resort

Karimun Lumbung Resort

If you are looking for privacy opt for the rooms in this beautiful hotel that has a secluded feel and trumps a view of swampy mangroves. This resort is featured among the best stays in Karimun because of its strategic location, fully furnished rooms with a view. It is basically a guest house with basic bungalows.

Location: Ds Jati Kerep RT / RW 001 /004, Karimun Jawa 59455, Indonesia


Starting price: INR 1,645/-

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4. Samsara

point out all the top spots

Terrific painted maps on the walls point out all the top spots. Evenings can turn into a local jam session, although chilled and not latethey like to respect their neighbors, and Samsara occasionally organizes beach parties too. Samsara is one of the finest Karimun Island resorts if you dont mind sleeping on the wooden bunk beds.

Location: Jl. Kapuran no. 1 | (5 minutes by walk from the main harbor), Karimun Jawa 59455, Indonesia


Starting price: INR 1,028/-

5. The Coconut House

Coconut House Hostel

The coconut house is a budget-friendly hotel which is tastefully designed with traditional Indonesian motives mixed into modern clean rooms. It is well located with walking distance to the night fish market. Most travelers looking for accommodation are attracted to this site because of its affordably priced, quality rooms. They also offer complimentary breakfast to their customers.

Location: Karimun Jawa 59455, Indonesia


Starting price: INR 754/-

Further Read: 11 Best Things To Do In Jakarta In 2022: The Indonesia Capital Buzzing With Life!

The Park is in a remote location and only a few tourists go here for the same reason, which is a shame because the island has so much to offer. From the clear pristine waters with amazing underwater life to white sandy beaches and uninhabited islands covered by rainforests serving as a real treat. However, beware of the plastic bags, light bulbs, and shoes that you might encounter on the white beaches since waste disposal is quite compromised. So while you explore Indonesia, don’t forget Karimun Island.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Karimun Island

How can I go to Karimun Islands?

Karimunjawa Islands can be reached by both air and sea. You can take a flight to Semarang from Jakarta Bandung or Bali. It will take you about an hour or less to reach. From Semarang you would need to take another plane to Karimunjawa. To travel by sea, you can also a fast boat from Semarang or a ferry from Jepara. Time taken to reach Karimunjawa Islands from Semarang is about 3.5 hours and from Jepara is 6 hours.

Semarang fast boat timings: 9 am (Saturday) | 7 am (Monday)

Jepara ferry timings: 9 am (Saturday, Monday and Wednesday)

Where is Karimun National Marine Park?

Karimun National Marine Park is located in the Karimunjawa archipelago, Jepara Regency. This falls in the Central Java region of Indonesia. It is 90 kilometers Northwest of Jepara in the Java Sea. Karimun National Marine Park is also known as Crimon Java National Park, it consists of two main Islands – Karimunjawa island and Kemujan Island.

Which is the best season to visit Karimun National Marine Park?

The best time to visit Karimun National Marine Park is during the months of East monsoon, which extends from March to December. The West monsoon season experiences strong winds and high tides.

How many islands are there in Karimunjawa region?

Karimunjawa region has many small islands. There are a total of 27 islands in the archipelago and out of which 22 fall within the boundaries of Karimunjawa National Marine Park. The two main islands of the marine park are Karimunjawa island and Kemujan Island. The islands in the region are populated mainly by tribes, Javanese, Maduranese and Buginese.

What can we do in Karimunjawa National Marine Park?

Karimunjawa National Marine Park offers a plethora of things to do, especially water and land adventure activities. The mountainous landscape allows you to indulge in mountain hiking, and beach trekking. And, being surrounded by sea that is rich with a diverse marine life, you can enjoy some snorkeling and diving. This will enable you to explore and witness rare shell species like Hornet helmet-Cassis cornuta; turtle species like Hawksbill sea turtle; and mollusc like Tridacna maxima.


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