Marine Paradise of Java Sea
The Karimun Jawa archipelago, located in the Java Sea, across the capital city of Semarang, has everything to offer for divers and backpackers who enjoy trekking and snorkeling along a gorgeous beach. The Karimunjawa National Park (not to be confused with the Karimun Islands in Bintan, Riau) is one of seven marine national parks in Indonesia. Taking only a four to five-hour trip from Semarang, you will be surrounded by a natural beauty so stunning, you wish you could stay here forever.
The sparkling beaches and pristine seas are home to healthy coral reefs that scatter around an 80 km wide area all the way to the coast of Jepara. Here, you can find two protected marine biota species. Namely, the black coral (Antiphates sp )and organ pipe coral (Tubipora musica). Others include the triton trumpet, the horned helmet, and the pearly-chambered nautilus. There are hawksbill turtles as well as common green turtles too. Above the surface, you can also witness the red-breasted parakeet and other tropical bird species.
Flights to Semarang are available from Jakarta, Denpasar, and also from other cities. Karimun Jawa itself has an airport in Kemujan Island, called the Dewadaru Airport. Small aircraft land here although the flight schedule is still dominated by chartered flights from Semarang, Yogyakarta, or Bali.
Ferries serve the islands three times a week, either from Jepara or also Semarang, and speed boats are plenty and available on special request.
Well, I just love Bali so much, and we fell in love with the culture, people, the food. Everything was just amazing. I feel like in Bali, you can find serenity anywhere, literally. It's our favorite place that we've been to on our entire trip.
