If you’re planning to go snorkeling in Java, head to Karimunjawa, a stunning archipelago located north of Java in Jepara, Central Java. Its calm northern sea, home of thousand species of fish and beautiful coral reefs. If you’re traveling around Java, be sure to take the time to visit this white-sand paradise. The waters in Karimunjawa are incredibly clear, with very little trash, unlike many other beaches in Indonesia.
Spending time in Karimunjawa will bring peace and happiness, which is why it’s called the Paradise of Java. Here, you can relax far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are many tourist spots and accommodations offering private beaches with breathtaking views.
In this guide, I’ll take you step by step through the best ways to travel to Karimunjawa from major cities in Java, including Yogyakarta, Jakarta, Semarang, and Surabaya. You’ll discover the top activities, must-see attractions, ferry schedules, accommodation recommendations, and, of course, plenty of tips for backpackers looking to make the most of their adventure.
What to Do and See in Karimunjawa
There are many natural attractions you can visit during your time in Karimunjawa. I’ll divide the attractions into two categories: island tours and underwater tours. If you plan to explore underwater, it’s best to book a tour package either before or upon arriving in Karimunjawa.
Land Tours:
Bobby Beach
Located on the eastern side of Karimunjawa Island, Bobby Beach boasts beautiful and clean white sand. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy the sunrise. You can also find swings and tree houses, and swim in the calm waters. There are plenty of food and drink vendors, and you can enjoy fresh coconut while relaxing on the beach. The entrance fee is around IDR 10,000 (approximately USD 0.65). For cultural sensitivity, it’s advisable to wear modest swimwear, as the beach is often visited by local, predominantly Muslim, residents.
Love Hill
Love Hill is an iconic landmark in Karimunjawa with panoramic views of the open sea. You must hike to the top and find a big ‘Karimunjawa’ word monument. There is also a cafe with a very beautiful view. This is one of the best spots to catch the sunset. The hill is a six-minute drive from the town square, followed by a short hike. There are many homestays nearby if you prefer to stay close to the area.
Tanjung Gelam Beach
Tanjung Gelam Beach, located about 6.5 km from the town center (a 15-minute drive), offers beautiful white sand and plenty of activities, including banana boats, canoes, and picturesque photo spots. This location is ideal for late-afternoon visits to enjoy the sunset.
Karimunjawa National Park
Head to the northern part of the island, where you’ll find an expansive mangrove forest at Karimunjawa National Park, home to 62 mangrove species and many endemic animals. This is a great place to learn about conservation efforts to protect the environment and preserve the local ecosystem.
Underwater Tours
Underwater exploration is the main draw for tourists visiting Karimunjawa. You can go snorkeling or diving to experience the rich marine life. To reach these spots, you’ll need to rent a boat, which can be expensive, so it’s better to join group tours. Here are some popular snorkeling and diving locations:
Menjangan Kecil Island
This is one of the most popular diving and snorkeling spots in Karimunjawa, where you’ll see vibrant coral reefs and various fish species. If you’re lucky, you might spot clownfish like those in Finding Nemo.
Cemara Besar and Cemara Kecil Islands
These islands also offer stunning snorkeling spots. The main difference is that the water here is deeper, and the currents are stronger, making it ideal for more experienced divers.
Menjangan Besar Island
Menjangan Besar is only a 15-minute boat ride from the main island. The island covers 56 hectares and is known for its shark conservation area. Visitors can interact with baby sharks but are advised not to touch them. The entrance fee is around IDR 20,000 (around USD 1.31), excluding the boat ride to the location.
Here’s a selection of tour packages we can recommend
How to Get to Karimunjawa
If you want to go to Karimunjawa, you have to travel to Jepara, a town in northern Java famous for its teak wood furniture. If you want to travel by train, you can get off at Tawang Station or Poncol Station in Semarang and continue your journey using the shuttle bus to Jepara. It would be better if the shuttle can take you all the way to Kartini harbor to continue your journey by taking the ferry from there.
Our guide on how to use the train has been reviewed on How to Travel by Train in Indonesia
There are several travel directions to Karimunjawa that you can take according to your departure point
From Jakarta to Karimunjawa
You can take a train from Gambir or Pasar Senen to Semarang stations, it takes about 6 hours to arrive in Semarang. After that, you can continue with Shuttle to Pelabuhan Kartini, Jepara.
We review the differences between stations in Jakarta Jakarta’s Train Stations: Gambir vs Pasar Senen
From Yogyakarta to Karimunjawa
There are buses and shuttles that you can take from Yogyakarta directly to Jepara. The prices are around IDR 150,000 to IDR 190,000 per person.
Here is some option shuttle from Yogyakarta to Jepara
From Surabaya to Karimunjawa
You can take a train From Surabaya Gubeng Stations to Semarang or take a plane from Juanda Airport (Surabaya) to Ahmad Yani Airport (Semarang). Then you can continue your journey by taking a shuttle from Semarang to Jepara.
From Semarang to Karimunjawa
As a travel center to Jepara, you can take transportation from Semarang to Jepara, it takes about 2.5-3 hours. After that, you can continue your journey to Karimunjawa by ferry from Kartini, harbor.
Here is some shuttle or bus option to Jepara from Semarang
There are two ferry options:
- Express Bahari (about two hours)
- Feri Siginjai (about four hours).
Now if you want to buy ticket you should buy online from Ferizy for book the ferry, and use Express Bahari App for book Express Bahari.
Be sure to check the ferry schedules in advance, as they don’t run daily.
Best Time to Visit Karimunjawa
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to August, when the weather is stable and the sea is calm. The clear skies make it an excellent time to enjoy the island’s underwater beauty.
We also made more specific informations about weather on Best Time to Visit Indonesia: Months and Weather Insights
Where to Stay in Karimunjawa
There are many budget-friendly accommodations in Karimunjawa, ranging from homestays to hotels. Here are a few options:
The Bodhi Tree Hostel
Perfect for solo travelers, The Bodhi Tree Hostel offers dormitory-style rooms and private rooms. It’s a clean and comfortable place with great reviews. The facilities include a garden area and a restaurant offering various meals. It’s just 100 meters from the town square and 2.2 km from Nirwana Beach.
Basic Information:
- Price: Starting from IDR 101,000 – 368,000 (approx. USD 6.55 – USD 23.85)
- Facilities:
- Dormitory room (8 beds), Standard double room (1 double bed), Standard family room (1 double bed + 1 single bed)
- Air conditioning
- Mosquito nets
- Shared bathroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restaurant
- Breakfast included
Official account: For more details, visit their social media pages.
Bunga Jabe Resort
Bunga Jabe Resort features eco-friendly cottages located directly on the beach. The rooms have no air conditioning, only fans, and the shared bathrooms are located outside the rooms. Guests can enjoy a private beach with activities like canoeing and swimming. The resort also offers a coconut oil-making workshop with the friendly owners.
Basic Information:
- Price: Starting from IDR 300,000 per night (approx. USD 19,09)
- Facilities:
- Twin bed (for 2 people)
- Fan
- Mosquito nets
- Shared bathroom (outside the room)
- Free Wi-Fi
- Private beach
- Breakfast included
Official account: For more details, visit their social media pages.
L’isola Che Hostel
L’isola Che Hostel, located near the harbor, offers a variety of room types, including dormitory-style and family rooms. It has great reviews for its friendly staff, who often share stories with guests. They also offer tour packages for underwater activities and coconut oil-making workshops.
Basic Information:
- Price: Starting from IDR 175,000 – 670,000 (approx. USD 11.34 – USD 43.42)
- Facilities:
- Dormitory room (6 beds), Deluxe bed, Family room
- Air conditioning
- Mosquito nets
- Shared kitchen
- Clean bathrooms
- Free Wi-Fi
- Breakfast included
- Official account: For more details, visit their social media pages.
Karimunjawa has many accommodation type with affordable prices. Please check below for other accommodations.
Backindo Tips for Backpackers
- Use group tours for a more affordable way to explore the surrounding islands and underwater sites.
- Rent a motorbike to explore the island more easily.
- Switch accommodations for a more varied experience.
- Bring extra cash as there’s only one ATM on the island.
- Don’t wear jewelry while doing underwater tours.
- Bring enough drinking water to stay hydrated.
- Consider taking anti-malaria medication as the island is a quiet coastal area.
Summary
Karimunjawa is a hidden paradise on Java, offering beautiful scenery, clear waters, and fresh air. The local community is very environmentally conscious, and there are many conservation efforts in place to preserve the coral reefs and wildlife. Visitors will also experience the island’s traditional lifestyle, such as cooking with wood stoves and making coconut oil. With its wide range of attractions and affordable accommodations, Karimunjawa is a great alternative for those looking to enjoy a peaceful beach holiday in Indonesia.
