What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you first step foot in Jakarta? A modern, busy city with many skyscrapers and lots of pollution? But did you know that Jakarta has a hidden gem that is still natural and far from the pollution? Off the north coast of Jakarta lies an archipelago called the Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu).
The Thousand Islands are attractive because of their white sandy beaches, clear blue seas, and mesmerizing underwater views—perfect for relaxation, a city escape, and adventure.
In the Thousand Islands of Jakarta, you can enjoy beach activities like swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and island hopping. From Jakarta, it only takes about 1-3 hours to get there, making it an ideal destination for day trips.
Wondering how to visit the Thousand Islands? This complete guide will show you the best ways to get there. Ready to plan your island escape? Let’s dive in!
What to Do and See in the Thousand Islands?
Whether you’re up for an adventure or just want to unwind, there’s plenty to do—snorkeling, diving, fishing, island hopping, or simply soaking up the sun. You can explore on your own or join a tour, depending on how much time you have and what kind of experience you’re after.
Here’s a look at the best islands to visit and all the exciting activities waiting for you:
Bidadari Island
Bidadari Island is the closest island to the city of Jakarta, and it only takes about 45 minutes to get there. This island features a colonial Dutch fort called ‘Benteng Martello’, which faces the open sea.
Another attraction is its white sandy beach, a variety of water sports, and many villas and resorts right on the beach. Not only that, Bidadari Island is also home to native wildlife like monitor lizards and bondol eagles.
Pramuka Island
Pramuka Island is a top choice for travelers, especially nature lovers and conservation enthusiasts. Home to turtle and shark hatcheries, as well as mangrove conservation areas, this island offers a unique opportunity to explore and support local environmental efforts.
Beyond its role in conservation, Pramuka Island also serves as the capital of the Thousand Islands administrative regency. This means you’ll find well-developed public facilities, including hospitals, mosques, sports fields, restaurants, and a variety of accommodations—from cozy homestays to seaside cottages with stunning ocean views.
Another attraction of this island is the group of coral reefs scattered around it, making it perfect for snorkeling or diving. The journey from Jakarta to Pramuka Island takes about 1 hour by speedboat and 2 hours by fishing boat.
Harapan Island
Harapan Island is one of the popular and must-visit destinations for tourists. Located about 60 km from Jakarta, this island offers pristine natural beauty, far from pollution, and is one of the most favorite snorkeling spots in the Thousand Islands.
Not only does it showcase beautiful underwater scenes, but there are also many small, uninhabited islands around Harapan Island that remain natural, green, and clean.
Tidung Island
When we talk about Tidung Island, we mean two connected islands: Tidung Besar and Tidung Kecil. Tidung Besar is a densely populated residential area, while Tidung Kecil is used as a nature conservation area. Some spots you can visit on Tidung Island include playing on the white sand beach and crossing the Love Bridge that connects the two islands. Here, you can also enjoy underwater activities like snorkeling near the Love Bridge or even try a beach barbecue party. The island is also a favorite for fishermen, and you can rent a fishing boat at a low price.
Tidung Island is also a boat transit point, with a modern port for getting in and off. Many tourists also enjoy walking around Tidung Island on foot or by taking a motorized pedicab. You can also rent a bicycle and cycle around the island. Another attraction of Tidung Island is its diverse community, and you can find a great sunset spot on the west side of the island to watch the sun go down.
Pari Island
Pari Island is a popular destination right now. This island, which has the largest stretch of white sand in the Thousand Islands area, is managed by the local community. It offers several must-visit spots such as Pasir Perawan Beach, Bintang Beach, Kresek Beach, and sunset spots like the LIPI Sunset Spot and Bukit Matahari.
You can enjoy many beach activities here, like exploring the white sandy beach, playing on swings near the beach, canoeing, snorkeling in shallow waters, and more. FYI, there are no resorts or villas here; you can stay in local homes that serve as homestays. If you enjoy interacting with locals and learning about their culture, Pari Island is the perfect destination for you.
Payung Island
Payung Island is the island with the smallest population. This island is part of the Tidung area and is also located near Pramuka Island. It is usually known as a destination for underwater tourism in shallow waters. In addition, you can try cycling around this small island. The island also holds a hidden gem in the form of a unique cottage and a new tourist attraction called Batu Merah Cabin, which offers various fun activities.
Private and Resort Islands
The Thousand Islands are not only a favorite destination for tourists looking to escape the busy city life, but they also offer a more exclusive holiday experience. In the Thousand Islands, there are several private islands that offer a more intimate and luxurious vacation.
There are several private islands that can be the best staycation destination, such as:
- Bintang Island, which has only 4 villas with limited capacity
- H Island that offers a private and luxurious holiday
- Macan Island, with its clear waters and luxurious resort
- Genteng Kecil Island, which is uninhabited and features various bungalows with attractive facilities, and Gosong Sekati Island which is very Instagrammable.
These private islands are often used for corporate events or serve as a destination for business moguls looking to escape the city stress. In the Thousand Islands, there is also one island owned by the family of Indonesia’s former second president—Bira Island—which is closed to the public and has a villa used by former President Soeharto’s family for relaxation.
Looking for another snorkeling paradise around Java? Look no further and dive into our guide Karimunjawa: Travel Guide to the Paradise of Java.
How to Go to Thousand Islands
You can visit the Thousand Islands either on your own or by joining a tour. In both cases, the starting point will be Jakarta.
If you plan to explore the islands independently, there are two ports that serve trips to the Thousand Islands: Kaliadem Port in Muara Angke and Marina Port in Ancol. Below is an explanation of how to reach the Thousand Islands from these two ports in Jakarta, including directions to the departure points.
Kaliadem Port, Muara Angke
Kaliadem Port is located in the Muara Angke area, North Jakarta. This port is the perfect choice for solo travelers on a limited budget. In addition to solo travelers, it also serves as a meeting point for group tours (open trips). The port offers journeys to several island destinations in the Thousand Islands, such as Tidung Island, Pari Island, Untung Jawa Island, Pramuka Island, and Harapan Island. You can choose from several types of boats, including traditional boats, Dishub boats, and Dishub speedboats.
Traditional Boat
Taking a traditional boat to the Thousand Islands offers a more authentic travel experience. Ticket prices start at IDR 82,000, depending on your destination. You can book tickets online through tiketkapaltradisional.com or directly at the ticket counters at Kaliadem Port in Muara Angke. Be sure to arrive early, around 6:30 AM, as departures usually start at 8:00 AM.
Traditional boat trips serve routes only to Pulau Kelapa, Tidung, Pari, Pramuka, and Harapan. On average, the journey takes about 2 to 3 hours.
Dishub Boat
The Dishub Boat is provided by the government’s Department of Transportation at more affordable rates. You can purchase tickets online through the Jaket Boat app or buy them directly at the port ticket counters.
To book your ticket online, follow these steps:
- Download the Jaket Boat app.
- Then select “Buy Boat Ticket.”
- Enter your departure date (to check boat availability).
- Fill in your details and the number of passengers.
- Make your payment by scanning the Qriss barcode or via the Bank DKI Virtual Account.
- You can download your ticket from the notification email and scan the barcode before departure.
Backindo Tip: If you’re having trouble with payment, try asking for help at your accommodation. You can give cash to your local friends while they pay with a local card.
Speedboat Dishub
If you want to get there faster, you can choose to use a speedboat. The ticket booking process is very similar—you can book online through the JaketBoat app or buy your ticket directly at the port ticket counter.
The journey by speedboat to the nearest island takes about 45 minutes. The price for the speedboat is quite affordable, starting from just IDR 44,000. One drawback of using the speedboat is that it has limited capacity and tickets can sell out quickly.
Tips for Taking the Boat from Kaliadem Port, Muara Angke
Before you head to the Thousand Islands, here are some tips to ensure a comfortable journey:
- Arrive at Kaliadem Port early, around 6:30 AM, to purchase tickets in person and check the available boats for that day. FYI, departures usually start at 8:00 AM.
- If booking tickets online, do so one day before departure. Make sure you have your passport ready.
- Avoid taking the speedboat on weekends, as tickets tend to sell out quickly, especially for direct crossings.
- Online ticket bookings for traditional boats are available only for departures from Kaliadem Port. Return tickets can be bought at the ticket counter at the destination island’s port.
Before heading to the Thousand Islands, make sure to explore Jakarta’s Old Town. Check out our guide Kota Tua Jakarta: Top Things to Do and See and How to Get There.
Marina Port Ancol
Marina Port Ancol can be the fastest way to reach the Thousand Islands. Located in the Ancol Beach tourist area in North Jakarta, taking a boat from here is an easier option for crossing. At this port, only speedboats are used to travel to several islands in the Thousand Islands. From Marina Port, speedboat trips usually take around 1–2 hours depending on the island you choose.
Departures from Marina Port in Ancol serve routes to 28 islands, including Pramuka Island, Bidadari Island, Untung Jawa Island, Tidung Island, Harapan Island, and more. Buying tickets is also simple—you just need to go to Dock 16-Marina and purchase a ticket for today’s trip or for a few days ahead. Note that only cash payments are accepted, so be sure to bring enough cash.
Speedboat ticket prices from Marina Port Ancol range from IDR 140,000 to 400,000, depending on the distance to the island. In addition, if you take a speedboat, you are only allowed to carry up to 10 kg of luggage; any extra weight will incur an additional charge.
FYI: The speedboat ticket price does not include the entry ticket to the Ancol tourist area, so you need to purchase an entry ticket to the Ancol tourist area before heading to Dock 16-Marina.
Should You Join Tours or Open Trips?
difficult to find reliable information about how to reach individual islands, which trips are available at each location, how to hop between islands, or even how to get back to Jakarta.
When Pavla’s sister, Hana, stayed on Tidung Island last year, she struggled to find verified information about transportation between the islands, even with the help of a local friend. That’s why joining a group tour or an open trip can often make more sense.
By joining an open trip, you can meet new people, have your individual trips arranged during your stay, and explore several islands in the archipelago. Open trip activities usually last 2 days and 1 night or longer, depending on the tour package you choose. Often, the price includes the boat ticket, accommodation, meals, and other necessary equipment.
In the end, Hana connected with other local travelers while enjoying the sunset on the beach. She joined a family from Yogyakarta and went on a snorkeling trip with them.
So, if you’re an adventurer with a flexible schedule, go for it and explore the Thousand Islands on your own! However, if you prefer more budget-friendly options with a clear itinerary, open trips or private tour services from online platforms like Klook and GetYourGuide might be a better fit for you.
Below are some private tour options that offer a comfortable and uninterrupted travel experience.
Where To Stay in the Thousand Islands
If you’re traveling to the Thousand Islands on your own, don’t be surprised by the limited accommodation options available online. Many of the islands have plenty of homestays that are not listed on popular platforms like Booking.com, Traveloka, or Expedia.
Wondering where to look for accommodation in Indonesia? Check out our guide Best Websites for Booking Accommodation in Indonesia.
You might find a few options online, though some may not have great reviews. Remember our golden rule: anything rated below 7 isn’t worth your stay, so choose carefully. Here are a few of our top picks:
Sisca Homestay, located on Tidung Kecil Island, is a budget-friendly accommodation option. This homestay faces the sea directly and is very close to the beach. It offers a complete range of facilities, including air conditioning, spacious standard rooms, a TV, and complimentary toiletries. Although breakfast is not provided for free, you can order it from the homestay owner
Cemara 38 Cottage, Tidung Besar
Cemara 38 Cottage is the perfect choice for those seeking a cozy, homey lodging atmosphere. Located on Tidung Besar Island, this homestay offers a variety of room options in different sizes. Interestingly, the accommodation is equipped with a fitness center and also offers canoe and bicycle rentals.
Charlie Homestay, Tidung Island
Located on Tidung Island, Charlie Homestay is one of the accommodations that offer a beautiful beach view. With a complete range of facilities, Charlie Homestay provides a perfect lodging option for solo travelers as well as families. At the beach, you can enjoy canoeing, renting bicycles, exploring the area, and other fun activities.
This resort on Pramuka Island comes with a wide range of facilities. It offers room options for families that can accommodate up to 6 people. For those who want to try glamping, there are also tent rooms available for up to 3 people. Located right on the beach, you can take part in many enjoyable activities such as swimming, playing in the sand, canoeing, or simply relaxing by the sea.
Pari Solata Seaview, Pari Island
Pari Solata Seaview is a budget-friendly homestay located in a strategic area near the center of activity and is very easy to find. This homestay offers several rooms that face the beach directly, and it even has a room that can accommodate up to 15 people in one space. The facilities are quite adequate, with rooms equipped with air conditioning, a TV, and a bathroom with a sitting toilet.
Dolphine Villa, Pramuka Island
Dolphine Villa is a two-story lodging that offers many room options and overlooks the open sea. For those looking for budget-friendly accommodation on Pramuka Island, Dolphone Villa can be your choice during your vacation. Not only that, but this lodging also has spacious rooms equipped with air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. Additionally, the staff is available 24 hours a day.
Let’s Explore Thousand Islands
The Thousand Islands is not just a hidden gem destination you should visit. Far from the busy city, the Thousand Islands offer a breath of fresh air amid Jakarta’s hustle and bustle—perfect for relaxation, adventure, and healing, especially if you have limited time.
So, let’s explore the Thousand Islands and experience the thrill of discovering Indonesia’s archipelago, rich in abundant natural marine beauty.
What next?
- The Only Jakarta Travel Guide You’ll Ever Need
- Where to Stay in Jakarta: Top Areas and Accommodations
- Yogyakarta Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
- How to Travel by Train in Indonesia
- Ujung Kulon National Park: A Complete Guide for Solo Travelers and Open Trips
- Bandung: Ultimate Travel Guide to the Capital of West Java