Strangely there is such a cluster of pristine islands located near the busy Indonesian capital Jakarta, the Seribu Islands with islands of paradise soaked in the sunshine and rare, unspoilt cool waters.
" Kepulauan Seribu " literally means archipelago thousand, this is the name given to many tropical islands scattered in Jakarta Bay.
But very few people know that there are exactly 110 islands, which together form an area that includes the Pulau Seribu National Marine Park in the Jakarta province. This cluster of islands forms a tourist getaway from just a half-hour to three-hour boat ride from the northern coast of Jakarta city .
Seribu Islands Indonesia
Here, only about 20,000 people live on 11 islands, while all others are uninhabited, privately owned or a limited nature reserve. The islands are a snorkeling paradise and water sports playground in particular for residents of urban cities. During the holidays, domestic tourists flock to the islands to have fun in the sun on these islands. Here is a list of great islands to explore and have fun with as a whole family, starting from the closest ones to the outermost ones.
Tourist islands in the Seribu archipelago
1. Pulau Bidadari
Pulau Bidadari is the island closest to the Marina Ancol ferry and just 30 minutes away by boat where you can instantly enjoy the photogenic site of the Martello fortress, built in the 17th century. Magical collection of rare plants that grow naturally on its fertile soil. There are Peace trees (baringtoniaexelsa), Sentigi trees (pempisacidula), blackwood trees (diospyrosmaritama), fruit trees and mangroves that are excellent resources for research and understanding in the Seribu Islands . The floating houses are a favorite place to spend your vacation on the island, relax and soak up in the sand. Don't miss out to enjoy the fine local seafood dishes caught in the clear blue waters.
Pulau Bidadari Island
2. Pulau Ayer
Pulau Ayer Resort offers guests the choice of resorting to small floating country houses or on the mainland in villas designed in traditional Papua details. The resort was developed in the 1950s and is the resort of Indonesia's first President, Soekarno. It has all kinds of resort facilities such as restaurants, video game areas, karaoke, playgrounds, sports fields and large swimming pools, this is one of the exciting water sports activities to try on this island. Located only about 25 minutes from Marina Ancol, the island is one of the favorite destinations for families and large gatherings.
Pulau Ayer Resort
3. Pulau Onrust
Pulau Onrust is a small island that hides a historic Dutch fortress and other monuments from Dutch colonial times and now functions as a museum of the Seribu Islands . The history of the island dates back to the 1800s and during that time it has changed many times, from an important shipyard of the Dutch East India Company, VOC, to a weather station, an institute. A nursing home, a Hajj quarantine facility, and even a prison for notorious criminals. Therefore the island also retains many traces according to its long history.
Pulau Onrust Island
4. Pulau Tidung
Spend your weekend on the beautiful Pulau Tidung island with the famous Love Bridge or Jembatan Cinta, an 800 meter long bridge that connects the small Tidung Island with the great Tidung. Legend has it that its name is Bridge of Love as a symbol of your eternal hope to find your true love on this path. This bridge is also the perfect spot to capture your epic dive into the clear ocean. You can rent bicycles to cycle around and socialize with the enthusiastic locals in their open house.
Snorkelling on the island of Pulau Tidung5. Pulau Paris
Today Pulau Paris has become a new developing destination in the Indonesian Seribu Islands . Although a relatively short distance from Marina Ancol, it has a complete island atmosphere. First hop on a traditional fishing boat to cruise around the island, the calm white beach, few waves will pat you down. There's even a site called Virgin Sands known for its unspoiled charm. A research facility has also been established here to study seaweed. Don't miss Sun Hill or Bukit Matahari, the hot spot for amazing skies where the sun rises and sets down in pristine waters where it's simply magical!
Take part in water games on the island of Pulau Paris
6. Pulau Pramuka
Pulau Pramuka is the administrative center of Kepulauan Seribu, located in the middle of this cluster of islands, so this is also the most inhabited place in the entire archipelago. These are schools, mosques, banks and contact facilities that you may not find on other islands. In addition, Pramuka is also a nature reserve for greenback turtles named Eretmochelys imbricate, which is preserved and protected in this natural habitat. Young turtles that have reached the appropriate stage will be introduced to a new natural habitat in the sea. Tourists are invited to help take the first steps of these adorable little creatures from shore to sea, in an effort to raise awareness about animal care and become a tourist attraction. Colorful fish and coral reefs are also an attraction for those who love adventure in the water.
Pulau Pramuka is the administrative center in the Seribu Islands
7. Pulau Sepa
A seven-hectare island with breathtaking beaches, Pulau Sepa is an hour and a half from Pier 19 in Marina Ancol. The boat leaves the island at 8am and is scheduled to depart again at 2pm. Many activities are available here to enjoy from simple sunbathing on white sand to more enjoyable water sports like snorkelling, banana boating, diving or jetskiing. You can also meet a number of turtles here and choose from rural style houses to rest while on this island tour.
Pulau Sepa with stunning coastline8. Pulau Pelangi
Pulau Pelangi or Rainbow Island, 70 km from the Marina Ancol pier of the Seribu archipelago , is shady trees and coconut trees: a diving paradise with crystal clear water. You could also try Alaska, a semi-submarine boat, to experience a new way of looking at the underwater garden. Exciting banana boat rides will only bring you extreme smiles and excitement. Take a break and relax in that cottage bungalows and panoramic beaches. Don't forget to try fresh local seafood at its fantastic floating restaurant. Enjoy a night of barbecue under the glittering islands of the starry sky.
Pulau Pelangi Island
9. Pulau Macan
Pulau Macan or Tiger Island attracts honeymoon couples as an eco-tourist destination, famous for its romantic huts. Here the huts are built in a natural style, so you can really feel as if you are on a separate island from civilization. Some huts are arranged like that to allow visitors to enjoy the best sunset view. You can even soak up the crystal clear sea water just a few steps from your comfy bed. Located 1.5 hours from Marina Ancol, Pulau Macan offers exciting water sports such as boating, windsurfing, snorkelling and scuba diving.
Sunbathing on Pulau Macan Island
10. Pulau Putri
Pulau Putri belongs to the most remote islands in the Seribu archipelago from Jakarta. With its clear waters, Pulau Putri will delight you with their water sports activities, glass bottom boats and many other unique attractions. One of the more distant islands in this cluster is two to three hours from the harbor of Marina Ancol. Pulau Putri welcomes visitors every day with beautiful beaches and a variety of sea adventures. A glass tunnel is a special feature of the island, where visitors can comfortably watch the beautiful underwater life without getting wet.
Underwater tunnel on the island of Pulau Putri
The large aquarium and water slides are definitely one of the many fun activities to enjoy here. Fully furnished country-style homes including meeting rooms and well-maintained tennis courts cater to guests. The amazing life on the seabed also awaits to be admired by sea hikers, while others love to snorkel and snorkel around this jewel island.
Most of the islands can be reached by speedboat departing from Marina Ancol. Ancol, an entertainment complex with complex facilities such as Dufan Theme Park, Atlantis Waterboom, adventure games, an eco park, and more. Getting to Ancol is best to rent a car, taxi or bus to TransJakarta.