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    Karimunjawa
    Island

    Karimunjawa

    Karimunjawa is an archipelago in the Java Sea north of Jepara. White beaches, reefs, and small uninhabited islands make it the most popular island destination in Central Java.

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    9. Karimunjawa
    Karimunjawa is an archipelago in the Java Sea north of Jepara. White beaches, reefs, and small uninhabited islands make it the most popular island destination in Central Java.
    Karimunjawa is located approximately 80 km north of the coast of Central Java and consists of 27 islands, only a few of which are inhabited. Large parts are protected as a Marine National Park. The main settlement is Karimunjawa village on the island of the same name, where most guesthouses are located. Boat day trips lead to white sandy islands like Cemara Kecil, to snorkeling spots, and to Menjangan Besar, which features a pool full of reef sharks. The islands are particularly popular with Indonesian travelers, and it gets crowded on weekends and during holidays.

    Sights in Karimunjawa

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Pulau Menjangan Besar
    Attraction

    Pulau Menjangan Besar

    Island near the main town with a pool where you can swim with Blacktip Reef Sharks. The interaction with the animals is controversial.
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    Pulau Cemara Kecil
    Attraction

    Pulau Cemara Kecil

    Small sandy island with casuarinas and shallow clear water, a firm stop on island-hopping tours.
    Open in Google Maps
    Alun-Alun Karimunjawa
    Attraction

    Alun-Alun Karimunjawa

    Village square by the harbor, an evening meeting point with food stalls and sunset views.
    Open in Google Maps
    Pantai Legon Lele
    Attraction

    Pantai Legon Lele

    Quiet sandy beach in the north of the main island with coconut palms and shallow water.
    Open in Google Maps

    Sights in Karimunjawa

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Pulau Menjangan Besar
    Attraction

    1Pulau Menjangan Besar

    Island near the main town with a pool where you can swim with Blacktip Reef Sharks. The interaction with the animals is controversial.
    Open in Google Maps
    Pulau Cemara Kecil
    Attraction

    2Pulau Cemara Kecil

    Small sandy island with casuarinas and shallow clear water, a firm stop on island-hopping tours.
    Open in Google Maps
    Alun-Alun Karimunjawa
    Attraction

    3Alun-Alun Karimunjawa

    Village square by the harbor, an evening meeting point with food stalls and sunset views.
    Open in Google Maps
    Pantai Legon Lele
    Attraction

    4Pantai Legon Lele

    Quiet sandy beach in the north of the main island with coconut palms and shallow water.
    Open in Google Maps

    Restaurants in Karimunjawa

    1

    Angkringan Love Garden

    Angkringan, a Javanese street food stall with small portions, on the main island of Karimunjawa.
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    Eating and Drinking

    Alun-Alun

    Evenings, on the village square, there are stalls with grilled fish, squid, and seafood.

    Grilled Fish on Boat Tours

    On day trips, fresh fish is often grilled on one of the islands.

    Custom

    Javanese, Bugis, and Madurese people live on the islands, most making a living from fishing. The population is predominantly Muslim; dress accordingly in the village. In the evenings, residents and guests gather at the Alun-Alun with its food stalls.

    Getting There and Around

    ArrivalTo Jepara: From Jakarta by train to Semarang in about 5 hours 15 minutes, then about 2 hours by road to Kartini Port in Jepara.Fast Boat: The Express Bahari takes 2 to 2.5 hours from Jepara.Ferry: The KMP Siginjai takes 4.5 to 5 hours; tickets online via ferizy.com.Weather: In case of high waves, services are often cancelled, especially from December to February. Plan an extra buffer day.On the IslandsOn the main island, rent scooters; travel to other islands by chartered boats.

    Day trips

    Jepara

    Port city on the north coast, known for wood carvings and as a departure port.

    Accommodations in Karimunjawa

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    Nearby

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    Dieng Plateau

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    Merapi

    Merapi

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    Solo (Surakarta)

    Solo (Surakarta)

    Solo, officially Surakarta, is, alongside Yogyakarta, the second hub of Javanese court culture. Two royal houses, batik districts, and a distinctive cuisine characterize the city, which is quieter and less touristy than its neighbor.
    Borobudur

    Borobudur

    Borobudur, located in the Kedu Plain, is the world's largest Buddhist temple complex and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the 8th and 9th centuries, the step pyramid features over 2,600 reliefs and 72 openwork stupas, surrounded by volcanoes and rice fields.
    Central Java and Yogyakarta

    Central Java and Yogyakarta

    Central Java, including the Yogyakarta Special Region, is the historical heartland of Javanese culture. The Borobudur and Prambanan temples, the Sultan's courts of Yogyakarta and Solo, and the active Merapi volcano are all located here in a compact area.