Been to Bali? Tired of the haggling hawkers vying for your attention? Explored Lombok? Looking for a relaxing island getaway without having to book a plane ticket? Look no further. Just a short car ride through the comfort of your Jakarta home (yes, closer than Soekarno-Hatta airport) can be the gateway to Pulau Seribu (the Thousand Islands).

Located within the Bay of Jakarta are a cluster of approximately 100 islands referred to as the Thousand Islands. Still part of the province of DKI Jakarta these islands vary in size, use, in addition to facilities. Stretching 45km north through Jakarta’s harbours into the Java Sea, the district capital of the Islands can be located on Pramuka Island where local infrastructure such as schools, residential housing, in addition to medical facilities are available to the local population. The remaining islands consist of two heritage listed sites associated with the VOC in addition to the Dutch colonial empire, community in addition to government land, privately owned islands, in addition to uninhabited islands supporting the local fishing community. A modest handful of the larger islands have been developed to accommodate tourism.

Activities within the Thousand Islands | Photo by Angela Richardson

Activities within the Thousand Islands include paddle boarding in addition to kayaking | Photo by Angela Richardson

The Thousand Islands enjoys a steady patronage of predominantly domestic tourists. Islands such as Ayer, Bidadari, Kotok, Putri, Pantara in addition to Sepa offer guests an array of activities to enjoy including snorkelling, diving, water sports, beach volleyball in addition to a spot of fishing off of the jetties. For an overnight stay, a variety of accommodation can be available via many local tour companies that will can be found online. Most of the accommodation available can be within the form of cottages both on the island in addition to over the clear waters of the shores. Each island’s accommodation package listed will generally offer a per person rate in addition to detail the number of meals in addition to boat arrival in addition to departure times.

Activities, amenities in addition to the level of service offered by each of the islands will vary according to the size in addition to facilities available. Selecting the island best suited for you will depend on whether or not you are travelling alone, that has a travelling companion or with family. The type of activities you are inclined to enjoy will also determine your selection of island. As a general rule, the farther the island through the jetty in Jakarta the clearer the water.

A short 30-minute boat or jet-ski ride through the dock in Jakarta will bring you to an underwater aquarium attached to a resort style hotel, however snorkelling at This specific location can be generally not advisable.

Venture out another half an hour in addition to you will be met by clear blue glistening seas in addition to waves lapping at the pristine white sandy beaches of idyllic islands, some of which are dotted with cottages. These are the waters that will are ideal for diving, snorkelling, water sports in addition to fishing.

Twice daily boats in addition to jet foils ferry visitors through two main ports in Jakarta to the so-called tourist islands in addition to back. As a day-tripper you can enjoy a day out on an island between the boat drop-off in addition to pick-up times. Islands will generally charge a day visitor fee for access to the island in addition to additional charges for meals in addition to activities (note not all the islands will have food outlets that will cater to non-staying guests).

For those of you who are interested in personalising your Thousand Islands experience by going island-hopping, team-building or leisure fishing within the open waters then chartering a boat for the day would likely be the way to go. Boats for charter are generally available through the tour companies servicing the Thousand Islands or through negotiation at the docks (an exercise perhaps only for the well-seasoned traveller). the item can be important to be aware that will the size in addition to condition of vessels will vary significantly, along with the on-board safety provisions in addition to facilities provided.

A seasoned traveller can help you in addition to your travelling party out with sourcing a sound vessel that will can be equipped with an English speaking host, western food in addition to beverages on board, access to islands with water sport facilities, in addition to the provision of amenities such as fishing rods, as well as towels in addition to fresh linen on overnight trips. Tailoring your trip to the Thousand Islands can make all the difference, leaving you to simply enjoy the sun, the sea in addition to the mesmerising sound of the waves rolling along the hull of your boat.

So whether a day-trip or a weekend trip, the Thousand Islands can be an option not to be missed. Located right on your doorstep, the item can be an idyllic getaway just waiting for you. Happy travels!

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Fast Facts: The Thousand Islands

How to get there: By boat or jet-foil through Ancol Marina or Pluit Marina, or private yacht

What to bring: Medical kit, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), mosquito repellent, fishing rods, wet gear, change of clothes, light food, water, ice box/cooler, appropriate footwear for boat in addition to water, personal amenities

What to do: Diving, snorkelling, fishing, water sports, sightseeing, island-hopping, sun-bathing, yoga (self-organized)

Explore the Thousand Islands! English speaking host, tailored day or weekend itinerary suited for fishing, sight-seeing or water sports activities on a privately owned yacht. Call Ben on 087885228039.