Karimunjawa

Karimunjawa is an Indonesian archipelago and marine conservation area in the Java Sea off the north coast of Central Java, known for white-sand beaches, clear water and coral reefs.

The group contains around two dozen islands and islets; the largest islands host the main settlements, beaches and basic tourist facilities, while many smaller islands are fringing-reef environments popular for snorkeling and diving. Reef flats, seagrass beds and reef slopes support a diversity of marine life and are protected within the marine park.

Traditional fishing and small-scale agriculture support the island communities, and tourism focuses on day trips, snorkeling, diving and beach recreation. Facilities are concentrated on the main islands where guesthouses, simple restaurants and boat operators serve visitors.

Geographically the archipelago lies north of Central Java and is reached by ferry from the port of Jepara or by small aircraft and charter boat services that operate from coastal towns on Java.

• Island count and marine protection: The archipelago comprises roughly 20 to 30 islands and islets; coral reefs and seagrass beds around the islands are protected within a marine park.
• Access: Ferry connections from Jepara on Java take several hours; small aircraft and charter boats also provide occasional access to the islands' airstrip and harbours.

What to See #

• Karimun Jawa (main island): Karimun Jawa (the main island) hosts the largest settlements and beaches, and serves as the ferry and service hub for the archipelago.
• Kemujan: Kemujan is the second-largest island and contains agricultural areas and the archipelago's main support facilities and local communities.
• Peripheral islands and reefs: Smaller islands such as Menjangan Besar and Menjangan Kecil are notable for coral reefs and snorkeling sites, forming part of the marine park's protected waters.