KARIMUNJAWA ISLANDS INDONESIA

KARIMUNJAWA ISLANDS

INDONESIA

Karimunjawa Islands are located in the middle of Java Sea between Java Island and Kalimantan, Borneo. Well, maybe not right in the middle, about 70 sea miles away from Java and some 170 from Borneo. Those are actually two islands, Karimunjawa and Kemujan, connected by bridge.

While main transport on the islands is a bike, one would not notice being on Kemujan island after driving across the bridge.

The Islands are unique, the waters around them crystal clear and the multitude of reefs colorful with plenty of fish. It sure is a paradise for snorkeling and diving. There are a number of other islands on extensive reefs around Karimunjawa and Kemujan.

Local boats ferry the visitors on discovery trips to snorkel and dive. The closest are Menjangan Besar and Kecil, more distant Pulau Bengkoang, Cemara Besar and Kecil and many more.

The local population is friendly and fast adopting to visitors from all over the world. The fishing boats are of their special design, typical for Karimunjawa.

The sunsets are spectacular and seem to last forever after the sun goes down.

Karimunjawa Islands found their place on the world map and are fast becoming a destination to visit.

PULAU BANGKA INDONESIA

PULAU BANGKA

INDONESIA

Sailing along Bangka Island requires time. There are two routes. The eastern side of Bangka or the inside route, that is between Sumatra and Bangka. The decision needs to be made as to which route to take at the northern part of Bangka. The landscape is charming, long golden beaches lined up with palms, distant mountains. The sea is turquoise, the water clear. The outer passage is recommended if one wants to continue enjoying this scenery. It is a hundred nautical miles to sail to Tanjung Berikat at the southern end of Bangka.

The inner passage is longer, water not so clear and the weather could be stormy.

The 100 sea miles of the outer passage can be broken into comfortable day sailing between anchorages. One of those anchorages is Palau Panjang with extensive reef and excellent protection from swell in spite of the island itself being just a line on the horizon.

Another anchorage is just between reefs, very comfortable at low tide and with some swell breaking over the reef at high water. It is Karang Perlang only 25 miles away from the southern part of Pulau Bangka, Tanjung Berikat. The Cape itself is scenic and pleasure to sail by.

It was sad to leave Pulau Bangka behind although a sense of new adventure compensated for the departure.