Yogyakarta is the starting point for many types of trips across Java. You can choose your own adventure from all the intineraries featured at your homestay's reception area, but sometimes it is hard to know where to go next. If you are ready to take a break from touring temples, and like folowing the road less traveled, stow your Bali book in your bag and book aboat to Karimunjawa National Park.
Situated 80 km north of Central java are 27 tiny islands that comprise the area in and around Karimunjawa National Park. With a total population of less than 10.000 people, and many islands completely uninhabited, this remote marine reserve is teemin with opportunities for that postcard perfect moment that is just you, white sand, blue water, and millions of happy fish.
Once you are there, you will never want to leave Homestays, guesthouses, and a few resort offer housing for alla budgets. Friendly tour operators will fit you out with snorkel gear, and let you pick your islands- taking you out in small fishing boats with nothing but a cooler of drinks and some lunch supplies, while letting you drift by tropical scenes you previously thought only existed on your desktop.
To begin to appreciate the 250 species of fish, the 100 varieties of coral, as well as observe the 40 different types of bird, swim with sharks, and catch a glimpse of the local deer your should plan for at least 3 full days in the park, though 'island time' can quickly seep into your bones as the weeks roll by. It doesn't take much to imagine how this triopical paradise looked to the pirates, who sought refuge her, or to the British penal colony that was briefly in residence. Not much has changed in the last 300 years.
Landlubbers will encounter an interesting cultural blend between the java cultural from the island of Java, the Madura from the islands of the coast of Java, and the Bugis - the sailing culture that has been the source of pirate legends and the "boogey" man. These residents live haromoniously on the five inhabited park island, amongst palm tree coastlines and mangrove swamps.
The kinds of beauty you'll find both on land and underwater is no accident. Karimunjawa has retained its pristine environment and timeless feel thanks in part to limited seasonal tranportation options (see box). During the rainy season (oktober to April) the seas can be too high for the ferry to run, sometimes for weeks, and event in the dry (my to september) things can be doggy. If you have a plane you mu catch, be sure to check the weather in advance , and give yourself an extra day or so for the unexpected.
Some other things to keep in mind are that electricity is not available during the daytime, so bring extra batteries , and buy your ice in the early morning, keeping it locked safe in a cooler for the day's use. There is an ATM on the main island of Karimun, motorbikes available to rent, and a few small shops where you can buy a limitide selection of groceries. If you have the world's largest feet consider packing in your own flippers for snorkeling. (by sarah herz | Jogjamag hal 5 sept 2013)
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