Karimunjawa, Enchanting Marine Eco-Park

Karimunjawa (Wikipedia)

Karimunjawa is one of only a few island cluster to the north sea of Java. The 111.625 Ha island cluster is situated 45 nautical miles from the main land. The islands belong to Jepara regency is inhibited by around 8.800 people.

Karimunjawa consists of 22 small islands. Most of the inhabitant live in 5 main islands of Karimunjawa, Kemujan, Parang, Nyamuk, and Genting. In 1986, Karimunjawa was officially appointed a Marine Natural Preserve.

The protection status of Karimunjawa was increased to National Park in 1999 and then Marine Natural Conservation area in 2001. Simultaneously to this, Karimunjawa gets more attention from scientific community. They often make scientific research related to marine life on the island.

Fringing reef, barrier reef, and patch reef are constituting reef cluster lying to the bottom of Karimunjawa sea. Its marine biodiversity consists of more than 90 kinds of hard coral and 242 fish species.

Karimunjawa protects mainly 2 species of sea plant, locally called akar bahar (Antiphates spp.) and karang merah (Tubipora musica). Among preserved sea animals are Cassis cornuta, triton (Charonia tritonis), nautilus (Nautilus pompillius), Turbo marmoratus, dan 6 species of Kima.

Above ground, Karimunjawa National Park also protect some species of mammals and birds. The population of deer (Cervus timorensis subspec) and Kemujan Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis karimondjawae) are deprived from irresponsible hunting activities. To make the task easier, the organizer of the National Park permits only people with a license to enter certain islands.

Burung and Geleang islands are home for 40 bird species, including a rare species of White-bellied sea-eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), green imperial pigeon (Ducula aenea), yellow vented bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier). On the floor of its coast, hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and green turtle (Chelonia mydas) occasionally lay their eggs.

There are many interesting activities can be done on a trip to this enchanting islands. The color-rich underwater life provides great places for diving and snorkeling. These spots are spread on the islands of Menjangan Besar, Menjangan Kecil, Geleang, Bengkoang, Parang, Kembar, Katang, Krakal Kecil, dan pulau Kumbang.

A family will safely take their children to sail on a glass bottom boat. Without plunging into water, children can see the colorful underwater live. At Menjangan Besar island there is a salt water aquarium for visitors who have phobia to sea.

Away from the sea, you can climb the 600 m tall Gandero, the islands’ tallest peak situated on Karimun island. Wildlife observation activity can be done throughout Burung and Geleang islands with a prior notice to National Park guards.

Today, Karimunjawa is developed as eco-tourism village. Its inhabitant are urged to run businesses related to tourism, such as opening homestays, floating houses, hotels, and souvenir shops. Forty homestays and motels with the room price ranging from IDR100,000.00-300,000.00 are already available throughout the islands. The island’s souvenir centers are Al Badri in Legon Cikmas village and Labiki on Kapuran Street.