Pulau Seribu, Thousand Islands in the Sun

As we have a thousand islands for our salad dressing, Jakarta also has a thousand islands but the real ones. Pulau Seribu which is located at Jakarta Bay in the Java Sea literally means "Thousand Islands". However, in reality, it consists only of 128 small islands, but still a large number. Most of these are inhabited and can be reached within one or two hours from Marina Ancol by ferry or by chartered boats. The surrounding reefs are home to a wide variety of fishes, making Pulau Seribu an ideal location for diving, snorkeling, and fishing. The real islands in the sun.

Some of the islands in this group already developed for tourism are Pulau Bidadari, Pulau Ayer, Sepa, Coconut, Pelangi, Bira, Pantara, Kul-kul, and Pulau Putri. There are also cabins for us, from which we can view the golden beaches fringed with coconut palms.

The changes of season and some degree of pollutions are believed to have given a degree of effect to the declining coral reefs of Pulau Seribu, though the surrounding waters are still a paradise for those who are accustomed to diving and snorkeling. The sea water is filled with a myriad of tropical fishes, which live among the multicolored coral reefs. Pulau Putri, Melintang, Petondang, and Papa Theo are among the islands becoming holiday resorts with cottages, restaurants, diving and sailing facilities.

The islands are located at the northern part of Jakarta Bay around 40 to 100 kilometers off the bay. The whole land area of all islands is not more than 860 hectares. Pulau Sebira is the farthest distance from Jakarta Bay, up to 100 kilometers. However, all are easily reached by speed boats available at Marina Ancol.

As the islands are very near to Jakarta which economically powerful, businessmen from Jakarta have converted many of the islands into tourist spots, where marine activities such snorkeling and diving are supported by diving equipment and nice hotel and motel where we can stay.

Degrading Condition

Following its nearness to Jakarta, and highly exploitation of coral reefs and fish catching, the islands’ condition is degrading due to human and natural factors. These factors include the unsustainable technique of fish catching such as bombing, blast, cyanide use, coral mining, and dredging, degrading of water quality due to industrial pollution and solid waste thrown by locals into the sea. The pollution might also contribute to the establishment of various resorts on the islands which involve various activities from project to tourists.

Important Islands to Note
Onrust Island is one of them to mention. Among the cultural preservation, which has a historical value related to the period of Dutch colonial rule in the 17th century, the island was once important boat repairs. Here we can see the relics of the remaining buildings which have been built in a fortress around the 17th century.

We can visit Hope Island to stay overnight in a fine home-stay, which is relatively inexpensive. There are also other islands worthwhile to be visited, namely Angel and Cipir Kelor islands, which become the Heritage Park Archeology of Onrust but, unfortunately, their existence is less a tourist attraction for local residents and foreign tourists respectively.

Princess and Bidadari islands are famous for snorkeling and viewing the underwater aquarium. If you like to lay down in the sand beach, Sepa Island is particularly good for its white sand.

Edam Island, almost forgotten, looks different from the surrounding islands because of its old lighthouse which now is still active. The lighthouse was built at the initiative of the King Willem III in 1879. Five guards and their families occupy the old buildings. We can see the beautiful scenery around the island from the height of  52 meters sweeping the horizon as far as  be 20 miles distance from the island. The building has never been renovated and using exactly the same equipments as it did around 120 years ago.

Apart of this unique lighthouse we can also find the remaining of Dutch fort and a tomb complex apparently belong to the relatives of exiled Banten Sultanate. Sometimes, some visitors come to the island just like to take care for the graves.

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