Escaping from it all in Central Java<\/p>\n
Agustina Wayansari and Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post,
\nKarimun Jawa, Central Java<\/p>\n
We drank in the beautiful view as the Kura-Kura Aviation Cessna
\n402 approached Karimun Jawa, the string of islets set in a clear
\nturquoise sea.<\/p>\n
Not to mention the sight of the pristine white sandy beach.<\/p>\n
We were enjoying the last moments of a 30-minute flight from
\nSemarang to Kura-Kura Resort on Menyawakan Island, one of 27
\nislands comprising Karimun Jawa islands in Central Java's Jepara
\nregency.<\/p>\n
The aircraft passed over Karimun Jawa Island, the main island
\nin the group, and landed at Dewa Daru airstrip on nearby Kemojan
\nIsland. These two islands, separated by a narrow strait, are
\nlinked by a bridge.<\/p>\n
The airstrip's humble terminal was deserted as Kura-Kura
\nAviation is the only regular visitor.<\/p>\n
From the airfield, we took a short walk to a simple pier where
\na speed boat was waiting to take us to Menyawakan.<\/p>\n
There are 15 bungalows available at Kura-Kura Resort, each
\nwith a commanding view to the west to catch the glorious sunset.<\/p>\n
The resort's diving master, Magnus Muhli, said there were more
\nthan 30 dive sites across Karimun Jawa Marine National Park,
\nwhich were suitable for all levels of divers, from those testing
\nthe waters to experienced ones.<\/p>\n
"There are shallow dive sites with no or weak currents for
\nbeginners, as well as deep ones with strong currents for more
\nadvanced divers," he said.<\/p>\n
"Interested divers can also explore several shipwrecks."<\/p>\n
Beginner divers can try Hawksbill Point, Gosong Cemara or the
\nwreck of Biblis, while intermediate divers would probably find
\nthe wreck of the Mitra or Karang Kapal points quite interesting
\nand testing.<\/p>\n
Most of the diving points for advanced divers include
\nshipwrecks, such as at Taka Menyawakan and Torpedo Reef.<\/p>\n
"It is indeed a beautiful place because there are so many
\ndiving sites available for everyone," visitor Henrik Dahl told
\nThe Jakarta Post.<\/p>\n
Henrik, who spent several days at the resort along with three
\nfriends, said they were looking to return.<\/p>\n
"Four days is simply not enough to explore the entire area. We
\nwill definitely come back," he said.<\/p>\n
Kura-Kura Resort can be a fun-filled escape even if you do not
\ndive. That is as long as you can swim, of course.<\/p>\n
Menyawakan itself is a good place for snorkeling, ringed by a
\nbeautiful coral reef like the other islands in Karimun Jawa.<\/p>\n
The water is so clear the reef was visible as we took a jetski
\nride. As we circled the island three times, we stopped several
\ntimes to take a closer look at the beautiful reef.<\/p>\n
"It was such an awesome experience snorkeling around the
\nisland. We just floated and the current carried us around," said
\nDini, who was visiting with her partner Erick.<\/p>\n
The island itself is encircled by a magnificent natural coral
\nreef wall.<\/p>\n
"We even had to break the coral line to make way for vessels
\nentering our pier," said one of the resort staff, Eko.<\/p>\n
Walking along the reef wall, we were able to differentiate the
\nblue of the sea, which is a clear blue near the shore but a
\ndarker hue outside.<\/p>\n
Muhli said everybody was welcome to visit the diving points as
\nlong as they respected the environment.<\/p>\n
"We do not own the points because it is a marine national
\npark. We just bring people there," he said.<\/p>\n
"But we have good cooperation with the marine national park
\nauthorities to preserve the park."<\/p>\n
The resort management is even trying to play a part in
\nensuring that the park is not spoiled. It has suggested to the
\npark authorities to work with local fishermen on more sustainable
\nfishing practices.<\/p>\n
"We have suggested that the park authorities divide the park
\ninto fishing and restricted zones to provide a more conducive
\nenvironment for fish to breed and regenerate," Muhli said.<\/p>\n
"After a certain period, we can rotate the zones. In this way,
\nthe fishermen will always have fish to catch. Without such a
\nrotation, there will be overfishing and there will be nothing
\nleft."<\/p>\n
Although the plan has yet to be implemented, Muhli said the
\nresort would continue to give its support.<\/p>\n
The management also pays attention to other environmental
\nissues, Eko said, including having all laundry done in Jepara to
\navoid run-off into the sea.<\/p>\n
"We also ship trash like bottles and cans to Jepara and burn
\nwhat we can can," he added.<\/p>\n
And for those in search of kura-kura (turtles), the resort
\nsaid they came ashore to lay their eggs.<\/p>\n
It's a stunning, unspoiled piece of paradise, but there is one
\ndrawback.<\/p>\n
There is only radio communication from the resort to the rest
\nof the world, with telephone service only available on Karimun
\nJawa Island.<\/p>\n
To make things worse -- or better for those seeking a complete
\nescape from it all -- there is no cellular phone coverage at all.<\/p>\n
But then who needs contact with the bustling, frenzied pace of
\nmodern life when you can indulge yourself in a hassle-free stay
\namid such beauty?<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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