Secluded Seribu Islands offer serenity<\/p>\n
By Danielle Bray<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Crystal blue waters that swarm with rainbow
\ncolored fish. The sound of waves lapping against the shore. The
\nsilence you crave. An escape from the big city. Sound appealing?
\nPerhaps it is time to enjoy the summer and take a trip to Pulau
\nSeribu.<\/p>\n
Kepulauan Seribu or \"Thousand Islands\" is a group of
\napproximately 110 small islands located in the Java Sea. Most of
\nthese islands are uninhabited and can be reached by boat in about
\ntwo hours from the Ancol Marina. The reefs that surround these
\nsecluded islands are home to a some of the most beautiful marine
\nlife in the world.<\/p>\n
One of the many islands worth visiting is Sebaru Kecil Island,
\nbetter known as Pantara Island (Pulau Seribu Marine Resort),
\nwhich is managed by Pantara Wisata Jaya. The resort encompasses
\ntwo islands, Hantu Barat (West Ghost) and Hantu Timur (East
\nGhost), which are just called Barat (West) and Timur (East) --
\nmaybe in order not to scare tourists. The islands are located
\nfive minutes apart by boat. Timur island is the larger of the
\ntwo, and hosts a greater amount of facilities. Barat is known for
\nits coral reef and is a favorite among divers and snorkelers
\nalike. However, a guest is not limited to enjoy only one island,
\na shuttle service between Barat and Timur departs every half
\nhour.<\/p>\n
The islands were originally known as the Japanese Islands. The
\ntourism was developed in 1987, and they were leased and operated
\nby Japan Air Lines. Although the islands were open to all
\ntourists, the main occupants were Japanese. The airline promoted
\ntours from Japan to Indonesia that highlighted the islands as a
\nmain destination.<\/p>\n
Following the riots in May of 1998, JAL relinquished their
\nlease on the islands, and they were taken over by a local company
\n(Bank Artha Graha). Although they were renamed (now called Pulau
\nPantara), and under new ownership, the islands still prove to be
\na popular destination among overseas guests. The market is now
\ndesigned to entice visitors from Taiwan.<\/p>\n
Agus Yunita Haryadi, the executive chef on Timur island, has
\nbeen an employee at the resort since its opening 13 years ago. He
\nstated that tourism has suffered due to the economic and
\npolitical instability of the region. \"The foreign visitors were
\nafraid to travel to Indonesia with all its uncertainties.\" He
\nadded with a smile, \"However, tourism appears to be on the
\nincline ... luckily things are starting to pick up.\"<\/p>\n
The tour packages (from Jakarta) are priced at Rp 999,000 for
\nthe first night, and Rp 500,000 for each additional night (over
\nthe weekend). Weekday prices are reduced. The packages include:
\nround trip transportation from Marina beach in North Jakarta,
\nfour buffet meals, use of all the facilities and a free one-hour
\nrental of snorkeling equipment.<\/p>\n
Timur island is home to 56 cabins, a swimming pool, disco,
\ntennis courts and a marine rental shop. Barat island consists of
\n34 cottages, a convention hall, swimming pool and a large
\nJapanese restaurant.<\/p>\n
Susilowati, an English instructor from Jakarta, said of her
\nvisit, \"I found the evenings to be rather dull ... it would have
\nbeen more exciting if they had an events organizer on the island
\nto promote some nighttime activities.\"<\/p>\n
A Taiwanese tour guide explained that the Thousand Islands
\nwere very accessible for his guests. \"We used to frequent the
\nMaldives (located southwest of Sri Lanka) ... it made for a long
\njourney. Coming to Indonesia is much faster and more economical.\"
\nHe also added that this particular resort is advertised in a
\nlocal Taipei paper, and that tour packages are readily available.<\/p>\n
Dwayne, a Canadian businessman residing in Jakarta, remarked:
\n\"I would come back, it was peaceful, refreshing and it was a nice
\nchange from Jakarta.\"<\/p>\n
Seribu Islands indeed offer a sense of serenity for any
\nvisitor. Whether it be an overnight escape or a weekend getaway,
\nit is a destination worth exploring.<\/p>",
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