Secluded Seribu Islands offer serenity
Secluded Seribu Islands offer serenity
By Danielle Bray
JAKARTA (JP): Crystal blue waters that swarm with rainbow colored fish. The sound of waves lapping against the shore. The silence you crave. An escape from the big city. Sound appealing? Perhaps it is time to enjoy the summer and take a trip to Pulau Seribu.
Kepulauan Seribu or "Thousand Islands" is a group of approximately 110 small islands located in the Java Sea. Most of these islands are uninhabited and can be reached by boat in about two hours from the Ancol Marina. The reefs that surround these secluded islands are home to a some of the most beautiful marine life in the world.
One of the many islands worth visiting is Sebaru Kecil Island, better known as Pantara Island (Pulau Seribu Marine Resort), which is managed by Pantara Wisata Jaya. The resort encompasses two islands, Hantu Barat (West Ghost) and Hantu Timur (East Ghost), which are just called Barat (West) and Timur (East) -- maybe in order not to scare tourists. The islands are located five minutes apart by boat. Timur island is the larger of the two, and hosts a greater amount of facilities. Barat is known for its coral reef and is a favorite among divers and snorkelers alike. However, a guest is not limited to enjoy only one island, a shuttle service between Barat and Timur departs every half hour.
The islands were originally known as the Japanese Islands. The tourism was developed in 1987, and they were leased and operated by Japan Air Lines. Although the islands were open to all tourists, the main occupants were Japanese. The airline promoted tours from Japan to Indonesia that highlighted the islands as a main destination.
Following the riots in May of 1998, JAL relinquished their lease on the islands, and they were taken over by a local company (Bank Artha Graha). Although they were renamed (now called Pulau Pantara), and under new ownership, the islands still prove to be a popular destination among overseas guests. The market is now designed to entice visitors from Taiwan.
Agus Yunita Haryadi, the executive chef on Timur island, has been an employee at the resort since its opening 13 years ago. He stated that tourism has suffered due to the economic and political instability of the region. "The foreign visitors were afraid to travel to Indonesia with all its uncertainties." He added with a smile, "However, tourism appears to be on the incline ... luckily things are starting to pick up."
The tour packages (from Jakarta) are priced at Rp 999,000 for the first night, and Rp 500,000 for each additional night (over the weekend). Weekday prices are reduced. The packages include: round trip transportation from Marina beach in North Jakarta, four buffet meals, use of all the facilities and a free one-hour rental of snorkeling equipment.
Timur island is home to 56 cabins, a swimming pool, disco, tennis courts and a marine rental shop. Barat island consists of 34 cottages, a convention hall, swimming pool and a large Japanese restaurant.
Susilowati, an English instructor from Jakarta, said of her visit, "I found the evenings to be rather dull ... it would have been more exciting if they had an events organizer on the island to promote some nighttime activities."
A Taiwanese tour guide explained that the Thousand Islands were very accessible for his guests. "We used to frequent the Maldives (located southwest of Sri Lanka) ... it made for a long journey. Coming to Indonesia is much faster and more economical." He also added that this particular resort is advertised in a local Taipei paper, and that tour packages are readily available.
Dwayne, a Canadian businessman residing in Jakarta, remarked: "I would come back, it was peaceful, refreshing and it was a nice change from Jakarta."
Seribu Islands indeed offer a sense of serenity for any visitor. Whether it be an overnight escape or a weekend getaway, it is a destination worth exploring.