Karimunjawa and Its Wonderful Treasure
Stretching in a northwesterly direction 83 km from Jepara, Central Java, there is an island chain known as
Karimunjawa. Karimunjawa is an archipelago clustering 27 islands in the Java Sea. There are only seven islands which are inhabited. The reefs of Karimunjawa are a mixture of barrier, fringing, and patch with 15 to 40 meters bottom depths. The origin of the name Karimunjawa is come from Javanese language ‘Kremun kremun saking tanah Jawi'. One of Wali Songo, the Nine Saints who had introduced Islam in Java, addresses it to describe how far Karimunjawa from Java, to be exact from Semarang and Jepara. Karimunjawa Island is mini archipelago which stands from 27 islands. Karimunjawa is like a treasure for those who love marine life since it becomes marine national park. There are protected coral reefs such very colorful plateaus and plains in deep and shallow waters, secluded and tranquil white beaches, pelican and hornbill, sea grass and kinds of sea creatures, from crabs, anchovy, starfish, sharks, stingray, jellyfish, red snappers, etc in here.
The area of The
Karimunjawa Marine National Park is about 110,000 ha and it lies 90 km northeast of Jepara. Mangrove forest and beach forest will be found in here as the main vegetation. You also can find some lowland rain forest on Karimunjawa. Sandy beaches and fringing coral reefs surround most of Karimunjawa Island. In Karimunjawa, fresh water is confined to forest streams and a few small wells. Sea turtles laying their eggs are a common view Karimunjawa since there are number of animals live on the island. To reach Karimunjawa, we can use "KM. Adison I & KM Kota Ukir” boat. Those are the only ferryboat which connects Jepara and Karimunjawa. There are also resorts offering snorkeling trips and stunning dives for beginners and experts. Diving in Karimunjawa will be very special since the atolls, fringing reefs, wrecks, and wonderful variety of different species will welcome you there. That will be unforgettable experience.
We have additional information on this subject you may be interested in reading Raja Ampat Diving and Lombok
