Apart from its rich cultural heritage and courts in Yogyakarta and Surakarta, Central Java province also boasts beautiful nature and landscapes that earned it the name Jawadwipa (land of the prosperous).

One of the numerous nature-based tourism spots in the province is Karimun Jawa National Park, which is located off Central Java’s northern coastline. Declared a national park in 1988, the Karimun Jawa Islands consist of 27 small islands.

There are several interesting spots for island-hopping and water sports, such as snorkeling and diving.

Snorkeling spots are available around almost all of the islands, while a shipwreck dive spot around Kemojan Island may satisfy adventurous diving urges. If you are not into water sports, you can lounge on the beach and get some serious rays.

About an hour’s boat ride from Karimun Jawa Island, you will find Gosong, a fiv...