(JP)

The attraction of Thousands Islands regency in Jakarta has not waned for lovers of nature, beaches and the sea. With over 100 islands, the regency has a lot to offer, especially with continued new investment. Among the many islands, here are five suggestions that will tantalize your sense of maritime adventure:

Tidung Island

This subdistrict is a favorite destination for weekend getaways. It is especially popular among young people celebrating New Year'€™s Eve.

Young visitors usually rent rooms offered by local residents and share them with friends to reduce expenses. No need to buy snorkeling equipment because the residents generally rent them at affordable prices.

Exploring the little island by bike, which are also available for rent, will fill you with the joy of village life. You can bike slowly on the narrow paved paths while enjoying the sea breeze, the view of the beach, coconut trees and the small houses.

The island has a bridge that connects the larger Tidung island with its much smaller uninhabited neighbor. Visitors often jump from the bridge to enjoy the quiet blue waters.

They can also hire a banana boat or use the services of a guide who can take them to snorkeling points by boat. In the evening, visitors can savor seafood barbecues in intimate little foodstalls.

There are two departure points to reach Tidung island and other islets in the regency. The first one involves a three-hour journey from Muara Angke Port in North Jakarta where you can hop on a traditional ferry for Rp 30,000 (US$2.50). The ferry will depart around 7 a.m. usually after it is full.

The second one is an hour'€™s journey from Ancol Marina. It may be much more expensive but definitely more comfortable.

Pari Island

Locals have long told an urban legend of a missing girl to attract tourists to this island, which boast a white beach called Pantai Pasir Perawan, which can be literally translated as the Virgin Sand Beach.

The 42-hectare island is popular with travelers who want to camp on the beach although homestay facilities are also available.

This island has an oceanographic human-resources development unit run by Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), which also runs a commercial homestay there.

Pramuka Island

Pramuka is the largest inhabited island in Thousand Islands regency. The island has the most complete modern facilities such as ATMs and a wider selection of decent hotels. This island is popular among divers as it has several dive spots that suit any level of diving experience. They include Tanjung Penyu, the Soft Coral and Marine Protected Area.

Divers who want to enjoy the beauty of the deep can visit the Tabularasa shipwreck and Poso shipwreck dive sites. Lucky divers can get to see dolphins, golden sweepers, moray eels, hermit crabs and stone fish in the diving sites on this island.

Tiger Island

Locally known as Macan Island, the island is one among eight resort islands in the regency.

Tiger Island can be reached by a fast boat departing from Ancol Marina pier in North Jakarta like most of the resort islands, with the exception of Pelangi Island, which is reached from Pantai Mutiara.

Celebrity chef Farah Quinn once said Tiger Island was her family'€™s favorite destination.

Package rates on Tiger Island start from Rp 1.6 million for a tent to Rp 2.2 million for a hut.

Other resort islands in Thousand Islands are Alam Kotok, Ayer, Pantara, Sepa, Pelangi, Bidadari and Putri islands. Most of the resort islands, except for Tiger and Pantara, offer one-day trip packages that include transportation, meals and whatever attractions the islands have like snorkeling, watersports or cycling.

Prices range from Rp 350,000 to Rp 800,000 for the one-day trip. Overnight stays typically cost an
additional Rp 1 or 2 million.

Onrust island

This uninhabited island boasts the ruins of a Dutch fort that once stood on the island. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Onrust '€” believed to be one of the largest shipyards in Southeast Asia '€” and its three neighboring islands, were key strategic outposts the Dutch East India Company (VOC) used to defend Batavia, now Jakarta.

The city administration declared Onrust a historical site in 1972. The presence of the ruins was also the reason the administration of then Jakarta governor Sutiyoso declared Onrust and its neighboring islands '€” Bidadari, Kelor and Cipir '€” an archaeological park.

Kelor Island'€™s popularity rose suddenly last year after actress and actor Atiqah Hasiholan and Rio
Dewanto got married there.

Other uninhabited islands in the regency, like Semak Daun Island, may not have historical ruins but they offer marine beauty. '€” JP

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