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PULAU SERIBU (Thousand Islands)

Pulau Seribu means "Thousand Islands" and refer to the 140 or so small islands situated in Jakarta Bay just north of the city - the islands are actually part of the Jakarta municipality. These tiny islands can best be seen from a plane just after takeoff from Jakarta's Soekarno -Hatta Airport. Some islands are located as far north as the Java Sea. Only seven of the islands are populated, the rest are covered with coconut palms, shrubs, historic ruins, and such beautiful beaches of white sand that it's difficult to believe that Jakarta is only a short boat ride away. As early as the 17th century, this popular island group was connected to Batavia by daily ferries, and is still a sought-after destination for both recreational and historical reasons.

A number of the islands have become private holiday havens, the more accessible ones just 10-15 km from Jakarta. Coral gardens abound off Pulau Putri, Pulau Genteng (Besar and Kecil), and Pulau Opak Besar - all excellent dive sites. On Pulau Untung, site of a Sunday market, are picnic facilities and a campground. Pulau Onrust and Pulau Anyer Besar are both accessible day trips from Tanjung Priok. More remote uninhabited islands include Pulau Pabelokan, Pulau Sabaru Kecil, and Pulau Sebaru Besar: wooded islands with talcum powder beaches and coconut plantations. About 100 km north of Jakarta is a National Marine Park, set aside as a sea nature reserve.

Exploring its coral shores is one of the great attractions of visiting Pulau Seribu: seashell and coral are found in an infinite variety of colors and shapes. Take snorkeling gear, but exercise a few simple precautions: in the water always wear enclosed shoes or flippers which cover the whole foot - never walk barefoot on coral. When collecting wood or coconuts for a fire, beware of scorpions. On many islands (such as Pulau Melinjo and Pulau Kelor) are 1½-m-long black lizards which will fight with birds over you food scraps but will not attack people. Bring mosquito repellent, a kelambu (mosquito net), hat, and sunscreen lotion. Don't try to swim to other islands because it may be farther than looks and the channel currents are very powerful.

The islands can be reached on a Sky van flight from Soekarno-Hatta Airport to Pulau Panjang, 64 km from Jakarta - the only island with a landing strip. Plane fare includes the charge for a boat from Pulau Panjang to Pulau Putri. From Pulau Panjang take boats to another islands in the group. Any travel agent should be able to give you details and prices. By boat: most of the main islands can be reached from Marina Jaya Ancol or from Muara Kamal north of Soekarno-Hatta Airport on the way to Tanggerang. From Ancol ferries leaves around 10.00 (on Saturday also at 14.00) for Pulau Bidadari, from where you can embark to the outlying islands. Day excursions are available. Travel to the outlying islands only by private or hired boat - you'll fell like a temporary castaway.

Thousand Island (Pulau Seribu)
Jl. Nusa Indah XIII Blok MG Harapan Indah Bekasi
Phone : (62-21) 8872924
E-mail : island@idola.net.id
http://www.thousandisland.co.id


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