Sepa Island

Sepa Island is one of the several islands in Thousand Islands open to public. Located in the north of Jakarta, around 90 minutes by boat from Marina-Ancol. First impression when I arrived in this island is...CLEAR WATER!!! Finally, after 4 years living in Jakarta, I could see such clear water and beautiful white sandy beach.

Arrived in the island around 10 a.m and we still have to wait until 1 p.m to check in. Cannot resist the beautiful beach and clear water, all of us left our belonging and feel the sun, the water... fish!!! I can see fish, clearly.... lots of small fish... so colorful. Too bad, the coral is dead... :(

The hotel is not as comfortable as we expected. But, it doesn't matter for us since we spent most of our time here outside the hotel room (^-^)Y...

Snorkeling is the main activity here (for me, and my brother...). I heard that now the island provide "sea walker" to be rented with professional guide, I think.

You can rent a traditional boat with its professional guide, to take you to diving spot. I cannot dive, yet... So, I can only see the beautiful, life coral, by snorkeling. I also stop by at Gosong Island and Bintang Island, both not so far from Sepa Island, both can be reach by traditional boat

Time flies and it seems I didn't want to leave the water, love to see the small, colorful fish around me...

Some tips if you want to visit this island are:

* bring lots of bread!! Just put the bread in you palm and fish will come to you

* don't forget your sunblock lotion, because you'll not realized the hot sun while you're under the water with colorful fish around you

* bring some cigarettes, you may need the tobacco inside the cigarettes in case you touch the jellyfish (ubur-ubur) - tobacco mix with vegetable oil

* watchout the sea urchin (bulu babi)

* and please don't step on the coral

This island is recommended to those who loves the sun, the sea, fish, and not recommended to those who search for luxury hotel room

Ayer Island

The 1st island in Pulau Seribu I visited two years ago.
Only 30 minutes from Jakarta Bay, by boat. Not so far from Jakarta City, but consequently, the water is not as clear as crystal, and the worst thing is the garbage from Jakarta also visited the island, brought by the current.

So far from my imagination of what you called "island". I imagine white sand beach with its crystal clear water where you can swim and easily see small fish in the water.

You are forbidden to swim in this island, I don't know why and I did not ask because even if it is allowed, I won't swim. You'll swim with garbage there... plastic, tin, bottle are easily found in the water.

They provide you a swimming pool, though... (^-^)Y

Beside the unexpected beach, the cottage are quite nice... I chose floating cottage to stay for a night. It's clean and nice...

Not much water activities, but we still can enjoy the breeze and the sound of the wave.

If you want to visit this island, my suggestion is don't forget to bring your PSP, unless you get bored... not recommended island for long vacation (my opinion)

But, still it's one of the nearest places to escape from the crowded city like Jakarta

For the accommodation to the island, you can find local travel agent which will be pleased to assist you, and it will be much more easier for you to use this travel agent service since you'll be offered complete package which include transport, hotel, and meals during your stay.

Thousand Islands - Pulau Seribu

Thousand Islands - Pulau Seribu

Located in the north of Jakarta, a few hours from Marina-Ancol, Jakarta Bay, which you can reach by rented or public boat.
I visited only 2 islands from several commercial islands. Some islands are private property and exclusive.