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Karimunjawa Fast Boat from Jepara ๐Ÿ›ฅ๏ธ Just 2 hours to Paradise

Karimunjawa Fast Boat ๐Ÿฅถ๐Ÿšข๐Ÿ๏ธ Chills, Thrills & Island Escape

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Karimunjawa island, sitting pretty out there in the Java Sea, is a tropical oasis just begging to be stumbled upon by anyone with a thirst for adventure and a slightly masochistic approach to travel comfort. And when it comes to getting there, thereโ€™s really only one way to kick off the escapade: the Karimunjawa Fast Boat. This journey, nominally chilly but comfortable enough, sets the stage for a memorable holiday on a truly stunning island.

With our backpacks crammed full of sun cream, snacks, and a healthy dose of optimism, we waved goodbye to the concrete jungles of Indonesian cities and set our sights on paradise. Our grand plan began in Semarang, a city we breezed through with the efficiency of a seasoned traveler (read: we lost our credit cards, but recovered with dignity). From there, the mission was clear: get to Jepara, the launchpad for our aquatic escape.

Highlights

 

A Pre-Voyage Pitstop & Hotel

The fast boat, weโ€™d been reliably informed, was scheduled to depart at the rather civilised hour of 9 AM. So, exercising a rare moment of foresight, we arrived in Jepara the day before our seafaring adventure. Our accommodation of choice was the Samudra Hotel, a place whose primary virtue was its proximity to the port.

And let me tell you, when youโ€™re facing a pre-dawn wake-up for a boat, “conveniently close” suddenly takes on the allure of a five-star luxury resort.

The next morning, armed with a mild sense of trepidation, we dutifully arrived at the port an hour before departure. This, it seems, is the universally acknowledged sweet spot between “too early, nothingโ€™s open” and “oh crumbs, the boat’s leaving.”

Our tickets, pre-booked at the TIC (Tourist Information Centre) in Semarang for a perfectly reasonable IDR 200,000 per person one-way, were waiting for us at the port office.

A small victory for planning, which, if you know us, is always worth celebrating with a mental fanfare.

Hotel Deals in Jepara

Karimunjawa Fast Boat

Karimunjawa Fast Boat: Jepara jetty

The ECO Tax & My Inner Monologue

As we ambled towards the dock, we spotted it in the distance: the behemoth of the slow boat to Karimunjawa – a vessel that looked like it had seen a few too many sunrises – already chugging its way across the waves. It had set off two hours earlier, a testament to the concept of ‘slow’ travel, which, while romantic in theory, isn’t quite so appealing when you’re itching for an island cocktail.

Thankfully, it was our turn to board the second departure from Jepara that day, the zippier option.

Before we could even set foot on deck, however, there was the small matter of an ‘ECO’ tax to settle.

IDR 50,000 (โ‚ฌ4) per person, thank you very much.

Now, Iโ€™m all for environmental conservation, truly. But a tiny, cynical voice in my head (which, letโ€™s be honest, is a permanent resident) couldnโ€™t shake the feeling that this particular tax was rather adept at identifying foreign passports.

Still, for anyone on a tight budget, itโ€™s a non-negotiable expense to factor in. Consider it your toll for gazing at pretty fish.

Karimunjawa Fast Boat

Pre-boarding, these guys will want your ECO tax

Chilly Cabin Chronicles

Punctual to a fault, we departed Jepara precisely at 9 AM, embarking on what promised to be a brisk two-hour dash to Karimun port. The seating area inside was, I’ll admit, perfectly adequate. Not exactly plush, but certainly comfortable enough for a couple of hours.

There was even a movie playing, though I couldn’t tell you what it was. My attention was somewhat… distracted.

Let me paint a vivid picture for you, one that involves goosebumps and a desperate longing for a thick wool blanket. The air conditioning on that boat was set to a temperature I can only describe as “polar expedition chic.” I felt like a brass monkey, freshly plucked from a freezer.

Seriously, if you ever find yourself on this particular fast boat, forget your swimsuit for a moment and pack a warm jacket.

… or two. Your future, non-hypothermic self will thank you.

Karimunjawa Fast Boat

Airco set to freeze a brass monkey

Standard vs. VIP: The Karaoke Conundrum

The fast boat, in a nod to the varying degrees of traveler affluence (or desperation for warmth), offered two classes of seating: standard and VIP.

We, in our infinite wisdom (and commitment to a semi-sensible budget, which, as you’ve gathered, was a losing battle anyway), opted for standard. And it was, genuinely, perfectly fine. Barring the aforementioned Arctic conditions.

For those with a few extra rupiah jingling in their pockets, the VIP seating upstairs promised a small snack, the distinct luxury of fewer people, and, if you’re feeling particularly brave, a karaoke machine.

A karaoke machine... On a two-hour ferry crossing?

Can you imagine the potential for both absolute joy and excruciating pain? The temptation to witness a sea-faring rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” was strong, but my shivering limbs (and perhaps my eardrums) ultimately prevailed.

I like to think we made the sensible choice, though I still occasionally wonder what vocal masterpieces we missed.

Karimunjawa Fast Boat

Karimunjawa Fast Boat

The Slow Boat Shuffle & Warm Welcome to Paradise

As our chilly chariot sliced through the waves, a moment of triumph arrived. Roughly half an hour before our scheduled arrival at Karimunjawa, we spotted it: the lumbering hulk of the slow boat.

We passed it with the quiet satisfaction of a tortoise overtaking a particularly slow snail. It was a fleeting moment of vindication for our choice of transport, a tiny, internal cheer for efficiency.

Finally, at around 11 AM, our fast boat pulled into Karimun port. Stepping off that blast freezer of a vessel and into the warm, humid embrace of island air was a sensory delight. It was like thawing out after a particularly aggressive ice bath. The air hung thick with the smell of salt, sunshine, and something vaguely exotic โ€“ probably the promise of cheap fried rice.

Take the Fast Boat

Karimunjawa boats

We’d already secured our first night’s digs at the Waru Guesthouse, conveniently located just a stone’s throw (or a very short, sweaty walk) from the port.

This was another small victory for pre-planning, meaning no desperate last-minute scramble for accommodation upon arrival. And with a glorious nine whole days stretching out before us, we were brimming with anticipation for the adventure ahead. The island was ours to explore, its hidden treasures just waiting to be uncovered.

Hotel Deals in Karimunjawa

A 9-Day Chronicle (or, What We Planned To Do)

The prospect of nine days in Karimunjawa felt like an eternity of possibility. In our related articles, we delve into the specifics of what this island truly offers. Think crystal-clear waters so inviting you’ll practically dive off the jetty. Imagine vibrant coral reefs teeming with more colourful fish than a clown’s convention. Picture endless opportunities for snorkeling, where every dip unveils a new, miniature world beneath the surface.

And for those moments when you’ve had enough of being soggy, there are lush green forests just begging for a hike, promising panoramic views that make the earlier chilling boat ride entirely worthwhile.

We envisioned lazy afternoons on powdery white sands, the kind that squeak satisfyingly between your toes. Perhaps a motor-scooter adventure, navigating dusty roads with the wind in our hair (and a fair bit of dust in our teeth). Evenings would undoubtedly be filled with delicious seafood, fresh off the boat, savoured under a canopy of stars.

We hoped for chance encounters with local life, perhaps a friendly chat over a cup of strong Indonesian coffee, or a lesson in the art of doing absolutely nothing. The island promised a symphony of sights, sounds, and sensations, a stark and welcome contrast to the freezing cabin of our transit.

Check out our related articles, for the next instalment of our Karimunjawa adventure. Weโ€™ll regale you with tales of sun-drenched beaches, underwater marvels, and perhaps even another minor mishap or two.

Because what’s an adventure without a few bumps (or chilly drafts) along the way?

ScooterRent a Local Scooter


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Snorkeling at Alona

Snorkeling at Alona Beach ๐Ÿฅฝ Philippines ๐Ÿ 

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Alona Beach. The name itself practically whispers “tropical paradise.” Located on Panglao island, this little slice of heaven in the Philippines is all powdery white sands, ridiculously blue waters, and enough lush greenery to make you wonder if you’ve accidentally stumbled into a screensaver.

It promises a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, and who am I to argue with a promise like that?

Turns out, beyond the postcard-perfect vibes and weekend shenanigans, Alona also boasts some seriously impressive underwater real estate. We’re talking crystal-clear turquoise waters teeming with vibrant marine life and intricate coral formations. My kind of treasure hunt, really.

So, after three delightful days of doing not much at all in Pangangan (Bohol), we decided it was time to brave the bustling shores of Panglao and see if Alona’s underwater game was as strong as its reputation.

Highlights

 

The Great Gear-Up & Buoy-Line Ballet

First order of business: acquiring the necessary aquatic accoutrements. A quick stroll along the bustling front strip of Alona, and presto! From any of the dive shops you can snag a mask and fins for a princely 250 pesos for the entire day. Bargain, right? Though, I did wonder if the previous wearer had perhaps sneezed underwater, but hey, details.

Armed with my slightly-used gear, I made my way to the far-left end of the beach.

Now, a word of warning for my fellow deep-sea explorers: it’s deceptively shallow for about 100 meters out. You’ll be doing a rather ungainly shuffle-swim until you finally hit that sweet spot where the water decides to actually get deep.

Snorkeling at Alona Beach

Snorkeling at Alona: It’s sandy to start with

From the shore, you’ll spot this rather official-looking area sectioned off by a line of white buoys. This is your designated underwater playground. It’s initially about 3 meters deep, and thankfully, it’s a boat-free zone, so you won’t get run over by a banana boat mid-Nemo spotting.

The catch? You’re expected to stick to that buoy line like glue. And let me tell you, they mean it.

Snorkeling at Alona Beach

After the sand, the weeds…

Get to Alona from Manila

Sirens & Sea Snakes: My Brush with the Law

At one point, feeling a bit rebellious (or perhaps just directionally challenged), I drifted a little too far from the hallowed buoy line. Suddenly, a strange, ethereal siren song echoed through the water. My first thought? Mermaids! My second, more realistic thought? Oh, dear. That’s a loud siren.

It was only then that I spotted them: a trio of rather impressive lifeguards perched high up on the cliff, looking like marine-themed gargoyles. Once they had my attention (which, let’s be honest, was hard to miss with the underwater siren), they used a loudspeaker to very clearly instruct me (in perfectly enunciated English, no less) to stick to the buoy line.

I must admit, I was genuinely impressed. Who knew underwater law enforcement was so efficient?

Snorkeling at Alona Beach

This little Nemo is defending his turf!

Hotel Deals around Alona Beach

The buoy line, by the way, extends quite a distance in a semi-circle, practically hugging the reef drop-off before eventually leading to the next bay. The only minor hiccup is that at around 6 meters deep, the water starts getting a tad murky.

Not ideal if, like me, you’re armed with a basic camera that doesn’t moonlight as an underwater floodlight.

Snorkeling at Alona Beach

Snorkeling at Alona Beach

Snap Happy (& Slightly Murky) Memories

Speaking of cameras, I was rocking my trusty old ultra-compact Canon, snugly fitted in a simple DICAPack waterproof case.

Secured with a strap around my neck, it’s the perfect setup for snapping casual pics and even attempting short videos without feeling like you’re hauling a submarine round your neck.

Snorkeling at Alona Beach

Snorkeling at Alona Beach

I managed to capture some half-decent shots and videos, especially in the shallower sections where the light was still playing ball.

I even got some excellent footage of those incredibly bold and colorful ‘Nemo’-style clownfish โ€“ seriously, they have no personal space boundaries. And, because the Philippines loves to keep things interesting, I also encountered one of their famous sea snakes.

Slightly terrifying, incredibly cool.

Alona Beach - Watch out for the sea snakes

Alona Beach – Watch out for the sea snakes

 

One unexpected bonus of Alona’s somewhat unpredictable weather (it often rained in the afternoons) was that snorkeling became the perfect escape.

Why sit on the beach pretending to enjoy a sudden downpour when you can be frolicking with fish underwater? Priorities, people.

Snorkeling at Alona Beach โ€“ View above water

Beyond Alona: Other Aquatic Adventures

A week prior, we’d had a couple of idyllic days snorkeling in Moalboal, Cebu, which felt a bit more laid-back. Alona, in contrast, is definitely the busier of the two, but don’t let that deter you. An afternoon submerged in its waters with a mask is absolutely worth your time.

If you’re after something a little more low-key than Alona’s busy vibe, I’d suggest venturing a little further south down the coast to Dumaluan beach . Think of it as Alona’s quieter, equally charming cousin.

So, next time you’re contemplating a trip to Panglao, grab your mask, embrace the potential for minor navigational mishaps, and dive into the surprisingly vibrant underwater world of Alona Beach.

Just try not to upset the lifeguard-gargoyles, okay?


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