Overview
The Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu) is a chain of 110 small islands in the Java Sea, accessible by boat from Jakarta's Muara Angke harbour. The islands offer white-sand beaches, snorkelling over coral reefs, and a peaceful retreat from the city.
Highlights
- Snorkelling & Diving: Clear waters and healthy coral reefs around Pulau Harapan and Pulau Tidung.
- White Sand Beaches: Pristine beaches on Pulau Pari and Pulau Untung Jawa.
- Historical Islands: Pulau Onrust has ruins of a 17th-century Dutch shipyard.
History
The islands served as shipbuilding and quarantine stations during the VOC era. They became a national marine park in 2002.
Visitor Tips
- Tip 1: Book a day-trip or overnight stay through local operators at Muara Angke pier.
- Tip 2: The best snorkelling visibility is from April to October.
- Duration: Full day (6–8 hours minimum).