Karimunjawa Islands Now

While some parts of the world are experiencing a heatwave, here in Indonesia, summer arrives in a different way. Think clear blue skies, golden sunsets, breezy evenings, and that magical combo of sunshine and saltwater… isn’t it pure bliss?

This is exactly the picture I have in mind as I type this.

It’s that sweet season where island-hopping feels like a must, tan lines become part of our wardrobe, and the ocean? Oh, it’s showing off big time. But, please don’t forget to reapply sunscreen, though! Sunburnt is not fun!

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In May, I visited Karimunjawa Islands. When I arrived, I noticed how much had changed—there’s now a wider range of accommodation options, from simple homestays to more upscale stays. Flights to Karimunjawa are also now available from both Semarang and Yogyakarta. However, unless it’s necessary, I’d still prefer taking the fast boat over flying—for several reasons.

If you’ve been following my updates over the past year and a half, you’ve probably seen the banner above—and maybe you’re even one of the coral adopters!

My main reason for visiting the Karimunjawa Islands was to finally meet our friends—something long overdue after staying in touch for so long. They’re the ones who initiated the coral restoration program in Karimunjawa and have been passionately raising awareness ever since.

During the visit, Joshua, one of the co-founders of the Trilogy Ocean Restoration Foundation, shared valuable insights about the ocean and the many challenges they’ve faced since the project began – including the heartbreaking loss of planted corals due to storm damage.

There’s something deeply moving about hearing firsthand from someone who truly cares about the ocean. I just wish there were more people like them—especially within Indonesia’s tourism industry.

We couldn’t make it to the coral planting site, but we did get to dive at several spots around the island. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the reefs were much denser and more vibrant than I remembered. Unfortunately, my camera just didn’t do them justice—I suppose I might need to invest in better equipment soon.

Joshua is the one on the far left

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It brought back all the memories from my last trip there. Unfortunately, our planned group trip to the Karimunjawa Islands didn’t happen. One of the main reasons was the long journey, which involved multiple modes of transportation and made the trip feel a bit tedious and inefficient at the time.

But then again—doesn’t it often take a bit of effort to reach those truly beautiful, remote corners of Indonesia? Haha… well.

I get it. Traveling around Indonesia can be challenging. That’s why I always do my best to make sure that anyone who joins my trips feels it’s worth both their time and money—and mine too. :)

I hope Karimunjawa Islands will be the next destination for us.

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As time goes on, challenges continue to arise. There are moments when I need to pause, take a step back, and reflect on the decisions I’ve made along the way. Even so, my commitment remains the same—I’m always here to support you in planning a meaningful and memorable journey through Indonesia. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or something in between, I’ll be glad to help make it happen.

Also, if you don’t have plans this August, come join us on our upcoming trip to Sumba! I’m not sure when I’ll be running this trip again anytime soon, so don’t miss the chance. As always, we’ll be traveling in a small group—perfect for those who love meaningful experiences over crowded tours.

So, see you soon!