A popular destination for locals and expats alike lies only kilometres from the harbour of Jakarta. Seribu island, a string of islands in Jakarta bay is the perfect respite for those stuck in the capital too long
Despite the misleading name, there are actually only 130 islands in the group, and of these, 37 have been used for commercial purposes. Pramuka island is the group's district centre, but most people live on Kelapa island which is about 15 km north of Jakarta. Near Kelapa island, Panjang island has the only air strip on the islands
The most accessible islands have been developed into resorts with bungalows and water sports. Most of these are expensive by Indonesian standards and charge hefty weekend supplements. That said, they do have white sand beaches and calm, clear seas (aside from the island close to the mainland)
Bidadari Island
This is closest resort island and is popular with Jakarta residents for day trips. It is one of the least interesting resorts, but you can use it to visit other island such as kahyangan island, kelor island ( which has the ruins of an old Dutch fort) or Onrust island (where the remains of an 18th century shipyard can be explored). Boats can be hired for the short trip from Bidadari island for 50.000 IDR per hour.
Anyer Island
Anyer island is a little further north and is an other popular day trip destination. Its resort has comfortable land and floating (built on stilts) cottages plus a small stretch of good beach with cloudy water.
Kotok Island
Near the islands administrative centre is Kotok island, an island with coral reef that's in reasonable condition for snorkelling and diving
On the western side of Kotok, Kul Kul Kotok Island resort is about the quietest and most traditional option, scoring high marks in the deserted - tropical - island stakes. Two dives here cost 1.375.000 IDR. The resort can be booked through its Jakarta Office
Putri Island
About 4 km north of Kelapa island, Putri island has a tunnel aquarium, a scuba -diving school and banana boat trips. Its resort consists of rustic yet charming cottages and has an idyllic setting at the north of the island, it can be booked through PT. Buana Bintang Samudra (Jl Sultan Agung 21 Telp. 021-828 1093)
Sepa Island
Sepa island is another island near Putri island. It's quite small (a foot, it takes about 10 minutes o circumnavigate) and is surrounded by wide stretches of pristine white sand
The rooms at Pulau Sepa Resorts have not water but are quite basic, while its cottages have more character. Book through PT. Pulau Sepa Permai (Jl. Kyai Caringin 20 Telp 021-638 63477)