Harapan Island, the Wonderful Indonesia in the Midst of Jakarta’s Hustle and Bustle

Harapan Island, located in Thousand Islands, is one of the most visited destinations for short getaway, especially on weekend. There are dozens of beautiful islands around it, such as Tidung, Pari, Pramuka, etc., but it looks like Harapan Island is on the top currently. Although this beautiful destination is very close to Jakarta, it looks like this place is sometimes forgotten. People go far away to the East Indonesia for beaches, while a really good one is just around.

Reaching the island is far away from the word ‘difficult’. There are many tour agents offering open trip which last for two days mostly, so it would be a perfect way to spend a weekend. The price differs for each tour, where a tour for 25 people would cost around IDR 375,000/ person for 2D1N trip, includes accommodation during the trip which are boats, meals, homestay, lantern, giant unicorn floats, and documentations. Please expect higher price when going in a smaller group.

There are two transportation options, one is by ferry which leaves from Kali Adem Harbor, Muara Angke and takes 3 hours at least to reach the island. However, if you prefer to spend less time on the boat and have more budget, you can choose tour packages with speed boat and it takes about an hour or so to the island, leaving from Marina Ancol. If you leave from Muara Angke, most of the ferries depart at 07.30. Considering that there would always be traffic near and on the way to the harbor, make sure you come earlier to anticipate the traffic, especially on weekend.

The ferry is not equipped with air conditioner, but they do have some window. If you’re seasick, you might want to sit near the window, so come earlier so you can choose your seat, because it would be a quite long journey. You can also sit on the deck, but prepare you’re sunblock because you’ll be exposed by the sun shine. Three hours later, you will arrive on the beautiful Harapan Island. The tour guide will lead you to the homestay and serve the lunch before snorkeling activities start. Lunch menu would be quite traditional and simple like some rice, chicken curry, tempeh, fritters, and chips.

The first snorkeling spot is called Macan Gundul which take about half an hour by a smaller boat. Once the boat leaves the harbor, enjoy the view where the sea is quite steady, with a gentle sea breeze and bright blue sky. The tour guide will give some brief instructions before letting you jump into the water. They provide life jackets, snorkel masks, and fins. It is optional, you don’t have to wear it and no additional charges for this. Well, it is important for you to be careful while snorkeling because there are many sharp rocks and you might find sea urchins down there. Under the water, there will be so many fishes and corals, and it is really beautiful. The tour guide will also take your underwater photos, they would help pulling your hands so you can dive down, and lead your hands to hold a rock, then you can take photos. You might be afraid of this if you can’t swim or not get used to it, but keep calm, the tour guide will watch over you, at least until you arise back to the surface.

Then the trip continues to another island called Pulau Gosong. This island has beautiful white sands and clear water, you can see fishes and corals directly from the surface. You can swim and take underwater photos as well, but the sea level is much deeper than the first snorkeling spot. If you are not get used to dive, just let the guide knows, so they won’t lead you down too deep. 

The last destination of the day before going back to homestay is Dolphin Island, where you will take pictures with giant unicorn floats or play banana boat. During the way back to the Harapan Island, your eyes will be pampered by the beautiful sunset, so take your time and enjoy!

Back to homestay, dinner is waiting already. Again, the menu is simple yet delicious, consist of some rice, vegetable soup, fried fish, eggs, and sausages. Enjoy your free time socializing with other tourists while enjoying barbecue.

Start the following day by seeing sunrise would be great, before breakfast (nasi uduk with some coffee or tea) is served at the homestay. Then head to Sepa Island which take an hour by boat. This place is the most picturesque spot during the trip, so make sure you take as much photos as you can. Be careful not to get into the water since there are lots of sea urchins under the water.

Unfortunately, this would also be the last spot you visit for the trip before going back to the homestay and check out to catch another ferry to go back to Jakarta. Remember to embark to the ferry earlier to tag the seats, and after 3 hours the ferry will arrive at Muara Angke. If you love spending your time on the beach, swim or snorkel, there’s no need to go far to have some vacation. So, book your tour right now, pack your stuffs, and get ready to explore this amazing Wonderful Indonesia!

Some tips for you.

1.     If you decide to join an open trip, make sure you choose a reliable tour agent as there are hundreds of tour agents on the internet offering trips.

2.     Prepare your stuffs in advance as there are no mini markets or ATM on the island. But small stalls selling foods and mineral water are available.

3.     There are lots of sharps rocks under the water as well as dangerous animals such as sea urchins. Prepare your shoes or fins to protect your feet and listen to the guide’s instructions before you jump into the water.

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