Wonderful Indonesia "The Thousand Islands": A Sensational Islands Resort

AFB - As your plane slowly descends for its approach to Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta international airport, you can see a large number of large and small islands dotting the sea in the Bay of Jakarta. These are known as the Thousand Islands, or Kepulauan Seribu. In fact they are a cluster of 76 coral islands with more appearing and disappearing with the tide.

Located 45 km north from the city, this part of Jakarta offers a huge change in pace and experience from the hustle and bustle of the city, but is near enough for residents and visitors to enjoy the exhilarating marine environment within just one day excursion.

Here are diving, snorkeling and fishing opportunities, or just good for lazing in the sun with nothing to disturb one’s mind except the chirping of birds amidst the gentle lapping of the waves.

The idyllic Thousand Islands are in fact a marine nature conservation area. Here are a wealth of sea biota species which form part of its coral reef ecosystem, there are 144 species of fish, 2 species of giant clam, sea worms of various colours and 17 species of coastal birds.

The Park is a hatching site for hawksbill turtles and green turtles. The hawksbill turtle is an endangered species, rarely found in other waters. They are primarily bred on the island of Pramuka. Most of the islands are ringed by coconut palms and mangrove forests, where iguanas, golden ring snakes and pythons can be found.

The islands of  Pramuka, Semak Daun, Kelapa, and Panggang are interesting for turtle breeding, animals observations and marine tours, while for wreck diving the best places are at Pramuka, Opak and Karang Congkak. With Laga, Kotok, Gosong, and Koja Karang islands best for diving and snorkeling

Each island has its own character. For instance, Puteri Island in the north of this archipelago has soft white sand, an underwater aquarium, and a mini zoological garden. This island is an ideal place for swimming, diving and other activities.

Kotok island has natural sites with clean seawater. Beautiful reefs offer a special diving sensation. This island is also known as a site for Elang Bondol (Brahminy Kite) conservation, which is the mascot of Jakarta province.

Pramuka Island is the site for the The Thousand Island National Park. You could see rare sea biota, turtle hatchlings, or the Hatchery Laboratory for rare sea biota. You could also feed turtles and release hatchlings to the sea. On this island, you could also see a butterfly conservation site including the butterfly methamorphosis cycle.
    
Other islands frequently visited by divers include Peniki, Matahari, Gosonglaga, Kotok, Papa Theo, and Sepa islands omong others. These islands have cheap and expensive resorts, hotels and restaurants. Almost in all islands, you could enjoy the jet skis, banana boats, canoes, and even karaoke provided by many resorts.
    
Several types of flora and fauna frequently found in the Thousand Islands include coral reefs, starfish, sand starfish, Betok fish (Anabas Testudineus Bloch) and onamental fish such as the Sargent Major fish among others.

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