About 90 kilometres north of Jepara lie the Kepulauan Karimunjawa: 27 islands in the Java Sea that belong to Kabupaten Jepara. Part of the area is within Karimunjawa National Park. This island world is one of the destination’s defining features; the towns in the regency also showcase weaving, woodcarving, history and coastal landscapes.
Karimunjawa and the Islands
Travel to the Kepulauan Karimunjawa is generally by ship from Pelabuhan Kartini in Jepara or Pelabuhan Tanjung Emas in Semarang. The Siginjai ferry, the Express Bahari speedboat and a Pelni ship are listed for the crossing. On average, it takes about three to four hours; the vessel type and weather conditions affect the journey time. Check the current timetable before departure.
Possible activities on the islands include snorkelling, diving, light trekking and wildlife watching. The landscape includes mangrove forests, coastal forests and small islands. Pulau Panjang offers a different perspective on the island world: visitors can explore the island on foot along a circular route. An excursion boat takes ten minutes to get there from the tourist jetties at Pantai Kartini or Pantai Bandengan. The central tropical forest on Pulau Panjang serves as a resting and breeding ground for seabirds.
Ikat and Woodcarving
In Desa Troso, Kecamatan Pecangaan, Kabupaten Jepara, a community of artisans produces traditional Troso ikat textiles. Tenun Troso is made on non-mechanical looms using the ikat technique and features a wide variety of patterns. The fabric thus combines a living craft tradition with a clearly defined place of origin. The described route to Troso starts at Jepara Terminal and goes first to Pecangaan; from there, continue by ojek or a local village transport service. Check local transport connections before travelling.
Jepara woodcarving is also an internationally renowned craft tradition characteristic of Central Java. Desa Mulyoharjo is considered a centre for this carving and lies about two kilometres from the centre of Jepara. The two crafts differ in their materials and techniques: Troso is known for woven patterns, while Mulyoharjo is known for carved works.
Museums and Historic Sites
The RA Kartini Museum preserves historical and cultural objects relating to the life of R.A. Kartini and the local history of Jepara. It is on Jalan Kartini in Panggang I, Kecamatan Jepara, just north of the town square. The collections are divided among themed rooms, including the Kartini Room, the Old Jepara Room, the Dar Oes-Salam Room and a room dedicated to crafts. A visit can therefore focus on Kartini’s life as well as the history and crafts of the area.
Other historic structures include Masjid Mantingan, commissioned by Ratu Kalinyamat in 1559, or in the Saka year 1481. Benteng Portugis in Desa Banyumani, Kecamatan Donorejo, was built in 1632 by the Kingdom of Mataram under Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo, in cooperation with the Portuguese, who were then in conflict with the Dutch VOC. Visitors to Benteng Portugis can fish, trek and camp.
Coast and Landscape
Pantai Empu Rancak has white sand and a gently sloping beach with calm surf. This makes the stretch of coast a family-friendly day-trip destination; however, sea conditions vary seasonally. Various seafood dishes are available there, although availability may depend on the season and the provider. Pantai Bandengan has a different coastal character: the beach has white sand and clear water. Activities and options available there include banana boat rides, ATVs, canoes and excursion boats.
Inland, hills, rice fields, waterfalls and rivers shape Desa Wisata Tempur in Kecamatan Keling. Coffee is one of the village’s local natural products. After river tubing on the Kali Tempur, visitors can enjoy a cup of distinctive Tempur coffee. This combines the river experience with a regional product without requiring an additional excursion.
Another landscape to discover is Air Terjun Songgolangit: the waterfall is 80 metres high and two metres wide. Numerous colourful butterflies can be found in its surroundings. Those exploring Jepara’s natural landscapes will find islands and coastlines as well as water, forests and a diverse craft culture.
Discover more destinations: Pelang 1, Jepara, Pati, Boyolali, Magelang, Pemalang, Banyumas, Sukoharjo.
For the overarching travel overview: Central Java.
