Pulau Panjang: The Beautiful Charm of a Small Island in Jepara
Jepara is not only famous for Karimunjawa. There is also Pulau Panjang (Panjang Island), which offers equally stunning charm. Besides being a paradise for nature lovers with its breathtaking scenery, Pulau Panjang also provides religious tourism experiences. Although not yet as popular as Karimunjawa, Pulau Panjang in Jepara is a highly recommended destination.
Pulau Panjang is located in Ujung Batu Village, Jepara District, Jepara Regency, and is easily accessible from the mainland. There are two departure options you can choose from to visit the island.
The first option is from Pantai Kartini, with a distance of about 2.5 kilometers or approximately 15 minutes by boat.
You can take a wooden boat with a fare of around Rp 20,000 to Rp 30,000 per person for a round trip. However, if you choose this option, you need to be patient because the fishermen will wait until the boat is full before departing for Pulau Panjang. If you don’t want to wait, you can also charter a private boat for approximately Rp 200,000 to Rp 300,000, depending on negotiation.
Although boats to both Pulau Panjang and Karimunjawa depart from Pantai Kartini, they use different piers. There are clear signboards at the pier indicating boats heading to Pulau Panjang, so you don’t have to worry about boarding the wrong boat.
If you depart from Pantai Bandengan, the distance is slightly farther — about 4 kilometers, with a travel time of around 20 minutes. The boat fares are similar to those from Pantai Kartini. Boats carrying tourists from Pantai Kartini are usually marked “Sapta Pesona,” while boats from Pantai Bandengan are labeled “Wisata Bahari.”
The Beauty of Pulau Panjang, Jepara
During the crossing to Pulau Panjang, you will be treated to views of the open sea with exceptionally clear water. Upon arriving at the island’s pier, you’ll be greeted by crystal-clear water and stretches of white sand. Thanks to the water’s clarity, you can even see coral reefs from the surface. If simply looking at the corals isn’t enough, you can swim or go snorkeling to enjoy the underwater beauty of Pulau Panjang.
The island is surrounded by shallow waters without strong currents, allowing you to play in the sea calmly without worrying about being swept away by waves. The atmosphere on Pulau Panjang is pleasant, as the island is surrounded by lush trees. After enjoying the water, you can explore the island on foot or rent a bicycle available on the island.
Don’t worry about difficulty or fear when trekking on Pulau Panjang. You can comfortably explore the island because the management has installed paving blocks to make it easier for visitors. You’ll be accompanied by tall, green trees during the approximately one-hour walk around the island.
In addition to trekking and playing in the water, Pulau Panjang also offers a religious tourism experience. On the island, there is the tomb complex of Syekh Abu Bakar bin Yahya Ba’alawy. Many visitors come to Pulau Panjang specifically to pay their respects and pray at this grave.
Pulau Panjang in Jepara is a captivating tourist destination that combines stunning natural beauty with a meaningful religious experience. So, if you’re looking for the charm of a small island on the North Coast of Java, Pulau Panjang is an excellent choice.
