Sepa Island

Pulau Sepa is one of the most retired Island of the archipelago. Here, you will find peace, tranquility and very clean beaches. I don’t remember its exact size, but you can walk all around in less than 20 minutes. The resort use only half of the island surface, the other side is still untouched and surrounded by tropical forest.

Getting There

Unless you want to try to deal with the fisherman around Jakarta and spend 5 hours in the boat or worse risk to never reach the island at all. Only one way, you have to use one of these packages which include accommodation, food and transportation. You will board in Marina Ancol (north Jakarta) in a 50 to 60 seat Speed Boat. So far, it seems safe. The last time I checked, seems that each passenger get is Life jacket under the seat.

Usually the boat leave the port in the morning, the departure is 8am and try to don’t be late. They won’t wait for you. From there, you will spend 1h30 to 2h to reach Sepa Island. Depend on the stops and the wheatear. Can happen they have to drop passengers to others Islands before Sepa. You shouldn’t have to stop more than twice.

Then we arrive in “Pulau Sepa”. Only 2 hours and….whouaaaa you really feel like you are in a different world. From traffic, pollution and noises you reach a quiet, wonderful and clean small pieces of paradise.

Accommodation

The resort has a capacity of about 30 bungalows, with different facilities and prices available. Some rooms get AC, TV and Freezer, some have only a FAN. Just check during the reservation. All rooms are simple. No luxury in here. If you need more comfort, you will have to check on others Islands.

When you make the reservation, ask for view on the beach. They also have rooms behind, just near the forest. A little cheaper, but I wont advise them. There are really too much mosquitoes in the there.

Activities

Sepa Island have is own Scuba diving center. It’s more expensive than Bali or others Islands in Indonesia, but still acceptable. Possibility to visit a wrecked ship at around 30 meters deep. Easier dive are also available for beginners, from the beach or others sites.

You can also rent a boat and stroll around the others Islands. They are very close to Pulau Sepa. Many others Don’t forget to rent snorkeling equipment from the scuba diving center. A lot of wonderful spots you wouldn’t miss. Just ask the captain.

If you prefer a little bit more fun, you can play Jet Ski, Canoe or Banana Boat. Personally, I just like to relax lie down on the beach and read a book. Most of the time, there are not a lot of visitors in the Resort. So, you can really enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Wild Life

In 1982, Thousand Islands officially become a national park which own 110 ha, including 44 islands. These areas have a high value of conservation because of the variety of the ecosystem.

In addition to the wonderful marine life, you will find different types of animals such as the Turtle of Sisik (Eretmochelys imbricate), mangrove forest and variety of lizards. You will most likely have the chance to meet the famous Dragon of Komodo. Last time we have been there, we met a 2 meters long specimen just in the front of our Bungalows. Unfortunately it just run away before we had the chance to take a good picture. You can link to the following URL to see some komodo pics

According to the hotel staff, the Dragon of Komodo here is inoffensive. Used to the people, or to scare…. Who knows ?

Food

Correct Buffet for lunch and dinner. Include in the packet. I was just a little disappointed last time I went there. There weren’t fish on the menu. I like to eat fresh fish when I stay in paradisiacal Islands. However, they had cooked a excellent chicken with sweet & sour sauce and green peas. The beef was just ok.

A good point is every time we went there, they served different menu. So, it seems you can stay for long time without getting bored with the food.

If you are not lazy, you can also buy some fish around and have a barbecue by yourself just in the front of the beach. Perfect…

At anytime, you can ask the staff to grab a fresh coconut for you (kelapa mudah). Or if you prefer they have selection of local beers and standard soft drinks.