Thousand Islands
The Thousand Islands sit in the Java Sea, a boat ride north of Jakarta. They suit a weekend of snorkeling, beach time and a night in a simple homestay.
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The Thousand Islands, called Kepulauan Seribu in Indonesian, are a group of small islands in the Java Sea, north of Jakarta. The islands are administered as part of the capital, and boats from Jakarta are the way out for almost every visitor. Many are low and sandy, with coral reefs near shore. Most people come to snorkel, spend slow beach days and stay a night in a homestay, a family home with rooms for guests. Expect simple facilities, and pack sunscreen and water.
The trip suits anyone with a spare night or two who wants sea and sand without a long flight. The dry season, roughly April to October, is the usual time to go. From November to March the seas are often rougher. Two nights give time on the water and on the beach. One night works if a day trip is all you have.
Thousand Islands in five
- Book an island package with the boatMost trips are sold as package stays with boat, homestay and snorkel gear. Compare what is included, and confirm the departure jetty and time before you pay.Jakarta
- Choose an island by the crowd you wantPulau Pramuka and Tidung are busy and easy to reach, while Pulau Harapan suits snorkelers on a budget. Private resort islands are quieter but cost more.
- Skip weekends if you canJakarta day-trippers fill the main islands on weekends and holidays. Midweek trips mean quieter beaches and better rates.
- Check the sea before you sailCrossings can be rough in the wet season, and boats may be delayed or cancelled. Ask your operator about conditions and keep a flexible plan.Travel insurance
- Do not expect Bali-grade reefsWater clarity and coral condition vary by island and season, and some reefs are tired. Go for the short trip, not the diving, and set your expectations.
Need to know
- Airport
- Soekarno-Hatta (CGK), Jakarta, about 1–2 hours to the harbor
- Getting there
- Boat from Marina Ancol or Muara Angke, about 1–3 hours depending on boat
- Getting around
- Walking and bicycles on the islands; boats between them
- Best base
- Pulau Pramuka or Harapan for homestays
- Time needed
- 1–2 nights
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- JanuaryWet, rough sea
- FebruaryWet, rough sea
- MarchShowers
- AprilDrying out
- MayDry, calmer
- JuneDry season
- JulyDry, busy
- AugustDry, calm
- SeptemberDry, calm
- OctoberHot, showers
- NovemberWet season
- DecemberWet season
Right now in Thousand Islands
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
28
- Feels like
- 32°
- Humidity
- 74%
- Wind
- 10 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 90%
Thousand Islands
03:40 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today30°27°90%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 90%.
- Wed30°28°80%Wednesday: Rain. High 30°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 80%.
- Thu29°26°72%Thursday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 72%.
- Fri30°27°85%Friday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 85%.
- Sat30°28°55%Saturday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 55%.
- Sun30°26°67%Sunday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 67%.
Updated 02:54 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 18,144 IDR
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Jakarta old town and harborabout 1–2 hours from the jettiesKota Tua and the Sunda Kelapa harbor, before or after the boat.Read the guide
- Bandung and the West Java highlandsby train, about 1 hour on the high-speed line plus a feederCooler air and tea country, a day trip or overnight.Read the guide
- Java beyond the capitalby train or flightYogyakarta and the temples of central Java.Read the guide
Before you go to Thousand Islands
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Rules for Thousand Islands, checked
- Indonesia's visa and entry rules change, so check the current requirements on the Directorate General of Immigration site (imigrasi.go.id) before you fly.
- Boats to the islands leave from Jakarta's north coast ports, so confirm the operator and sailing time the day before you travel.
- Do not take coral, shells or sand from the islands. Park rules apply to the marine area, so ask the national park office about dive and snorkel rules.
- Indonesia enforces strict drug laws, including for small amounts. Carry no drugs, and check your government's advice for travelers to Indonesia.
Plan around Thousand Islands
The capital and its harbor jetties
Read the guideWest JavaBandung, tea country and Bogor
Read the guideJavaThe whole island west to east
Read the guideGetting around IndonesiaTrains, flights and ferries
Read the guideVisas and entryWhat to arrange before you fly
Read the guideAll of IndonesiaIslands, entry rules and getting around
Read the guideThousand Islands FAQ
Are the Thousand Islands worth visiting?
As a short break from Jakarta, yes: quiet beaches and homestays within a few hours. They are not a substitute for Bali or Raja Ampat, so keep expectations modest.
How do you get to the Thousand Islands from Jakarta?
By boat from Marina Ancol or Muara Angke, which takes roughly one to three hours depending on the boat and the island. Confirm the jetty and the time before you travel.
What is the best island in the Thousand Islands?
It depends on the trip: Pramuka for a base with homestays, Harapan for snorkeling, Tidung for a lively beach scene, and resort islands for a quiet stay.
When is the best time to go?
May to September has calmer seas and drier days. Weekends are busiest, so pick a midweek trip for quieter beaches.
Is it better to take a tour or go independently?
A package handles boat, food and homestay with less effort, and it suits first visits. Independent travelers can use public boats but must manage schedules and cash.