Pulau Kotok - Photo by Sharat Satyam
Travel and tourism have become so jaded these days that few places evoke the feeling of calm, peace and romance that we all seek vacation. Pulau Seribu , or the Thousand Islands in the Java Sea off Jakarta, but is a pleasant departure from this state of affairs. A day at Pulau Kotok, one of 110 islands that make up the chain Pulau Seribu, is all it took to remind me of a world where nirvana might still be a possibility.
A boat trip of two hours away, Kotok is an island that should be part of a travel catalog highlighting the "top 10 exotic destinations of the world" or "top 50 remote destinations and beautiful in the world "- except it is not. And this is very much the charm of it. It is one of only 11 islands in the squad which house a station, so you can imagine how untapped and 'Survivor' as it may seem! With a simple wooden pier mystically led us into the belly of the tropical island, the only thing that kept me from jumping into the clear blue water on the side was the annoying reminder that I dressed and more importantly, it has not been quite right to drown the Nikon D60 my companion. - I was wearing at the time
Pulau Kotok - photo by Sharat Satyam
Alam Kotok Resort, which manages the island, welcomed with palm leaves head groups and a pineapple-citrus drink to my delight the girl's school. The facilities are basic - no fancy gazebos, no jammed staff, not gatekeepers Inaugurating you, no pools or lily ponds with fountains and bridges false. So if you are accustomed to cushiony, crisp white beds, luxury toiletries and attendants in poshly fitted toilets it is unlikely that this place is for you. But then, if frill-less, rustic and simple do the trick, then look no further.
Little 'floating cabanas "advancing water supply personal inviting spots to settle in when you arrive. A dive shop right next to where you set foot on the white sand island, will rent diving equipment if you are interested. If you are not interested, that's fine too, and you can choose to sit by the water in the languid happiness, and watch others to him. It is always recommended that you take a look from your dry perch in the water you are bound to get a glimpse of some of the marine wonders that lie beneath. For divers for the first time, the dive shop also organizes an escort (literally, because it will chain you with other beginners and "escort" you along the waterfront).
Once you've snorkelled in your heart to the content and / or developed a rosy healthy tan, you can explore the island. Ideally designed paths lined generously lush frond-like leaves, run across the island and you can browse the entire region in less than an hour, give or take a few minutes. On a particularly sultry day, a curious lizard or two can give you company along the way.
Those lazy among you (including me) can opt for the lounge of the azure lagoon on the far side of the pier. Chairs and small wooden tables floated places serve as handy and very organic rest for your sunglasses or your book. It was only a matter of time before the white sand between my toes, small schooling fish flitting around the shallows and the soft swish-swash of mangrove leaves were woven into the ultimate idyllic experience.
lunch, like other meals, is served at the floating restaurant on the island and is a non fussy affair with a simple vegetable dish, fish curry and rice. Soup and salad are available for light eaters. A Bintang, readily available in the 'bar' makeshift serve to mellow you down, if this is even possible. At this point, you would be convinced that there is nothing like a fresh meal, well balanced, the taste of cold beer and singing the sounds of the sea, to define things and strengthen your belief in the goodness of life.
Pulau Kotok - photo by Sharat Satyam
must Rp.850,000 and a boat ride asleep at 8am (boats leave from the pier Ancol ) to reach Kotok and you have up to 15 hours before the boat takes you back to Jakarta. Spend the night, there will of course cost a little more.
Kotok The attraction lies in its rarity. The facilities are Spartan, that nothing distracts from the raw beauty of the island - you can almost hear nature to talk to you. The best part of course is that you leave the island knowing that you will be back soon, because it is a few hours from Jakarta.
Here discover more gems such as addresses Kotok, where less then equal! much more
Country Indonesia
province : DKI Jakarta
Get : speed boats depart from Ancol Pier early the morning. Several tour operators offer day packages. Book early for the night especially during the weekend
What : .. Sunbathing, snorkeling, exploring
What to bring : sunglasses, sunscreen, swimsuit, dive gear (if you do not want to rent on the island), a mat to lie on, snacks or appetizers and a good book to keep you company.
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