The next morning, Ethan boarded a ferry from Tanjung Emas Port in Semarang, bound for the Karimunjawa Islands. He had heard whispers of this secluded paradise—a cluster of 27 islands off the northern coast of Java, where turquoise waters met untouched white sand, and life moved at an unhurried pace.
The ferry ride itself was an adventure. He had chosen the Bahari Express, a fast boat that cut the journey down to about two hours, but the choppy waters still made for a rough ride. Locals sat calmly, accustomed to the swaying motion, while a few unlucky tourists clutched plastic bags, their faces pale.
Ethan, however, loved the feeling of the open sea, the salty breeze whipping through his hair as the mainland disappeared behind him. The thought of leaving the noise of the city for a tranquil island was exactly what he needed.
Arriving in Paradise
As the boat approached Karimunjawa, Ethan was greeted by a breathtaking sight—crystal-clear waters that shimmered in every shade of blue, lined by palm-fringed beaches stretching as far as the eye could see. Wooden fishing boats bobbed lazily near the shore, their brightly painted hulls reflecting in the water.
Stepping onto the pier, he was immediately struck by the island's laid-back energy. There were no towering hotels, no fast-food chains—just a handful of homestays, warungs, and locals welcoming visitors with warm smiles.
He checked into a cozy beachside bungalow run by a local family. The owner, Mas Budi, handed him a fresh coconut and pointed toward the horizon.
"You came at the perfect time," he said. "The weather is clear, and the best snorkeling spots are waiting for you."
Ethan smiled, already feeling the tension of travel melt away.
Exploring the Underwater World
Later that afternoon, Ethan joined a small boat tour to explore Karimunjawa's famed snorkeling spots. His first stop was Menjangan Kecil, an island surrounded by coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Slipping into the warm water, he was immediately surrounded by a dazzling array of fish—clownfish darting between anemones, parrotfish nibbling at the coral, and even a curious sea turtle gliding past. Sunlight filtered through the water, casting shimmering patterns over the ocean floor.
For a moment, he just floated, letting the gentle currents carry him. It was a feeling of complete freedom, of being part of something vast and ancient.
The boat made a few more stops—Cemara Kecil Island, where he walked along an untouched sandbar, and Geleang Island, where he shared a simple grilled fish lunch with fellow travelers.
As they sailed back at sunset, the sky turned a fiery orange, reflecting off the calm sea. It was one of those moments that didn't need words—just the sound of waves, the laughter of new friends, and the quiet realization that this was what travel was all about.
A Taste of Island Life
Back on the main island, Ethan wandered into the town's night market, drawn by the sizzling aroma of fresh seafood grilling over charcoal.
He ordered ikan bakar, a whole grilled fish marinated in a blend of turmeric, garlic, and lime, served with steaming rice and sambal. The first bite was perfection—smoky, tender, with just the right amount of heat.
As he ate, a group of locals struck up a conversation, curious about his travels. They shared stories about island life, the best hidden beaches, and even the legend of Nyamplungan, a Javanese prince said to have been shipwrecked here centuries ago.
"You should wake up early tomorrow," one of them suggested. "Go to Bukit Love for sunrise. Best view on the island."
Ethan nodded, already setting his alarm.
Sunrise Over Bukit Love
Before dawn, Ethan hiked up Bukit Love, a hill offering panoramic views of the entire archipelago. The climb was short but steep, and by the time he reached the top, the sky had begun to shift from deep purple to soft pink.
As the sun rose, the islands below were bathed in golden light, their silhouettes stretching across the endless blue. From here, he could see the whole of Karimunjawa—the fishing boats leaving for the day, the dense green forests, the endless stretch of untouched coastline.
He sat in silence, taking it all in.
Every place he had visited so far had its own magic, but there was something different about Karimunjawa. It felt untouched, raw, a reminder of how simple beauty could be when left unspoiled.
As he made his way down, he knew one thing for sure—he wasn't ready to leave just yet.
End of Chapter 18