National Park Rules in Karimunjawa
Part of the Karimunjawa travel guide — see every topic in All Karimunjawa Guides.
Karimunjawa National Park covers most of the islands and the sea around them, a total area of more than 1,100 square kilometres. It protects coral reefs, seagrass, mangroves and lowland forest. The park is split into zones, and tourism is allowed only in some of them. Visitors pay an entry fee, and there are simple rules to protect the reef. Follow them, and the reefs will stay healthy.
Entry fees
All visitors pay a national park entry fee. Foreign visitors pay more than Indonesians, and the fee is higher on weekends and public holidays. There may be extra small fees for activities such as snorkelling, diving or hiking. Fees are often collected through your tour operator or at the harbour, and they may already be part of your tour price. Ask your hotel or guide what is included. Keep your ticket with you, because rangers can check it. Some islands, which are privately run, charge their own small landing fee on top.
The zones
The park is divided into several zones. Core zones are closed to visitors to give wildlife and coral a place to recover. Other zones allow tourism, traditional fishing or fish farming. Your boat crew knows where you can go and where you cannot. Do not ask them to take you into a closed area. Some of the outer islands are off-limits, and some beaches are nesting sites for sea turtles. On land, parts of the forest on the main island are also protected, with Javan deer and many birds.
Protect the reef
Do not touch, stand on or kick the coral. Even a light touch can kill it. Learn to float calmly before you snorkel, and wear a life jacket if you are unsure in the water, so you do not need to stand up on the reef. Do not take coral, shells, starfish or sand. Do not feed the fish. Bread and other food make them sick and change their behaviour. Use a reef-safe sunscreen, or wear a rash guard to cover up. Keep your fins away from the bottom.
Rubbish and wildlife
Take all your rubbish back with you, especially plastic bottles and bags. The islands have little waste collection, and plastic ends up in the sea. Bring a refillable water bottle, as many hotels have water refill stations. Do not chase, ride or touch sea turtles or any other animals. Keep a few metres away and let them swim on. Do not buy products made from turtle shell or coral. If you see a sick or injured animal, or illegal fishing, tell your guide or the park office.
National Park Rules at a glance
| Status | National park; about 1,100+ sq km of land and sea |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Yes; foreigners pay more; higher at weekends |
| Getting there | Fees often paid through your tour or at the harbour |
| Closed areas | Core zones and some islands; follow your crew |
| Rules | No touching coral, no collecting, no feeding fish |
| Best time | Calm, dry months for clear water |