In 2010, I traveled from Jakarta to Pulau Pramuka (Scout Island), which one of the many islands collectively called the Thousand Island archipelago, in Indonesia. For the first time in my life, I was not involved in planning this three day-trip, thanks to my friend Christine who planned everything.
I did not expect much from this trip because I had heard some bad reviews about the Island. Many people said that this Island has lost its beauty because it's dirty and has too many tourists. Well now I can say that this Island is still worth visiting, and compared to its more famous neighbouring Islands, Pramuka Island has less visitors so you will still be able to get away from the crowd.
I did not expect much from this trip because I had heard some bad reviews about the Island. Many people said that this Island has lost its beauty because it's dirty and has too many tourists. Well now I can say that this Island is still worth visiting, and compared to its more famous neighbouring Islands, Pramuka Island has less visitors so you will still be able to get away from the crowd.
I had just lost my beloved father a few months before this trip, so I decided to take my mum and brothers, to make this our first family trip without my father.
We started our journey early in the morning since we had to catch the boat from Muara Angke at 7am. Unfortunately someone in our group, did not get off the bus at the correct stop, so we were running late. As a result we arrived at Muara Angke a few minuets after 7am, and the boat to Pramuka Island had already left. So we had to wait for the next boat which was scheduled for 2pm.
My mum had a brilliant idea to cheer me up, since waiting is my biggest weakness. She bought a bucket of fresh prawns from a fisherman who just came back from his late night fishing trip and asked the local Indomie-warung (Indonesian noodles stall) to steam them. Those who know how much I love eating seafood, will understand how my mum's treat worked like magic to change my mood. Thanks to her, waiting at crowded, messy, and hot Muara Angke port did not feel so bad.
We started our journey early in the morning since we had to catch the boat from Muara Angke at 7am. Unfortunately someone in our group, did not get off the bus at the correct stop, so we were running late. As a result we arrived at Muara Angke a few minuets after 7am, and the boat to Pramuka Island had already left. So we had to wait for the next boat which was scheduled for 2pm.
My mum had a brilliant idea to cheer me up, since waiting is my biggest weakness. She bought a bucket of fresh prawns from a fisherman who just came back from his late night fishing trip and asked the local Indomie-warung (Indonesian noodles stall) to steam them. Those who know how much I love eating seafood, will understand how my mum's treat worked like magic to change my mood. Thanks to her, waiting at crowded, messy, and hot Muara Angke port did not feel so bad.
There are two ways to go to Pramuka Island on public transport from Jakarta. The first option is through Muara Angke port via a traditional ferry boat. The second option is through Ancol Marina speed boat, which is faster but more expensive.
Muara Angke is a local fishing port that is really busy and polluted. If you come on time for your boat you will not have to spend a lot of time at the port. However, I found that our experience waiting at Muara angke was precious. We got to see the local daily activities and we learned that traditional fishing boats are unique, for example boats for fishing squid have a lot of lanterns all over them, because squid are attracted to light.
After waiting almost six hours, we finally boarded the ferry, and opened our packed lunch. As we were eating the crew announced that the boat will soon leave to Tidung Island. That was not our destination so we got up and jumped off the boat.
After waiting almost six hours, we finally boarded the ferry, and opened our packed lunch. As we were eating the crew announced that the boat will soon leave to Tidung Island. That was not our destination so we got up and jumped off the boat.
Luckily, another ferry turned up and after making sure this was the right one, we boarded.
The journey to Pramuka Island took about two hours. We arrived at the Island around 4 pm, tired but excited. The first thing that I noticed was the clear blue water, I could even see fish swimming around our boat. Our local tour guide welcomed us at the harbour, and he said that he had already prepared our afternoon tea.
We went for a walk around the Island and enjoyed the sunset, while we were waiting for our dinner to be prepared. My brother went fishing from the wharf and caught a fish. We watched a local kid catch some squid with just a line and small hook. Some local people went spear-fishing around the wharf at high tide.
We went for a walk around the Island and enjoyed the sunset, while we were waiting for our dinner to be prepared. My brother went fishing from the wharf and caught a fish. We watched a local kid catch some squid with just a line and small hook. Some local people went spear-fishing around the wharf at high tide.
The next day we went snorkelling, and visited some other islands around Pramuka Island. We went on a small traditional boat that took us around Thousand Island archipelago.
It was a great trip.