When the sandbars of the Cemara islands are crowded — which, on an Indonesian long weekend, they are — boat crews turn to a second tier of islets that are every bit as pretty and far less busy.
Geleang lies off the west coast of the main island and is known for its long tongue of sand and the coral just off it. Cilik (“tiny” in Javanese) and Tengah (“middle”) are two small neighbours to the east, the heart of the eastern island-hopping route.
What to do: Geleang, Cilik & Tengah Islands
Walk Geleang’s sandbar
At low tide Geleang’s sand spit runs out into water so clear the boats seem to hang above it. There are a few trees for shade, a simple shelter and usually a stall selling coconuts.
Snorkel off Pulau Cilik
Cilik is ringed by shallow coral that starts a few steps from the beach, and the water is famously clear. It is a lovely place for an unhurried snorkel without the need to climb back on the boat.
Picnic on Pulau Tengah
Tengah is a small, shady island with a white beach where boats on the eastern route often stop for the grilled-fish lunch. There is a jetty and some simple buildings; the rest is trees, sand and reef.
Ask for a sandbar stop
Around these islands are gosong — bare sandbanks that appear at low tide in the middle of the sea. Standing on one with nothing but water in every direction is a small highlight of any trip. Whether you can land depends on the tide.
Getting there: Geleang, Cilik & Tengah Islands
- Cilik and Tengah are on the eastern island-hopping route from Karimunjawa town; Geleang is sometimes added to the western route.
- Routes on shared boats are fixed by the operator. To choose your own islands, take a private boat and agree the stops in advance.
- Landing fees are charged on some islands, usually included in a tour price — ask.
Insider tips
- Tides matter: the sandbars are at their best at low water, the snorkelling often easier at mid-tide. A good crew will order the stops accordingly.
- There is very little shade on the sandbanks. Cover up.
- These islands have no shops. Carry your own water even if lunch is provided.
- Reef shoes help on coral rubble when wading ashore.
Tours & transfers: Geleang, Cilik & Tengah Islands
These bookable experiences are the easiest way to fit Geleang, Cilik & Tengah Islands into a Karimunjawa trip:
Snorkelling & island hopping from $24 Snorkelling & Island-Hopping Tour Karimunjawa (Sharing Tour)
The best-reviewed Karimunjawa product on GetYourGuide and the classic island day: a shared wooden boat to snorkelling spots and sandy islets, grilled fish for lunch on a beach and the sunset on the way home. It is priced per person, so it works for solo travellers and couples.
- A full day on a shared boat around the small islands
- Snorkelling stops over coral gardens, gear included
- Barbecue lunch on an island and a sunset stop
Snorkelling & island hopping from $126 per group Snorkelling & Island-Hopping Tour Karimunjawa (Private Tour)
The same full-day route as the shared boat, but the boat is yours. That means you can leave earlier, linger where the coral is best, skip a stop you do not want — the shark pool, for instance — and keep children or nervous swimmers close. Priced per group rather than per person.
- Your own boat and crew for the day
- Set the pace: longer snorkels, quieter islets
- Barbecue lunch on an island and a sunset stop
