Putri Island one in a thousand

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1 Indonesia is the world s largest archipelago. Hidden among 17,000 islands are a cluster of little Islands called Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands). There are only a few tourist attractions around the bustling capital of Jakarta. Most of them, like these 128 small islands, are not well advertised. Information about visiting them or any activities while on the visit is scarce. Tourist websites don t offer many details. For the first time, it is best to book with a travel agent. Details of an agent appear at the bottom of numerous Thousand Island websites. There is not much choice but to accept the package of Rs1, (US$170) per person for an overnight stay. The price appears expensive at first glance when you can book a four star hotel for two for half the cost on the mainland, but there are a few additions to the package which are also not well advertised. Four meals are included in the price. Also a sunset cruise and a free 30 minute glass bottom boat trip. The itinerary is to leave for the island on Saturday morning by speedboat at 7.30am and depart the Island on Sunday afternoon.

2 I picked Putri Island out of the other available destination of the same sort, because it was the only place with cable TV facilities. There are others to choose from but again there is not much information about the conditions and facilities there. Time in Indonesia is Jam Karet, which means rubber time, so it can be bent stretched and formed every which way you can. The boat was supposed to leave at 7.30am but did not leave until 8.30am. Seats inside speedboat Island Princess 2 were comfortable but the cabin interior was hot due to a lack of air conditioning and ventilation. The balmy conditions remained throughout the two hour trip. The four 300HP outboard motor powered boat ride was surprisingly steady on calm waters as we sped past the other islands with their various shapes and sizes. On the boat s arrival, guests were greeted by two graceful Balinese dancers. After a haphazard checking by reception, minus any information of activities or meal times, guests armed with their keys had to look for their cottages situated all around the island. First timers like me got caught out on getting one of the furthest rooms from the front office. It is a 10 minute walk for meals and other activities. There were water lizards lazing on the paths to keep things interesting.

3 The cottage type rooms are spacious. The water is a few meters from the doorstep. Meal times are posted in the dining room area. There are warnings about getting into the water to avoid stings by sea urchins, stone fish and stingrays. The large swimming pool was just behind the cottage. The warm water was slightly salty from the many bore water sources on the Island. The buffet style meals are mediocre. Drinks were not included in the deal. However, the mini shop sold a limited amount of snacks, drinks and water for the thirsty and hungry. Snorkelling gear was available at about US$5 for flippers and snorkels. Full diving gear was available for hire for a reasonable price for licensed drivers. There were a few tourists doing the PADI diving course with instructors from the mainland. The Sunset Cruise was worth the trip. The excited Chinese tourists frolicked around the bow of the boat as she cruised around the gentle blue waters amongst the islands. The locals danced to a band at dinner time which stopped at exactly 9pm. Jam Karet not in force there. Sunday morning breakfast was a little better than the other meals with coffee and drinks included.

4 The announcements over the public address systems are inaudible in both languages: English and Bahasa Indonesian. I managed to get onto the glass bottom boat by following the crowd. It is easily missed. You are able to see the magnificent sea gardens while sitting in the belly of a purpose built boat as she hugs very close to the coral. To really experience the magnificence of this natural marvel, snorkelling is highly recommended. Just below the boat pier is an abundance of colourful coral and a variety of tame fish that you could almost touch as they swim cheekily close by. The glassy calm sea ensures a safe and relaxed snorkelling experience. It was noted there was no warning about stepping on the coral and damaging irreplaceable wonders. Most people seem to be aware and were careful not to do too much damage. There was plenty of time to relax; hire the banana boat or a paddle boat before lunch. It is a great experience to visit one of the Thousand Islands in Indonesia if you are in Jakarta for some other purpose. It is not a travel destination as such, unless you are there for a special purpose like the PADI diving course.

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