Jakarta: Thousand Island similar Bali Island Tour

Jakarta: Thousand Island Similar Bali Island Tour — A Detailed Look

Traveling to Jakarta and looking for a quick escape to a tropical paradise? This tour offers a taste of Bali’s relaxed island atmosphere right in Indonesia’s bustling capital. It’s marketed as a Bali in Jakarta experience, promising crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and plenty of water-based activities—all within a day. While it’s not a full-blown Bali getaway, this tour aims to satisfy travelers craving a tropical break without the long flight or hefty expense.

We like that it’s a private experience, allowing for a more personalized day on the water, and the chance to see Putri Island—a picturesque spot that shares many of Bali’s scenic qualities. The cost of $199 per person seems reasonable considering the included transportation, guide, lunch, and activities. However, some reviews suggest that the boat trip can be longer than expected, and the time on the islands might be a little rushed, which could impact your experience.

This tour suits travelers who want a full day of relaxation and fun with minimal hassle—ideal for those with limited time or who prefer guided comfort. But if you’re after a more in-depth island experience or expecting a pristine, bustling resort vibe, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Private tour with hotel pickup and drop-off offers convenience.
• Enjoy a Bali-like atmosphere on Putri Island with scenic views and water activities.
• Long boat ride (around 2 hours each way) is a highlight but may feel longer than expected.
• Activities include snorkeling, banana boating, and diving, suitable for water lovers.
• Short on-island time means quick visits—best for a taste rather than a deep experience.
• Mixed reviews highlight stunning scenery but note some desolate facilities and long transit times.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to the Experience

If you’re in Jakarta and craving a quick tropical escape, this tour might catch your eye. It promises a Bali-style island experience just a ferry ride away, making it perfect for travelers who want a taste of island life without leaving Java. The idea of crossing the sea to an island with coral reefs, clear waters, and water activities sounds appealing—and it’s a great way to break the urban pace of Jakarta.

We’re drawn to the convenience of a private group, which means less waiting and more relaxing on your schedule. The inclusion of local food for lunch adds an authentic touch that complements the scenic water views. Plus, the guided tour and transportation are all arranged, so you can focus on enjoying the trip rather than logistics.

That said, a key consideration is the length of the boat trip—about two hours each way. The review mentions that this can feel longer than described, and the time on Putri Island might be quite brief, which could leave some travelers wanting more time to explore or relax. Still, if you’re looking for a short, scenic escape, this tour offers a compelling option.

This experience works best for those who enjoy water activities, like snorkeling and banana boating, and for travelers who appreciate beautiful sea views without the hassle of planning their own transportation or activities.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pickup and Initial Drive

Your day begins with a hotel pickup from your Jakarta accommodation around 7 am. The guide and driver will coordinate with your hotel lobby, holding a sign with your name, which is a thoughtful touch that avoids the hassle of finding your way. This early start is typical for full-day tours and ensures you maximize your time at the islands.

Ancol Jakarta – The Brief Stop

Your first stop is at Ancol Jakarta, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour lasting about an hour. While the description doesn’t specify what you’ll see here, Ancol Park is a major recreational area in Jakarta known for its beaches, cafes, and amusement zones. It’s a good warm-up before heading into the water, giving you a quick taste of local leisure spots.

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The Boat Ride to Putri Island

Next up is the boat crossing to Putri Island. The trip takes approximately 2 hours, which some reviews note can feel longer than the description implies. The boat ride offers some of the best scenery, with waves lapping against the vessel and views of the sea stretching out in every direction. Many travelers find this part of the journey quite scenic, especially if the weather is clear.

On Putri Island

Once ashore, you’re in for about 8 hours of island exploration. The island itself has a somewhat desolate appearance according to some reviews, but it’s also picturesque—think sandy beaches, coral reefs, and clear waters. This is where the water activities come into play: snorkeling over vibrant coral, banana boating, and even some diving if you’re prepared.

The water is often praised for its beauty—many reviewers remark how similar it is to Bali’s famed waters. You’ll be surrounded by colorful fish and coral, making this a worthwhile stop if you love underwater life. However, the short on-island stay means you won’t have time for a long, leisurely exploration or sunbathing.

Return Journey and Jakarta Drop-off

After a full day of fun, you’ll head back to Jakarta, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening. The boat ride back is again around 2 hours, and the entire trip wraps up with drop-off at your hotel.

What’s Included – and What’s Not

The package covers most essentials: hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, admission tickets, a guide and driver, gasoline, tolls, lunch, and boat transfers. The inclusions mean you won’t need to worry about extra costs or logistics—everything is handled for you.

Tipping isn’t included but is appreciated, giving some flexibility for travelers who want to reward good service.

However, some things are not included, such as personal expenses or optional extras, so budget accordingly.

The Water Activities and Their Appeal

One of the main reasons to choose this tour is the water activities. With options like snorkeling, banana boating, and diving, it’s a treat for those who enjoy active fun in the water. The coral reefs and colorful fish are highlighted as some of the best features, with many reviews emphasizing the stunning scenery.

Still, it’s wise to keep in mind that the amount of time spent in the water is limited. The tour’s focus seems to be on giving you a quick but scenic escape, rather than a full day of water sports.

The Realities of the Experience: Pros and Cons

Stunning Views: Many travelers mention how beautiful the sea and islands are, almost Bali-like in their clarity and vibrancy.

Long Transit Times: The boat rides, which are about two hours each way, are a major part of the experience but can be on the lengthy side, especially if you’re expecting a quick trip. As one reviewer notes, “the boat trip takes almost twice as long as described,” making the on-island time feel quite short.

Limited Time on the Islands: Because of the transit times, your actual time on Putri Island may be around 4 hours or less, which might not be enough for a more relaxed exploration or sunbathing.

Facilities on the Island: Some reviews mention the facilities are somewhat desolate, which might impact the comfort level for some travelers, especially those expecting more developed amenities.

Cost-Value: At $199 per person, the price covers the essentials—transportation, activities, a guide, and lunch—but may seem steep for a quick visit. Still, when considering the hassle-free organization, it’s a reasonable option for a half-day Bali-esque getaway.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience appeals most to those who want a stress-free, guided trip that combines scenic views with water activities. It’s excellent for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a day of fun without having to plan logistics. If you’re short on time but eager to see a beautiful, Bali-like island environment, this tour could be a good fit.

However, if you prefer longer stays on the water, more developed facilities, or a trip that allows for a deeper exploration of island life, you might find this tour somewhat rushed.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a convenient way to enjoy Bali-style waters and scenery right from Jakarta. The private group setup, combined with scenic boat rides and water activities, makes for a lively and visually appealing day. It’s well-suited for travelers seeking a brief escape into tropical waters, especially if you’re after stunning views and an active day.

While the long transit times and short on-island stay might leave some feeling a bit hurried, the overall vibe of Putri Island remains a highlight. The tour provides a value-packed, guided experience that minimizes hassle and maximizes fun—perfect for those wanting a quick taste of island life in Indonesia.

For travelers craving water fun, scenic beauty, and simplicity, this tour has plenty to offer. Just remember to manage expectations about the length of your on-island adventure and be prepared for some lengthy boat rides.

FAQs

How long is the boat ride to Putri Island?
The boat trip takes approximately 2 hours each way, so expect about four hours of transit total. Some reviews mention that it can feel longer than described.

What activities are included on Putri Island?
You can enjoy snorkeling, banana boating, and diving. These water activities are highlights for water lovers and those wanting a splash of adventure.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, especially for families comfortable with boat rides and water activities. The private group setting offers a relaxing environment, but keep in mind the long transit times.

What is the duration of the entire tour?
It lasts about 10 hours, starting with hotel pickup around 7 am and returning in the late afternoon or early evening.

Are meals included?
Yes, a lunch featuring local food is included in the tour price.

Is this tour worth the cost?
Considering transportation, activities, guide, and lunch, it offers decent value—especially for travelers wanting a guided, hassle-free day trip. But the short time on the island might be a downside for some.

What is the condition of Putri Island?
Some reviews say it appears somewhat desolate, with limited facilities. It’s picturesque but not heavily developed.

Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a private tour, you can likely discuss your preferences with the guide, but the itinerary is generally fixed.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and waterproof gear are advisable for water activities. Also, bring some cash for optional tips or purchases.

Is there a good alternative to this tour?
The experience provider offers other tours around Jakarta—ranging from volcano visits to city highlights—if you seek different kinds of adventures.

In the end, this Jakarta: Thousand Islands similar Bali Island Tour is a solid choice for those wanting a quick, scenic, and active day in tropical waters. It’s not a full Bali experience, but it captures the essence of island beauty and water fun—packed into a manageable and organized day.

You can check availability for your dates here: