Jepara is a regency and city in Central Java, located along the coast of the Java Sea, about 80 km from Semarang.
Jepara is renowned for its high-quality teak (jati) wood products, including furniture, home decor, carved art panels, and doors. Local craftsmen and furniture factories supply their products across Indonesia and for export. Unsurprisingly, Jepara is called the global center of wood carving.
The town is also the birthplace of Raden Ajeng Kartini, a national heroine and advocate for women’s education in Indonesia, which earned Jepara the nickname “Bumi Kartini.” Kartini is celebrated as a champion of emancipation, fighting for women’s rights and gender equality in education and government.
Jepara is also home to a Portuguese Fort built in 1632 as part of an agreement between the Mataram Kingdom and the Portuguese government.
How to Get There
1. From Bali by Bus: Buses to Jepara cost around 400,000 IDR and take approximately 15 hours. Buses also operate from major cities in Java. Tickets can buy in this website
2. By Car: Travel independently with a private or rental car, or hire a chartered vehicle.
3. By Flight: Fly from Denpasar to Semarang (about 1.5 hours, 2 flights daily, around 1.2 million IDR), followed by a car transfer to your destination.
Where to Stay?
• Coconut Lodge Resort: A charming resort by the Java Sea, offering a secluded atmosphere with comfortable rooms, often featuring traditional Indonesian designs. Rooms start from 550,000 IDR per night.
• The Palm Beach Resort Jepara: A luxury resort combining natural beauty and modern comfort, with spacious rooms overlooking the ocean or gardens. Facilities include a pool, spa, fitness center, and restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Rooms start from 600,000 IDR per night.
• Rimba Desa Resort: A cozy, “village-style” retreat surrounded by lush nature, with a pool, playground, BBQ area, and restaurant. Rooms start from 400,000 IDR per night.
What to Visit?
1. Furniture Showrooms: If you reside in Indonesia permanently or are involved in the export and import of various goods, you may be interested in exploring the range of wooden furniture and carved interior and decor items (statues, vases, large panels, doors, partitions).
2. Karimunjawa National Park: A favorite attraction, this park comprises 27 islands with white sandy beaches, clear waters, and beautiful coral reefs. Activities include diving, snorkeling, and fishing.
• To visit, hire a boat (2-3 hours from Kartini Harbor in Jepara).
• Ferry KMP Siginjai: Tickets – VIP Adult: 150,000 IDR, Adult: 130,000 IDR, Child: 20,000 IDR, Motorcycle: 125,000 IDR, Car: 1,015,000 IDR.
• Ferry KMC Express Bahari: Executive: 220,000 IDR one-way, VIP: 250,000 IDR one-way, Child: 50,000 IDR one-way.
3. Kartini Beach: A famous beach with white sand and clear water, also home to Turtle Ocean Park with various species of turtles. Entrance fee: 5,000 IDR on weekdays, 7,000 IDR on weekends.
Jepara is known not only for its natural beauty but also for its attractive leisure park. Jepara Ourland Waterpark is a tourist destination suitable for family outings. The park features water slides with European and Middle Eastern themes, making it unique among similar parks in Indonesia. In addition to water attractions, there are also go-karts, ATVs, and much more.
Ticket prices:
• Adults (12 years and older): around 70,000 IDR
• Children (3–11 years): around 60,000 IDR
• Seniors (60 years and older): around 50,000 IDR
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5. Songgo Langit Waterfall: Located about 30 km from Jepara city, this 80-meter-high waterfall is surrounded by a lush tropical forest. Entrance fee: 10,000 IDR per person.
6. R. A. Kartini Museum: A museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Raden Ajeng Kartini, featuring photos, clothes, books, and letters. Entry fee: Adults 15,000 IDR, Children 5,000 IDR.
Another tourist attraction in Jepara, rich in historical value, is the Portuguese Fort. It stands as a silent witness to various battles that took place between Mataram and the Dutch.
Built on a rocky hill by the sea, the fort offers stunning ocean views from its summit. Entry fee is 5,000 IDR per person.
8. Banyu Anjlok Waterfall is the perfect choice for relaxing from the daily routine. This 25-meter-high waterfall is located in Somosari village, Batealit district, Jepara regency. Surrounded by untouched forests, the atmosphere here is very cool and calming. To reach Banyu Anjlok Waterfall, you’ll need to follow a rather steep and challenging trail. Entrance fee: 5,000 IDR per person.
Visiting Jepara offers a harmonious blend of mountain and coastal relaxation.
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