Jepara – The Wood-Carving Capital and the Karimunjawa Archipelago
Jepara Regency lies on the northern coast of Central Java province, on la mer de Java. La capitale régionale est Jepara city. Jepara is connu sous le nom de Indonesia's wood-carving capital – the furniture and wood-carving industry is a siècles-old tradition. It is également the birthplace of R.A. Kartini, Indonesia's women's emancipation heroine, and the Karimunjawa archipelago – Java's most magnifique coastal destination – belongs here.
Attractions et activités
The Karimunjawa Islands (Kepulauan Karimunjawa) are Java's most magnifique coastal paradise: 27 tropical îles with white sand plages, turquoise water and préservé récifs coralliens – plongée, snorkelling and île-hopping. Jepara wood-carving workshops and furniture factories peut être visité – thék furniture is sought worldwide. R.A. Kartini Museum and Kartini Beach in Jepara city preserve the memory of the national heroine who fought for women's rights. Benteng Portugis (Portuguese fort reste) is a colonial-era relic.
Culture et cuisine
Wood carving and furniture making are the foundation of Jepara's identity – thék carving is inherited through generations. Kartini Day (21 April) is Jepara's most important celebration. Cuisine is Central Javanese coastal: pindang srani (spiced fish broth, Jepara style), soto Jepara (chicken soup), and kembang goyang (sweet pastry) are local specialities.
Sécurité publique
Jepara is a safe region. Ferry service to the Karimunjawa Islands may be suspended in stormy weather – check conditions. Use reliable dive operators at récifs coralliens. Medical care: basic hospital in Jepara city; Semarang (approx. 2 hours) has the près deest more advanced hospital. Medical care on the Karimunjawa Islands is very limited.
Informations pratiques
From Semarang Ahmad Yani Airport, approximately 2 hours north by car. To the Karimunjawa Islands, ferry depuis Jepara (approx. 6 hours) or speedboat (approx. 2 hours), and small aircraft depuis Semarang. The best time to visit is April to October. Accommodation: guesthouses and resorts on the Karimunjawa Islands; hotels in Jepara city.