The ongoing route from Bali to Singapore is not famous for its scenic cruising. Java Island is one of the most densely populated areas of the planet with over 100 million living there.
To the northeast, the island of Kalimantan (Borneo) is a little off the direct route, but certainly has some interesting cruising if you have the time.
We mention only the major ports that could be used as stopovers or emergency shelter on the route to Singapore.
Surabaya (Dutch Soerabaja) city is at the mouth of the Mas River. It is the second largest in the country and the capital of East Java Province.
The main city anchorage in 8-10 metres is in what is known as the ‘roadstead’, an open harbour protected by nearby Madura Island.
A major seaport and one of the chief commercial and trading centers of Asia, Surabaya is the terminus of a railway and highway that connect it to other Javanese cities.
The huge harbour is enclosed by breakwaters and contains floating docks and numerous quays, wharves, and warehouses.
Although hectic and dirty many boatyards, general workshops and sail makers ply their trade ashore. Surabaya has no docking facilities for yachts and theft is a serious problem in the harbour.
The anchorage is outside the city on Java’s northern coast on the banks of the Semarang River, which is canalized for traffic to and from the sea.
Despite being one of the largest ports in Java, it is unprotected against monsoons, which can cause suspension of port operations.
Semerang is the capital of Central Java Province and the Tanjung Emas harbour serves hundreds of freight and passenger ships.
Anchor in 8-10 metres outside the river mouth well away from the main passage of commercial ships in and out of the dock.
Plenty of action ashore but we only recommend emergency stopovers here due to the unprotected nature of the north-facing bay.
The thriving capital of Java and Indonesia is home to Tanjung Priok Harbour. It is a riotous busy commercial port with a designated pleasure boat zone known as Pantai Mutiara.
Anchor on mud well offshore in 8-12 metres. Because of the pollution we suggest this area as an emergency stop or transit destination only.
This well-known Marina on the Java Coast opposite Sumatra in the Sunda Straight is easily approachable.
Only 3 hours by road from Jakarta, Carita Bay boasts one of the most sheltered playgrounds in the Java Sea.
Locals flock here on the weekends when the population explodes and the bay reverberates with the constant roar of jet skis. Plenty of guesthouses, resorts and restaurants are within easy walk of the marina.
Contrary to the name, the archipelago actually has 105 islands situated 35 miles north of Jakarta.
Because of its close proximity to the capital, it has become one of the most visited recreational destinations in the area.
Anchorage can be found in the many bays and beaches within the island group.
Pleasure yacht clearances for entering Indonesia
We strongly recommend that all yachts visiting Indonesia obtain a cruising permit and all on board have visitor visas in advance. To enter Indonesia all crew passports must be valid for more than 6 months after date of entry.
As of 1st February 2004 new visa laws have highlighted country categories so please check with the nearest Indonesian consulate for your requirement.
Yachts without a cruising permit may stop in Indonesia for 48 hours only, in serious emergency, and at only 1 port of entry of listed ports.
For details on how to apply for relevant permits, click here
While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this book is accurate, the charts of anchorages are based on personal experience and satellite imagery and are intended as a guide only. They should not be used for navigation. Please refer to Official Hydrographic charts of the respective countries.
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