Our Last Evening in Karimun Jawa: A New Chapter Begins

It’s our last evening on the island of Karimun Jawa, and after three days of pure relaxation on paradise-like beaches, we finally feel recharged… well, almost. Because with the little ones, it’s never really a true break! Between swims, sandcastle battles, and the endless “Mom, Dad, what are we doing now? I’m hungry!...”, let’s just say our energy levels have gone up—but maybe not as much as you’d think. 😆 That being said, this pause has given us a chance to reflect and plan the next steps of our journey.

The days spent here, far from the noise and rush of the world, have been a real breath of fresh air. The warm sand, the sound of the waves, and the blazing sunsets have done wonders for both body and mind. And yet, even in this peaceful setting, our thoughts were already drifting toward the future.

The volcanoes of Java, like the majestic Bromo and Merapi, had been calling to us for a while. Breathtaking landscapes, an adventure we would remember forever. But getting there wouldn’t be easy—ten hours of driving, five hours of travel in the middle of the night, multiple train and bus transfers… And then, we had to consider the kids. Every quiet moment was punctuated by discussions, phones and laptops in hand, navigating through booking apps, weighing the pros and cons.

In the end, we had to face reality: this adventure just wasn’t the right fit for us this time. Traveling with young children also means learning to slow down. Sometimes, you have to let go, and this was one of those moments. Between the budget, the long hours of transit, and the well-being of the kids, it was clear that this plan checked too many difficult boxes. Slow travel is the way forward for us—and we’re embracing it.

The Decision is Made:

In two days, we’re heading to Bali.

The Island of the Gods is calling. Tomorrow, we’ll leave Karimun Jawa, this time taking the fast boat back to Semarang. A short visit to the city, and then—just a quick one-and-a-half-hour flight to Bali. This Indonesian gem, with its beaches, rice terraces, and mystical atmosphere, will be our next chapter.

The adventure continues, always further east, always deeper into the unknown. More than ever, this journey is teaching us that choosing one path means letting go of another—but at the same time, every choice opens new doors to explore.

See you soon on the roads of Bali!