Pari Solata Seaview

Pari is a good place for a short stay and a rest near Jakarta. The island has a nice beach and some distinctive restaurants, and the people are friendly and helpful, as they are elsewhere in Indonesia. There’s a ferry to Jakarta every day; take the slow boat if you want to enjoy the trip with local people. Don’t expect a four or five star hotel here. It’s a nice, clean, quiet place instead.

The island’s calm and easy to get around, by foot or bicycle, and this place is in a good, quiet spot. The room was okay, had AC, and the sea view was lovely. Staff and other people on the island were welcoming, and the staff can help arrange rentals. Bring enough cash, since there’s no ATM. It’s a beautiful island, with good snorkeling in the deep water by the harbor. Don’t come expecting luxury, it’s more back to basics. On Saturdays there’s a little dancing and karaoke, and weekends bring most of the tourists, though it still doesn’t feel crowded. I’d say it’s ideal for 2-3 relaxing, peaceful days. The prices are cheap: a bicycle is 35k per day, nasi goreng about 20k, and grilled fish around 60k. Food from the small stands costs less. Speed boats to Pari leave from Marine Ancol at 8 a.m., cost 125,000, and take about 45 minutes. The return boat is at 2 p.m., costs 45,000, and takes about an hour and a half.

The view was nice and the staff were nice, too. For the price, it’s okay, but bring sheets and toilet paper if you can. There was a rat in the roof, though it never came into my room.

I stayed here in September 2019. It was simple island accommodation and fine for what it was, but I thought it was too pricey.