Local residents’ tea flavored martabak. [Photo by Shao Fenglei / For China Daily]

In the water, fish swim among the red, blue and yellow reefs - resembling clouds, brambles and human brains.

Animals such as squirrels that eat bananas, big lizards and bats are visible on Putri Island.

Karaoke is a popular form of entertainment on Pulau Seribu Island at night.

A visit to a lounge gives one a feeling of nostalgia because one hears many popular Chinese songs from one or two decades ago.

More Chinese bound for Indonesia

In 2014, about 1.2 million Chinese tourists traveled to Indonesia and the number increased to 1.3 million the following year. The target of Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism is to have 2.1 million Chinese travelers this year.

Taufik Nurhidayat, the ministry's deputy director dealing with familiarization trips for development of tourism in the Asia Pacific, tells China Daily that the country's unique selling points include beautiful nature, cultural diversity and warm hospitality.

He says that to promote Indonesia as a destination in China, they participate in tourism activities, hold promotion events in major Chinese cities and organize familiarization trips.

"Most Chinese visitors prefer beach and water activities and shopping. They love to spend their honeymoons on Bali, Lombok and Komodo islands," he says.

"They also want WiFi connections so that they can share their travel experiences online instantly."

If you go

It takes about six and a half hours to fly from Beijing to Jakarta. Carry sunblock, sunglasses, mosquito repellent and a swimming suit. Wear snorkeling shoes or flippers to avoid abrasions by underwater reefs.