Pangandaran
Regency is a new Regency in West Java province,
Indonesia, formed on 25 October 2012 out of the southern portion of Ciamis
Regency. The population of this area as at the 2010 Census was 383,848.
The administrative capital is Parigi.
Pangandaran Regency contains a beach called Pantai
Pangandaran (Pangandaran Beach) and Cukang Taneuh (Green Canyon).
Tourist
destinations
In 2011 Ciamis Regency was boosting the (new) tourist
destinations with an idea of making a new Regency on the south of the
'(virtual) isthmus' (please see the locator map) where there is also a popular
tourist destination (Pangandaran Beach) as a cash cow. The tourist destinations
are Situ Lengkong Panjalu, Kingdom of Sunda Astana Gede Kawali site and the
most potential destination is Curug Tujuh, Cibolang, Panjalu. Curug Tujuh is
located 2 kilometres from Cibolang main road. Curug Tujuh means "seven
waterfalls", due to there being 7 waterfalls along a 5 kilometres track.
At least there are 2 waterfalls with beautiful scenery and the tallest
waterfall is more than a hundred metres high.
Situ Lengkong Panjalu, 76.2 hectares has a small island
in the centre of the lake called Nusa Gede where many East Javanese people come
to visit King of Panjalu's son's cemetery.
In June 2011 the Tourism and Culture Ministry agreed to
make the Pangandaran area into a National Tourism Site like Bali. It
covers Karapyak Beach in Kalipucang District through Pangandaran Beach in
Pangandaran district and to Batu Karas Beach in Cijulang District.
In 2010, Green Canyon was visited by 125,000 visitors and
in 2011 by 150,000 visitors. On holiday there were more than 2,000 visitors per
day made increase of boat waiting time due to narrow access to Green Canyon and
the boat should wait for them who swam.
Get
in
By
air
Susi Air flies from Jakarta on small 12 passenger
Cessnas and its interesting to have experience flying with small plane for
those who has not. You can also bring your surfboard, for the large surfboard
will be charge as much as the seat price. The distance between airport to
pangandaran is about 45 minutes. Passengers should be aware that departure
times may be changed with as little as 24 hour notice, and should check in with
their booking travel agent, or Susi Air directly the day before a flight.
By
bus
The bus terminal stops at the market just 500 meters from
the beach where you can find plenty of accommodation. It is close enough to
walk, but if you are lazy or laden with heavy bags it will not take you long to
spot a bicycle rickshaw (more likely, they will spot you) ready to help you
empty your wallet.
Local buses run from Pangandaran’s bus terminal to
Tasikmalaya (30,000++ Rupiah, three hours), Ciamis (20,000++ Rupiah, 2½ hours),
Banjar (12,000++ Rupiah, 1½ hours), Kalipucang or Majingklak (5000++ Rupiah, 40
minutes) and to Cilacap (25,000++ Rupiah, 2½ hours). Buses also run along the
west coast as far as Cijulang (7000++ Rupiah, 40 minutes).
The large patas buses generally leave from the Perkasa
Jaya depot, just north of town, and Budiman bus company depot, about 2km west
of Pangandaran along Jl Merdeka. Frequent normal buses go to Bandung (50,000
Rupiah, six hours) between 6am and 4pm.
However, the most comfortable way to travel to Bandung is
with the Sari Harum (639276) door-to-door minibus for 100,000++ Rupiah. Perkasa
Jaya minibuses (639607) pick up from hotels for the trip to Jakarta’s Kampung
Rambutan terminal (normal/air-con 125,000/150,000 Rupiah, nine hours). Travel
agencies can also book tickets for most buses and minibuses for a premium, but
transport to the depots is usually included.
From
Bandung to Pangandaran
The bus to Pangandaran from the Cicaheum terminal
is costs 53,000Rp (no A/C and smoking allowed) or 65,000Rp (A/C, smoking
forbidden), these costs are accurate as of August, 2015. The company offering
this service is called Budiman. The route is viaCihaurbeuti and takes just over
7hrs, with multiple stops for refreshments or toilet usage. At each of these
stops vendors will board the bus to sell to you or serenade you. It is a
relatively large bus (i.e. not minibus), so usually fairly spacious. It will
drop you within walking distance (1.5km) of the hotels in Pangandaran (be aware
of the fee, 3500Rp as of March, 2015 to enter the Pangandaran town limits, not
to be confused with the much larger fee to enter the national park there).
By
car
Most travel agencies rent minibuses with drivers for
about 500,000 Rupiah per day including driver and petrol. Put together your own
tour and you may be able to negotiate a better rate. The most popular trip is a
three-day tour to Yogyakarta. The usual route will take you as far as Wonosobo
for the first night. The second day goes to Dieng for the sunrise, then on to
Borobudur for the night. The final day is to Yogyakarta via Prambanan.
Seven hour drive from Jakarta.
Get
around
Pangandaran’s becak (tricycle) starts at around
10,000++Rp and requires heavy negotiation. Bicycles can be rented for 25,000++
Rupiah per day, and motorcycles cost around 50,000++ Rupiah per day, excluding
petrol
See
The "Pananjung Pangandaran Nature Reserve" is
nearby on a peninsula connected to the mainland by a narrow neck of land (about
100 meters) which divides the beach into East Beach and West Beach, so we can
see the sunrise and the sunset in the same day when the sun moves in the
southern hemisphere. West Beach is more famous than East Beach. About eighty
percent of the nature reserve is secondary rainforest. A few hours can be spent
here without the need for a guide, however, guides are available and can
obviously show you more of the reserve compared to going unattended. The flora
of the nature reserve includes the Rafflesia. The fauna of the nature reserve
includes banteng, deer, two species of monkey and monitor lizards.
River
passage through Green Canyon, Pangandaran
"Green Canyon" Journey through some truly
wondrous jungle - rich in massive teak trees, palms, various hanging vinery and
the shrill sounds of extensive bird-life. The canyon is apparently a couple of
hundred metres long, but it is only safe for visitors to venture the first
hundred. At the end of the passable section, the opportunity arises to jump
from a 5 metre high stalagmite formation rising from the canyon floor into a
deep pool below. The rocks aren't sharp or slippery and there's a myriad of
harmless critters around like frogs, dragonflies and miniature crabs to marvel
at too. There are about 500 visitors a day, but it will increase to 2,000 per
day on holidays make boat congestion on the narrow path and make boat
long-waiting too.
"Citumang" is 15km outside of Pangandaran.
The English name is Green Valley. It's very nice to walk there to the
waterfalls. It's possible to swim in the clear water of the second "Green
Canyon" that exists above the dam of the main tourist "Green
Canyon". This is slightly more difficult to get to and involves hiring a
moped (dirt cheap), but the journey and the final destination is very
rewarding. There are barely any tourists and it really feels like you're own
personal tropical pool! It is much cheaper (12,000 Rp each for entry and
parking) and provides far more freedom than the tourist original "Green
Canyon". There's no need for expensive boats and tours and the cool water
provides a stark contrast to the hot midday "matahari" (sun).
"Paradise beach" is a deserted island that
will satisfy all your Robinson Crusoe adventure feelings for a day. Hire a boat
(600,000 for the day), stock up on supplies and have the ultimate picnic on the
white sandy beaches of this sliver of paradise.
Do
In short; beach, sun, surfing and kicking back is the
image of Pangandaran. However, there is so much more in this yet unspoilt paradise.
Hire a motorbike and explore the surrounding area. Not far from the beach you
will encounter the life of the unimpressed locals tending to their crops and
livestock. Take a trip to the Green Canyon (see above) and continue on to Batu
Karas, for some of the best surfing Java has to offer.
Hiring a moped is well worth the tuppence that it
costs. Exploring the surrounding villages such as Batu Karas (the
amazing two-way traffic bamboo bridge crossing the river is a highlight along
with great surfing at the beach) and Karang Nini boasts some
spectacular isolated beaches (one beach which hasn't been cleaned up since the
2006 tsunami also boasts a lagoon). Batu Hiu or "Shark
Rock" provides beautiful views of the Indian Ocean and Pangandaran along
with clifftop walks (as well as the opportunity to have your picture taken with
Tinky Winky!!!!).
NOTE: Pangandaran and many of it's surrounding
villages charge a fee to enter (in the region of 3-5,000 Rp), it may also be
necessary to provide a monetary gift (1-2,000 Rp) to the guard.
Surfing lessons are offered in Pangandaran, prices
vary around 200,000 - 250,000 per day. Every hotel and tour operator will let
you know about this as soon as you arrive.
Tours to the Green Canyon and/or treks to local tribal
communities are eagerly offered. They average about 150,000 per day.
Bike For Discovery (the Heartland of Southern Coast,
beyond the beach, Pangandaran offers more natural attractions. choose on of
bike tours. enjoy the countryside experience across the lush paddy field,
garden, and coconut plantation. take a breath of fresh air of the village and
watch the local farmers starting their day, and try other track and be the
downhiller.
Coral Adoption, Contributing to Nature, coral
transplantation has been taking place in Pangandaran to contribute to coral
reef rehabilitation. in the last two years, the program has been extended to
allow tourists to participate. join and be a foster parent
Tunnel Exploration, Pangandaran keeps silent evidence of
the rail route in the southern coast of Java - dated back from its role as one
of the plantation areas in the colonization era. the rail track lies from
Banjar - Pangandarn - Cijulang although it is no longer used, the tracks and
tunnels keep their appeal and provide a perfect setting for trekking tour in
the hinterland.
Cultural Temptation, The Sparkling Traditional Dance,
Ronggeng Gunung is a traditional dance originally from Pangandaran. It is very
much related to the history of the local princess "Dewi Rengganis.
Rengkong and Gondang are the traditional dances to celebrate harvesting period
at the southern coast of West Java. The local community has developed a special
performance tour for you to see these fascinating dances. Setting under their
village's open sky and at the yard of a traditional stage.
Kayaking / Canoeing, explore the local rivers on a tour
with SPORA ( Water Sports Development School ) paddling a kayak up or down the
river while enjoying the calm serenity of the rural atmosphere. For the more
adventurous, there's an ocean tour leaving early in the morning and paddling
for 2 to 3 hours around the Nature Reserve peninsula of Pananjung.
other interesting attraction in Pangandaran; - Traditional
Dance Lesson - Cooking Lesson - Wooden Puppet Carving
Lesson - Feel The Village Atmosphere and stay / overnight at the
local people's house -
Buy
ATMs are available near the bus terminal and nearby Nyiur
Indah Resort, bulak laut street and at the bus station area, there are 3 ATM's.
Eat
Seafood comes fresh to the fish market on the eastern
side of the city every day. Here you can have your pick from one of the many
cheap eateries. Pick your live seafood (fish, crabs, lobsters, prawns etc.) and
watch while they cook it in front of you. It doesn't get mor authentic than
this.
On the west side (the beach side), western style cafes
and restaurants line the beachside road.
Bamboo Cafe. 08:00 - midnight. has a decent
menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner and beyond (beer, drinks and snacks) that
attracts a steady following of both locals and travellers. 10,000-30,000.
Steak House. 08:00 - midnight. offers the same
sort of menu as Bamboo, plus - not surprisingly; a steak menu. 10,000-40,000.
Relax Restaurant, Bulak Laut Street. 08:00 -
midnight. offers European Chinese and Indonesian food, plus - recommended
menu; homemade brown bread and ice cream. Offers also yoghurt and
musli/cereals. Price for indonesian food 20.000. Western food 40.000 up. 20.000.
D.E. Coffee. serves espresso coffee (although
pricey) and tasty sandwiches as their specialty, but really it's recommended
for its proximity to Steak House and wifi enabled internet cafe (250
RP/minute). A perfect day well spent.
SAUNG MIRING COFFEE SHOP, jalan bulak laut no. 64. 24
hours free internet access / free wi-fi, we serve coffee and tea, pancake,
sandwich and toast.
Bintang Timur. fresh sea food and else . small
restaurant along the beach in front of the Futsal (boulevard turn right)the
food is different and delicious. try the shrimp black pepper. if you are in
mood you can sing karaoke or eat under the moon.
fish market. in the fish market you have lot of
restaurant with fresh sea food. fish crabs shrimps octopus etc..you choose you
sea food before to cook.
Drink
Often a bonfire on the beach and drinks and snacks from
the closest Warung is the definition of a night out in Pangandaran.
Saung Miring Coffee Shop, Jl. bulak Laut No. 64
Pangandaran (close to telecomunication office). coffee shop with free
internet access / free Wi-Fi hotspot
Jacko Bar. along the west beach in front of hotel
Malabar Bulak laut. often offers Live music and DJ party. friendly.Cool beer an
Happy Hours
Silent Bar or Diam Cafe. just beside Jacko bar. the
name because the owner cannot ear or speak but btw he speaks a lot in his own
language and can be understood by all foreigners :)
Mungil Cafe. or Steak House. nice place to drink
listening the live music
Malibu Cafe. an other beach bar. cool drinks . good
food and friendly atmosphere.
Eka Bamboo Cafe. Bar along the west beach Bulak
Laut. In front of Hotel Melia. nice bar and good food. my favorite Nasi goreng
sea food ! friendly owner Maya
Mimpi cafe (mimpi means dream). a cute tiny bar with
a friendly atmosphere. west beach Bulak Laut in front of Hotel Melia.
Sleep
There are hundreds of hotels to fit every budget. Shop
around; they are all very close to the beach and each other.
Budget
These are some in the sweet spot of cheap and good. You
can get cheaper and better by walking down the beach road (and its back
alleys).
On national holidays prices go up and you should book
ahead.
Please note that the "taxi mafia" are quite
strong in Pangandaran. Any taxi or ojek driver that takes you to a hotel will
then demand/extort up to half of the room's nightly rate from the hotel. Even
if you don't take a taxi from the bus station, locals will often follow you
(sometimes at a distance) to the hotel, and the local will demand that the
owner pay them even though you never said a single word to that person! Failure
to pay this extortion means that the "taxi mafia" will bad talk the
hotel to everyone who arrives in town, and try to ruin the hotel's business.
When you arrive in town, DO NOT tell anyone where you plan on staying, and be
wary of people following you to your hotel. And be aware: IF you take any taxi
or ojek to your hotel/hostel the price a person is NOT MORE then between 20.000
Rp and 30.000 Rp!
Bamboo House. A popular long running guesthouse. All
rooms have modern bathrooms, the fan rooms come with open-air bathrooms, priced
at (single/double) Fan: 50,000/110,000 AC: 80,000/120,000 (includes breakfast
and free tea/coffee all day).
Mini Tiga homestay, ☎ 0265639436. Artistic
place. All rooms have fan (no A/C) and private bathroom with western toilet but
the charm of the place and the hospitality of the owners make this a favorite.
single/double: 90,000/120,000. (includes breakfast and free tea/coffee all day).
free internet and wifi for guests. daily homemade yogurt by the french owner
Catherine.offers tours and Travel.Surf lessons. motorbike and surfboards
rental. Mini bar cool drinks and cold Bintang !
Panorama à la Plage, Jalan Pantai Barat (Corner
of Jn. Pantai Barat and Jn. Bulat Laut). Just across the road from the
beach, close to many street food stalls and a short walk from all the beach
bars, this small hotel is perfectly located. Both fan and A/C rooms available,
some with shared bathroom, some with attached. Managed by the lovely and
helpful Tika, be sure to try her food in the restaurant on the bamboo terrace
overlooking the corner and the beach. Hanging around there's always Dindin, the
polyglot guide that can tell you anything you need to know about the nearby
sights and activities. Large breakfast included, free WiFi, laundry service,
train and bus ticket booking, bicycles available for the guests, motorcycle
rental, surf lessons and board rental. Single/double: 70,000/90,000 Rp.
Guesthouse Pondok Wulan (Sea level), Jalan
Pamugaran, Bulak Laut (10 minutes walk from the bus terminal and 50 meters
from the beach), ☎ +6282126987798.
checkin:14.00 O'clock; checkout: 12.00 O'clock. Pondok Wulan, Jln
Pamugaran, Bulak Laut (10 minutes walk from the bus terminal and 50 meters from
the West Beach), ☎
+6282126987798, [new]. 24 hours. Guesthouse Pondok Wulan is a clean, quiet and
cosy guesthouse. Fan rooms and AC rooms. Also a spacious Bar/Resto on the
premises. Recommended for Backpackers and family, who are looking for a very
affordable price and comfort. Starting from 9 till 15 Euros, except Holidays.
Including breakfast. Coffee, tea and drinking water free the whole day. Very
helpful and friendly staff.
Mid-range
Hotel Surya Pesona, Jl. Pamugaran Desa Bulak Laut,
Pangandaran, Ciamis, Jawa Barat, Indonesia, ☎ +62-265-639428, fax: +62-265-639289), This
hotel is right next to a wide stretch of sandy beach. Restaurant serves freshly
caught seafood. 24 hour coffee shop and massage center.
Contact
There are some internet places by the beach, but the
cheapest (1000 Rp per 15 minutes) is near the bus terminal. They don't have
wifi, but you can bring your laptop and plug it into their LAN (same price). As
of April 2012 the internet cafe next to the steak house at the beach has
closed, leaving the bus terminal currently the only place in the town with
internet access in Pangandaran (excluding hostels/hotels with wifi).
Get
Out
The main route out of Pangandaran is to Yogyakarta via
Sidareja. A private minibus (usually seating 4) is heavily advertised by the
main hotels (Mini Tiga home-stay etc.) which travels to Sidareja station and
from there the train heads to Yogyakarta.
Up the coast from
Pangandaran is the surf destination of Batu Karas.
