From Wikitravel

Pangandaran is a small town and a subdistrict in southern Ciamis regency, West Java, Indonesia on the southern coast of Java.

[edit] Understand

With its black beaches, Pangandaran, will never stand a chance compared to Bali when it comes to attracting the big crowds. However, this is exactly the appeal of this remote town of beach resorts. Even though it is a popular tourist destination with the locals on national holidays for its fine sand beaches (considered to be of the finest in Java), you will not feel overrun by the tourism.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By air

Susi Air [1] flies from Jakarta (with a short stop in Bandung) on small 12 passenger Cessnas. The airport is a small landing strip on the beach within walking distance of the hotels.

[edit] 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 (48,000 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.

[edit] 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 Jogyakarta. 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.

Pangandaran - City Map

Map of pangandaran.jpg Pangandaran - City Map

[edit] 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

[edit][add listing] See

The Pananjung Pangandaran nature reserve is nearby on a peninsula connected to the mainland by a narrow neck of land. About eighty percent of the nature reserve is secondary rainforest. The flora of the nature reserve includes the Rafflesia.

Green Canyon Journey through some truly wondrous jungle - rich in massive teak trees, palms, various hanging vinery and the shrill sounds of extensive birdlife. 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, have the opportunity 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 were 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 from Pangandaran. The english name is Green Valley. It's very nice to walk there to the Waterfalls. It's possible to swimming in the river with his very clear water.

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.

[edit][add listing] 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.

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 offrers 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.

PA220202.JPG cycling through the heartland

On the water.jpg cycling on the water

CORAL ADOPTION, Contributing to Nature, coral transplantion 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

Coral adoption.jpg put your name on your baby coral

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.

Trekking the railway.jpg

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.

Ronggeng.jpg ronggeng gunung	Dancing.jpg dance lesson
Gondang.jpg gondang (rice pounding)	Rengkong.jpg rengkong

CANOEING, explore the rivers and paddling canoe around Pangandaran feel the different atmosphere

Canoeing.jpg river cruising

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 -

[edit][add listing] 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.

[edit][add listing] 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.  edit

• Steak House. 08:00 - midnight. offers the same sort of menu as Bamboo, plus - not surprisingly; a steak menu. 10,000-40,000.  edit

• 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.  edit

• 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.  edit
• 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  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Bamboo Cafe. (see above) is a good place for a sundowner, but hardly a party place.  edit

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  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

There are hundreds of hotels to fit every budget. Shop around; they are all very close to the beach and each other.

[edit] 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.

• Bamboo House. A popular long running guesthouse. All rooms have bathrooms, the fan rooms come with open-air bathrooms, priced at (single/double) Fan: 50,000/80,000 AC: 80,000/100,000 (includes breakfast and free tea/coffee all day).  edit

• Mini Tiga. All rooms have fan (no A/C) and shared bathroom, but the charm of the place and the hospitality of the owners make this a favorite. single/double: 60,000/80,000. (includes breakfast and free tea/coffee all day).  edit

[edit] Mid-range

• Hotel Surya Pesona, Jl. Pamugaran Desa Bulak Laut, Pangandaran, Ciamis, Jawa Barat, Indonesia, ☎ +62-265-639428 (reservation@hotelsuryagroup.biz, fax: +62-265-639289), [2]. This hotel is right next to a wide stretch of sandy beach. Restaurant serves freshly caught seafood. 24 hour coffee shop and massage center.  edit

[edit] Contact

There are some internet places by the beach, but the cheapest (1000 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). Next to steak house by the beach, wifi is available at 250 RP/min, but at the time of writing they were having problems delivering a connection.

[edit] Get out

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