Pangandaran

Noted for its generally safe swimming and its quietness, Pangandaran is one of Java’s most beautiful beach resorts. This once sleepy fishing village is located o the south coast just west boundary between West and Central Java and is about 210 km southeast of Bandung-a drive of five to six hours. From Bandung and Yogjakarta, it is easily reached by public transportation (taxi, bus or train).

This beach town is popular among Bandung’s resident expatriates and tourists traveling between Bandung and Yogjakarta. Apart from the long, broad beaches and a lazy atmosphere, a National Park on the peninsula offers an abundance of wildlife, caves and delightful walks.

The village is located on a narrow isthmus connecting a rocky peninsula to the mainland. The diverse geology on the peninsula has given rise to many forms of wildlife, making it an ideal place for the National Park there. On either side of the 200 to 800 m wide isthmus are sandy beaches. Because the main road bypasses the village in the north, there is absolutely no through traffic.

Though there are some motor vehicles in the village, strolling the wide lanes is relaxing and pleasant. The combination of sun and beach, the absence of hurry, and the warm evening breezes give Pangandaran an almost Mediterranean feel. At full moon, you have the rare opportunity of seeing both the sun setting over the west beach and the moon rising over the east beach.

In the mornings, fishermen arrive in their boats bringing the night’s catch. If you’re up early enough, you can watch them unloading and sorting the fish-the beach on the east side of the isthmus is especially lively and colorful in the mornings. The fish market at the southern end of the east beach, not far from the entrance to the nature reserve, is the place to go in the early morning.