> Pangandaran

Overview

Pangandaran, this beautiful peninsula was once better known as a small fishing place; fishermen would set sail in the morning and return in the afternoon with their catch. As the fishermen return, all the locals would meet them on the beach and help them pull the nets heavy with fish to shore. This activity can still be seen today; you can also participate and experience the sensation of pulling the heavy fish nets back to shore and get to know what it is like to be a fisherman. It also makes a swell picture.

Situated on a narrow isthmus, with a broad stretch of sand on either side and a thickly forested national park on the nearby headland, Pangandaran Located on a peninsula on the south coast of West Java, about 91 Km from the town of Ciamis, Pangandaran offers uniquely black and white sand, calm waved beaches and spectacular sunsets. The beach resort facing the Indian Ocean is 223 Km from Bandung and 400km from Jakarta, and lies halfway between Bandung and Yogyakarta.

The Penanjung 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, here, the waves are relatively calm so you and your family can swim around safely. You can also bathe under the sun or simply just watch the enchanting panoramic view. Next to the beach is a forested hill which is also a natural reserve. It is the dwelling place for many monkeys, deer, buffaloes and other exotic animals. There are also a number of natural caves and some man-made caves built as bunkers by the Japanese during the Second World War.

The eastern coast is a paradise for Fresh Sea Food Lovers. Here, you can take your pick among many selections of local restaurants and food stalls that offers freshly caught fish, squids, crabs, prawns and others, which are displayed on their front veranda. At the south end area, is the daily caught fish market selling fresh caught fish and other sea food.

Pangandaran also hosts many annual events. One in particular is the International Kite Festival which is held in July every year. This festival is a gathering of kite enthusiasts from all over the world and a place where all different kinds of kites are flown together under the Blue Pangandaran skies.

Pangandaran  – Local Cuisine

There’s nothing like freshly caught Seafood covered in a fine mixture of herbs and ingredients, accompanied by a glass of iced coconut milk, and to top it all, you can enjoy it on the shore with the sound of waves breaking on the rocks. When it comes down to cuisine, Seafood is obviously the specialty of Pangandaran.

Pangandaran – See and To Do

In general, Pangandaran is a fabulous beach destination. It offers all kinds of beach and marine activities such as sunbathing, swimming, surfboarding, fishing, Jet Skiing, and more. You can also explore the human side of Pangandaran by cycling through the village and observe various activities of the fishermen and villagers.

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. About eighty percent of the nature reserve is secondary rainforest, 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.

The “River passage through Green Canyon” the wooden boat take you journey through some truly wondrous jungle – rich in massive teak trees, palms, various hanging vinery and the shrill sounds of extensive bird-life. As the boat slows down and makes its last turn, an astonishing view jumps right in front of your eyes. Twin cliffs standing tall on each side of the river, with stalactites and stalagmites overhead, and crystal clear water below. You may think that this may be the Garden of Eden.

Water pours down from each side of the cliffs creating a rumbling sound of waterfalls. At low tide, you can walk under this once great cave and marvel at the sight between the two high cliffs. Since your clothes will surely be soaking wet by now, you may as well dive into the inviting waters and feel its cooling freshness, although the location is not too far from the sea. To swim against the current, between these giant cliffs and under the canopies will be an experience unlike any other.