Pangandaran Beach is reputedly the most beautiful beach in West Java and
possibly in all of Java. It is Java`s answer to the beach resort
destination of Bali and certainly the main west beach has much in common
with Bali`s famous Kuta Beach.
Pangandaran is a large fishing
village situated on a narrow isthmus of land with Pangandaran National
Park occupying the entire headland. This fishing village is part of the
charm of Pangandaran because it is attractive and friendly with an
abundance of fresh seafood available in the seafood market as well as in
the many seafood restaurants. During peak times the village is also
seriously lively with many bars and restaurants but it retains an
innocence and simple friendliness that is no longer found in many parts
of Bali.
On either side to the east and to the west of
Pangandaran village and the National Park isthmus are two long sweeping
beaches of volcanic black sand. These east and west facing beaches
provide Pangandaran with the unusual reputation as being one of the few
beach resorts in the world where one can watch a beautiful beach sunrise
in the morning and a stunning beach sunset in the afternoon. To provide
an even more unique beach experience for beach lovers, there are
beautiful white sand beaches located within the Pangandaran National
Park and these can walked to or taken to by local fishing boat hire.
Pangandaran
Beach is a mecca for surfers as there are many famous surfing beaches
and surf breaks within easy travelling distance. For the beginner, there
are learn to surf schools and surf board hire available at Pangandaran
Beach. The main beach area is normally surf patrolled and is reasonably
safe for swimmers and surfers.
Whilst Pangandaran Beach is
becoming increasingly popular with tourists it has long been the
favourite beach playground for domestic tourists from Jakarta, Bandung
and Jogjakarta. During the peak time festive times of Ramadan and
Christmas/New Years as well as during the Kite Festival in July,
Pangandaran Beach bustles with activity, excitement and entertainment.
Pangandaran
Beach is also the perfect place to experience the culture and heritage
of the Sundanese people of West Java. The Sunda are the main people of
West Java and have a cultural and artistic heritage that as rich as that
of the Balinese people. Try to experience a local Sundanese dance
concert or a wooden puppet show. The Sundanese are famous for the
artistry and skill of the wooden puppets which are carved in this local
area.
There is much to see and do in Pangandaran Beach including
visits to the National Park, Green Canyon, Paradise Island, Pangandaran
Waterpark, Batu Karas Beach, the seafood markets and local markets. Or,
if it`s your preference, relax and enjoy the views, the beaches the
friendly people and the quiet pace this charming and friendly place.
