Batu Karas Beach

As a coastal area, Batu Karas is a blend between the nearby Pangandaran Beach and the Batu Hiu Beach since it not only offers calm waters but also challenging waves. Thus, it is fit for both swimming and surfing.

Located about 40Km or an hour’s drive from Pangandaran, this uniquely black sandy beach is a perfect getaway since it is less crowded compared to those in Pangandaran or even Bali. Some even dubbed this as little Bali, since it offers similar experience but with less disturbance.

Batu Karas is already popular among surfers, nationally and internationally. Aside from the relatively flat beach, Batu Karas also has a small bay, so surfers donot have to paddle too far to the starting point of the incoming waves.  For beginners there are a lot of Surfing equipment rentals that offer complete surfing necessities, along with experienced instructors who can teach all one needs to know about surfing. So, it doesn’t matter whether you are a professional surfer or have never surfed at all, you can still try to catch the waves of Batu Karas.

Generally speaking, there are three surfing spots that are commonly known among Surfers, they are: Karang, Legok Pari and Bulak Bendak. Karang, literally means “coral rocks”, which probably gets its name from the many rocks lying underneath the surface, and can only be surfed at high tide.

Legok Pari is the most favorite surfing spot among the three,  and the perfect beach for beginners since the beach here is relatively safe and waves are not too high. For the more advanced and professional surfers, Bulak Bendak is the spot they choose. Here, waves can create a long wall of water or even barrels which are the perfect rides for surfers. To get to Bulak Bendak surfers must take a boat ride that cost about Rp 200.000, to jump into the incoming point break.


Batu Karas is not all about surfing. Buggies, Jet Skis and Banana Boats are only a few examples of what you can do on this beach. For those who like adventure, Batu Karas offers several spots fit for camping and hiking. For a more daring adventure, you can ask the locals to take you to Karang Nunggal, an isolated beach with a spectacular view on a huge and high rock on its shore. All in all, Batu Karas is a good vacation resort for everyone. A walk on the beach during sunset, an afternoon coffee at the local “warung”, spending the day watching your kids building sand castles or just bathe under the sun, are just some of the exciting things you can do as you wait for those perfect waves.

source : http://www.indonesia.travel/

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Pangandaran Beach

Pangandaran is one of West Java’s best kept-secrets as far as international tourists are concerned. 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.

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. 

Pananjung beach, located at the western end of the peninsula, is an ideal place for family activities. 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. At the top of the hill is a beautiful waterfall which drops directly into the ocean. To reach it, you must first take a hike, but don’t worry, for along the way you’ll be presented with astonishing views and you will likely meet various animals. From this high location, you will also get a better view of the entire coastal area of the peninsula.

The eastern coast is a paradise for Fresh Sea Food Lovers. Here, you can take your pick among many selections of 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 of this restaurant line-up, is the fresh fish market where you can buy fresh caught fish and other sea food, and have them grilled or barbequed to your own liking. The East Coast is also a place for Jet Skiing and Banana Boat Rides which are surely perfect activities to release your stress and return completely revitalized.

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 is a one stop complete experience. From swimming, snorkeling, Jet Skiing, Fishing to Hiking and hill climbing, Pangandaran has it all. It is a full package vacation, fit for every age and an ideal place to be visited at anytime of the year. So, why don’t you try Pangandaran for your next family vacation.

source : http://www.indonesia.travel/

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