Pangandaran

Introducing Pangandaran

Situated on a narrow isthmus, with a broad sweep of sand on either side and a thickly forested national park on the nearby headland, Pangandaran is Java’s premier beach resort. While it can never compete with Bali’s pristine white sands or party atmosphere, it is nevertheless an attractive, friendly and peaceful – or lively, if you’re here during Indonesia’s school holidays – spot to recuperate before pushing onto sights inland.

As well as days of sun-worshipping on Pangandaran’s volcanic black-sand beaches, the town and its surrounds offer up coastal walks, forest treks and seafood so fresh it’s still sparkling. And with an army of hotels covering every budget base, you should have no problem finding something to suit.

Like Bali, Pangandaran has been hard hit by the fallout of the recent bombings. Usually catering to thousands of tourists each year, Pangandaran saw the perennial flood of new arrivals become a trickle following the attacks. The resulting discounts offered by hotels are great for travellers, but terrible for the local economy.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009