Things to do in Pangandaran
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Mungil Steak House
This log cabin bills itself as a ‘steak house’ for some bizarre reason, but it works much better as a bar (the food here – mains are 12,000Rp to 50,000Rp – is greasy and takes hours to arrive). As well as beer it sell jugs of arak, and the sea views are top-drawer.
reviewed
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Relax Restaurant
Long-running Swiss-owned restaurant with a restrained, enjoyably formal air. The menu covers both Western and Indonesian fare, and service is prompt and efficient. Breakfast with the homemade bread is a treat.
reviewed
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De Coffee House
Smart new cafe with stylish decor and a long long list of coffees (including Irish, hazelnut-flavoured and cappuccino), though most of the prices are absurd. Food including omelettes are also available.
reviewed
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Taman Nasional Pangandaran
The Taman Nasional Pangandaran, which takes up the entire southern end of Pangandaran, is a wild expanse of dense jungle. Within its boundaries live porcupines, kijang (barking deer), hornbills, scorpions and monkeys (including Javan gibbons). Small bays within the park enclose pretty tree-fringed beaches. Occasionally, the park is even used as a temporary home for elephants being transported around the archipelago. The park is divided into two sections: the recreation park and the jungle. Due to environmental degradation, the jungle is usually off limits.
reviewed
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Pasar Ikan
On the east beach is Pangandaran's fish market, and arguably the best place for fresh seafood. Pick out what you want from the selection of fresh seafood at the front of the warungs here and pay according to weight. The market is to the north, near the post office (not the wholesale fish market to the south).
reviewed
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Pangandaran Beach
Like most south-coast beaches, Pangandaran has black sand. The surf can be treacherous, particularly the northern end of the west beach, where people still drown regularly. South from Bumi Nusantara Hotel, the beach is patrolled (sometimes) and is sheltered by the headland, so swimming is safer.
reviewed
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Green Canyon
The most popular tours run to the Green Canyon, but also widely available are the 'countryside' or 'home industry' tours, which take you to plantations and local industries to see the making of tahu and krupuk (prawn crackers), as well as a wayang golek maker.
reviewed
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Batagor Bandung
Also known as the Green Garden Cafe, this excellent place has a relaxed boho vibe with artwork on display and tables set back off the street. Batagor (crispy tofu) is the delicious house speciality, but it also serves up other Indonesian dishes and great fresh juices.
reviewed
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Main Pasar
Pangandaran is famous for its excellent seafood. For cheap Indonesian food, the town has dozens of warungs, especially along the southern end of the west beach. The main pasar, near the bus terminal, is the place to stock up on fruit and groceries.
reviewed
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Paradise Island
There are tours to Paradise Island, an uninhabited nearby island with good beaches (including a 5km white-sand beach) and surfing. For food, make an early-morning trip to Pangandaran's fish market and fire up a barbecue when you get to the island.
reviewed
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Ali Beach Restaurant
Ali Beach is a relaxed and welcoming restaurant with natural air-conditioning (there are basically no walls) and a menu filled with standard traveller fare. There's also the option of a massage if you're feeling tuckered out.
reviewed
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Warung Dapur
Humble, inexpensive and friendly warung with bamboo walls and seats and a street terrace where you can watch the world go by. Try the ayam bakar (barbecued chicken) or soto (meat and vegetable broth).
reviewed
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Sunshine Bagus
This is Pangandaran's most chichi offering, with traditional décor, plenty of greenery and water features galore. The enormous menu spans just about every continent and will satisfy just about any craving.
reviewed
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Oh La La
On the road to Cikembulan is this quiet bamboo-style haunt. The Indonesian menu is cheaper than most, and the convivial English-teacher owner will tell you all you need to know about Pangandaran.
reviewed
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Sarimbit
This simple local place is one of several fresh-fish restaurants facing east beach, and has tables facing the sea. Feast on red snapper or jumbo prawns cooked with a sauce of your choice.
reviewed
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Bamboo Café
Bamboo Café is fine for a cold Bintang, and though it has a great aspect over the ocean it’s looking a bit shabby these days. The food’s very average (mains from 15,000Rp).
reviewed
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Pasir Putih Beach
Pangandaran's best beach, Pasir Putih Beach, on the western side of the national park, is now off limits to stop the hordes that have destroyed the reef.
reviewed
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Green Garden Cafe
This bamboo hut far from the beach has a delightful garden setting, and its Indonesian dishes, steak, seafood and salads are served with some style.
reviewed
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NY Koesnita
On the main drag near the post office, NY Koesnita has a scrumptious selection of Sundanese and Padang dishes in cheerful surrounds.
reviewed
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Chez Mama Cilacap
This large restaurant has a good reputation and specialises in seafood, especially crab, fresh from the market.
reviewed
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Magic Mushroom Books
Sells Western titles from a psychedelic shack and also changes money.
reviewed
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Pasar Ikan
On the east beach is Pangandaran's fish market, and arguably the best place for fresh seafood. Pick out what you want from the selection of fresh seafood at the front of the warungs here and pay according to weight. The market is to the north, near the post office (not the wholesale fish market to the south).
reviewed
