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 400 km 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.
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.
Get Around
The best way to get around Pangandaran is on foot, since a walk on the beach and having your feet touch the sand offers its own sensation. You may also want to try to get around Pangandaran on a bike. There are a lot of bike rental services that offer various kinds of bicycles for rent, from the usual bike such as BMX or standard bike to the Tandem Bike that can take two or three persons. If you feel a bit tired after a long stroll, just call out becak, a three-wheeled cart that can take you back to your Hotel or other places.
Get There
From Jakarta
Flight
Susi Air provides scheduled flights from Jakarta to Pangandaran. It's the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Pangandaran. There are daily flights from the Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta to the Nusawiru Airport in Pangandaran. You can see the prices and booking information on the schedule from Susi Air.
Bus
A common way for reach Pangandaran is by bus. Buses leave nearly every hour from Jakarta’s Kampung Rambutan bus station toward Pangandaran. But not all busses drive direct to Pangandaran. With some buses you have to change the bus in Ciamis, Tasikmalaya or Banjar. When you take the direct bus, the trip takes around 7 hours and costs around Rp 60,000 without AC and around Rp 80,000 with AC. The fee depends on the bus company.
Rented Cars
It's also possible to rent a car with a driver in Jakarta. This will cost around Rp 1,300,000.
From Bandung
Flight
Susi Air also provides scheduled flights from Bandung to Pangandaran. There are daily flights from the Husein Sastranegara Airport.
Bus
With the bus you can reach Pangandaran from Bandung’s Cicaheum bus station. Some buses drive directly to Pangandaran, while others are only direct to Ciamis or Banjar. From these bus stations you may have to take other transportations to Pangandaran.
