"OTBP: West Java's South Coast" West Java Province by theo1006

West Java Province Travel Guide: 781 reviews and 2,021 photos

Leuweung Sancang, where the forest meets the sea

The unspoiled south coast

In 2005, when we lived in Bandung, we made several trips to the coast south of Bandung. Recently, in 2008, we visited again coming from Salatiga. We like to explore the remoter regions of Java. Few foreign visitors make it to West-Java's south coast, because it takes four to six hours to get there from Bandung. You need your own transport, or to hire a car with driver for several days, or do it the adventurous and time-consuming way with local transport.

In the OTBP tips we have highlighted the main attractions. Not counting the quietude and leasurely pace of the whole region, which are attractions by themselves when you have enough of the hustle and bustle of the cities.
As may be expected, accommodation is scarce. We made an inventory of the best available. For food you have to make do with what is available (generally mi rebus, nasi goreng, or rice with fried fish), or bring your own.

Closer to Bandung: If you are looking for things to do closer to Bandung, see our Garut page.

How to get there

On the road to Rancabuaya, rainy season!

From Bandung there are three main routes to the south coast:
(1) Via Pangalengan to Rancabuaya, four to five hours by car
(2) Via Cicalengka, Leles and Cikajang to Pameungpeuk, five to six hours by car.
Or you may want to take the more time-consuming route to Pameungpeuk via Majalaya and Samarang, and visit Kamojang geysers on the way, see our Garut page.
(3) Via Garut and Bantarkalong to Cipatujah, also five to six hours.

As a base for exploration Pameungpeuk is to be preferred, because the town is located centrally and has the best hotel. On our last trip we went to Rancabuaya and drove all the way along the coast to Pangandaran.

Development

Last remaining Dutch bridge, east of Pameungpeuk

The government is actively developing and opening up the south coast region. The coastal road has been upgraded and is now generally in good condition. Narrow steel bridges dating from colonial times have mostly been replaced with wide concrete ones; on our last trip we found work in progress to replace the last one.
Another sign of progress is the new, excellent ANB Hotel in Pameungpeuk.
However, the region still remains off-the-beaten-path. Even domestic tourists only come in big numbers on the main holidays (Lebaran and Xmas).

Last visit to West Java Province: Oct 2008
Intro Updated Dec 13, 2012
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (11)

Karang Paranje rock - West Java Province

Karang Paranje beach Off The Beaten Path (7)

Unique features of Karang Paranje beach are the rock formation after which it is named, and the estuary of Ci Baregbeg... more travel advice

Kampung Dukuh mosque - West Java Province

Kampung Dukuh, a traditional village Off The Beaten Path (7)

Hidden in the southern hills of West-Java lies this little village that rejects all amenities of modern life. No... more travel advice

Gunung Geder beach near Pameungpeuk - West Java Province

Gunung Geder beach Off The Beaten Path (7)

You find rocks at much of West-Java's south coast, but near Pameungpeuk there are long stretches of sandy beach,... more travel advice

Villa on hill at Rancabuaya - West Java Province

Accommodation at Rancabuaya beach Hotels (4)

We found the best place to stay over at Rancabuaya the newly built "villa's" on the hill overlooking the beach. The... more travel advice

Comments (2)

Reply
- Report abuse
planxty May 31, 2009 at 7:08 AM

Hi Theo and Helen, wonderful West Java page with some good accomodation tips. It is a place I would love to visit some day, it looks very beautiful. fergy.
Reply
- Report abuse
nightmax Mar 16, 2009 at 10:34 AM

Hey Theo and Helen, Just lucked onto the site with the photos of West Java! Wow! Where in the world is this place? I am amazed at the beauty of this location. Thanks for sharing and I hope you both are truly happy~. Orashi