Overlooking the Sunda Strait, Anyer is a coastal town in West Java that was once an important Dutch East Indies port. Following the 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatoa, it was largely destroyed by a 30-metre-high tsunami. The lighthouse that stands today was built as a memorial to those who lost their lives.
Things to do in Anyar
Anyer is fringed by picturesque beaches where you can refresh with a swim, including Pantai Anyer and Pantai Pasir Putih. Snorkel the nearby reefs or admire the views towards the uninhabited island of Pulau Sangiang. If you continue south along the coastline, you’ll arrive at Karang Bolong, which is named after its hollow rock created during an eruption of Mount Krakatau. If you’re into water sports, head to Pantai Marina to ride jet skis and banana boats.
Dominating the coastline is the Anyer Lighthouse, which was built by the Dutch in 1885 to aid ships passing through the Sunda Strait. It marks the starting point of the Great Post Road, a historic route that connected Anyer with Panarukan, more than 1,000 kilometres away. Today, it is the second-tallest lighthouse in Indonesia and offers sweeping views across the coastline.
Elevated views across Anyer are also on offer from Puncak Sidapang, which features a wooden observation platform overlooking the coastline. You can combine your visit with a swim at Wisata Alam Kali Maung, a riverside bathing spot with traditional stalls serving drinks and meals.
Getting around Anyar
Anyer is around 30 minutes’ drive from Cilegon and the Cilegon railway station, from where trains depart for Jakarta. By road, Jakarta and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport are two hours away. Regular buses connect to Anyer, while renting a car or scooter gives you greater freedom to explore the area.