The wildlife-rich Pangandaran National Park is the main draw in Pangandaran. This pocket of West Java will delight you with its dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush rainforest and rich Sundanese culture. Beyond the national park, Pangandaran boasts a picturesque waterfront promenade, beautiful beaches and excellent restaurants serving a mix of local and international flavours.
Things to do in Pangandaran
Discover pristine sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs in Pangandaran National Park. The park dominates the southern end of the peninsula and is surrounded by water on all sides. Well-marked trails wind through the park and immerse you in the verdant rainforest ecosystem, offering a chance to spot unique animals like hornbills, porcupines and macaques. Trails spit you out on palm-fringed beaches where you can swim, sunbathe and snorkel. Pasir Putih, a beautiful white-sand beach on the western side of the park, is one of the best.
Explore the park independently or join a guided tour to learn more about rare flora and fauna, including the enormous Rafflesia flower. Stay for sunset to watch thousands of enormous fruit bats fly out of the rainforest to hunt.
From laid-back beach cafes that spill onto the sand to expat-owned restaurants serving delicious Western food, there are plenty of places to satisfy your appetite in Pangandaran. Dine at traditional “warungs” and try local Javanese dishes like “empal gentong” beef soup cooked in a clay pot and “nasi timbel” rice wrapped in banana leaf and served with vegetables, tempeh and chili sambal. Claim a table at a beachfront café and enjoy ice-cold Bintang and front-row seats to the sunset.
Getting around Pangandaran
Pangandaran is compact and easy to get around on foot. Taxis and rickshaws are a fast and affordable way to cover longer distances, while “becak” pedal-powered tricycles are also an option. Pangandaran Airport is a 40-minute drive away and offers domestic flights to Jakarta.