One of the most beautiful site of Indonesia (even though it is not so popular as Bali), located on West Java. Counted as South Coast of java, takes approximately 5 to 6 hours by car from Jakarta.
Hotels are provided along the beach, the qualities are very various. But the views are the same. The atmosphere feels traditional, friendly, soothing and relaxing. Seafood served at its best freshness and taste. Oddly, one of the most popular dish at Pangandaran is Mie Bakso or meat ball noodle, which is a very common dish at Jakarta. You can find Mie bakso nearly every 100 meters.
How about beach activities? First I thought swimming, snorkeling, surfing or other beach activities were allowed around the beach area in front of hotels area. in fact, tourists must cross the sea to find a nice beach area, which is safe enough for beach activities. On the other side of Pangandaran Beach, there is beautiful white sand beach area, covered by protected forest. You can see breathtaking view of vast rocks and high cliffs and sometimes waterfalls. The forest has its own interesting enchants. Monkeys live freely as in their original habitat. Also there are natural caves which have myths about the shapes of the rocks inside it. The biggest pleasure is the beach activities for sure. Enjoy anything you can do in the beach, the sea is clean and quite safe for any beach acyivities. You can meet and greet such colorful fishes by snorkeling. Overall, the rates of accomodation in Pangandaran are relatively cheap instead of other tourist destination in Indonesia such as Bali, Lombok, Manado and others. Just spare extra money for irresistible souvenirs or even ATV riding and bike rentals.
What's more about Pangandaran? Visit Green Canyon. Once again, GREEN CANYON not Grand Canyon. Explore the green river by motor boat and swim against the stream which surrounded by waterfall to challenge your adventurous spirit.
What's so unique about Green Canyon is, the color of the water is quite rare. It is turqouise-greenish but still gorgeously clear, and it may be caused by the algae in the river. To swim through the stream is safe enough because you will guided by experts, so don't worry about drowning or if you can't swim.But still, stay alert and careful while swimming because the life jacket makes you easily swim according to the stream. Even it sounds risky, I can guarantee it would be a great experience to explore Green Canyon. Feel the beauty by yourself!
pictures taken from http://tamasya.wordpress.com/2008/04/17/our-next-trip-green-canyon-indonesia/
Sorry about the picture quality, the real place is hundred times better that these :)
