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Banten
This is the coastal area where the Dutch first landed to trade.
Banten has few relics to show of its past grandeur, however, there
are the ruins of powerful moslem kingdoms such as the palaces of
Surosowan and Kaibon, the grand mosque of Mesjid Agung Banten 115991
and a Dutch fortress and an old Chinese temple.
Carita Beach
Accessible from Jakarta over a fair road, you can reach it in less
than 3 hours, one third of which is over a toll road which is being
extended to the extreme western part of Java in Merak. Here again,
most visitors arrive from Jakarta as Bandung is more than 6 hours
away from Carita by road. At present Carita and surroundings have
definitely got more hotels and other accommodation than those found
in Pelabuhan Ratu, and is therefore better developed. It is also
located on the way to ferry-crossings to SUMATRA from Merak.
Besides white beaches behind hundreds of swaying coconut trees,
one panoramic highlight is the visibility of the infamous Krakatoa
Volcano from Carita, rising above the horizon in the Sunda Strait
between Java and Sumatra. You won't have difficulties finding a
place to stay here as many cottages, hotels and camping grounds
are all available, not to mention the inevitable seafood.
Baduy Cultural Conservation
The Baduy community in Banten is an utterly unique and closed society
which can be reached via a 10 km village road from either Cibolegar
village or Cibungur village in the Leuwidamar district. The 50 km
road from Rangkasbitung is steep. In April and May, the Baduy community
is closed to outsiders, as during this time it commemorates certain
ceremonies among ceremony, called Seba, is the offering of part
of their agricultural products to the Head of the District, Sub-Regent
and the Chief Resident. During this ceremony the "Puun of Baduy"
sends out a group of representatives of Baduy Dalam people as well
as Baduy Luar to act as the community's spokesmen. When conducting
this Seba ceremony the Baduy Dalam members refuse to ride any vehicle,
instead, the distance of 150 km is travelled on foot as proof of
their perseverance. To enter this very special Baduy area, one should
obtain written permission from the Rangkasbitung District Office
stating the purpose of the visit which may take one whole week to
process.
Karang Bolong Beach
The name Karang Bolong means Rock (karang) with a Hole bolong).
This may have been some frozen lava, formed during the eruption
of Mount Krakatau. The Rock forms a gate facing the sea, making
it look very picturesque. There is a small forest which has been
converted into a recreation spot. There is river flowing down to
the sea where people can have a bath of fresh water after swimming
in the salty sea.
Krakatau Volcano
With devastating effects this volcano erupted just over a century
ago in 1883, bringing its fine ashes with the wind streams as far
away as over New York City, whereas the eruption's tidal waves reached
the American West Coast. At that very instant, Krakatoa vanished
as if devoured by the sea, causing formidable tidal waves which
in turn swept off just about everything alive from the surrounding
coastal areas. However, the disappearance of the gigantic Krakatoa
also meant the birth of small islands in its place, one of which
is called "Anak Krakatau" or Krakatoa's Child which is
at present an extremely active young volcano.
From both West Java's West Coast and from Sumatra's Lampung Province,
this young and very active volcano is clearly visible. A boattrip
to this place may be worth making.
Ujung Kulon
On the southwestern tip of West Java is a wildlife reserve of 51.000
hectares covering the Ujung Kulon peninsula and the nearby islands
of Panaitan and Peucang. The reserve is a dense forest and is the
home of the last surviving one- horned rhinoceros of which only
50 remain. Ujung Kulon is accessible by boat and the closest departure
point is Labuan on the west coast.
An entry permit is needed, issued by the Forestry Service (Perlindungan
Hutan dan Pelestarian Alam) at Labuan. The dense forest provides
a natural habitat for many species of rhinoceros, wild ox, deer,
wild boar, panthers, crocodiles, snakes and birds. Visitors are
only allowed to the buffer zone where rustic accommodation is available
on Peucang island where towers are erected to be able to observe
the animals undisturbed.
Marine life in the surrounding seas is a kaleidoscope of colours.
Beautiful sea gardens are found off Peucang and Panaitan islands
and the south coast just below Tanjung layar offer spectacular deep
diving for scuba enthusiasts, although at present no scuba facilities
in Ujung Kulon. On the western tip of the peninsula is a lighthouse
built by the Dutch which stands near the site of the ruins of old
one.
A stay of at least two days on the reserve is recommended where
food provisions should be taken along.
Pelabuhan Ratu Beach
Formerly just a plain fishing village it has now grown into a lovely
holiday resort, more and more visited by holiday makers from Jakarta
and Bandung, a mere three-hour drive from either city through cool
mountain villages with picturesque scenerie Gradually but surely
this area will catch up with the pace of development as is the case
with Carita on the extreme West coast of Java. Pelabuhan Ratu Cisolok
is a 15 km stretch of breathtaking beauty with hills, mountains
and very wide sandy beaches everywhere around you, set againts the
deep blue Indian Ocean.
Truly rare is the fact that thick tropical forests on rolling hills
are found right next to stretches of white beaches. Taking walks
uphilenables the visitor to look down on the horseshoe shape of
the bay's coastline, whereas at night hundreds of fishermen's boatlamps
are seemingly competing with the star-studded sky above, which is
both enchanting and romantic. There is one four-star hotel, the
Samudera beach, about 6 km from Pelabuhan Ratu, but several other
smaller hotels and cottages are available at moderate rates.
At this virgin stage, this area represents unspoiled beauty in a
typically tropical setting with hospitable inhabitants.
Because of its proximity to Jakarta this area is visited by more
tourists from the capital than those from Bandung. Moreover, the
highways to and from Pelabuhan Ratu have recently been greatly improved
to assure you of a smooth ride to enjoy the sceneries you pass even
better. Don't forget to enjoy the fresh seafood at reasonable prices.
Dua Island (Pulau Dua)
Dua Island is the name of a small nature preservation inhabited
by some 50 kinds of fisheating birds. These birds originated from
Africa, Asia and Australia and stay on this island to lay and batch
their eggs during April through August each year and fly back home
afterwards. It is located in the Banten bay and is accessible by
boat from Tanjung Priok sea harbour or from Marina, Ancol
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