Palabuhanratu, district in Sukabumi Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia
Pelabuhan Ratu is the main administrative city of Sukabumi district, located on Java's southern coast and serving as the region's government center. The town spans ten administrative areas and features wide sandy beaches, rocky sections, and forested hills inland, where fishing boats are moored daily along the shore.
The town was founded in 1960 as the district's administrative center, and its city hall relocated several times before moving to a new building in 2022. The name originates from precolonial times and connects to a princess from an ancient kingdom whose story shapes the place's cultural identity.
Pelabuhan Ratu takes its name from a princess from an ancient kingdom, remembered in local stories for her courage and protection. The relationship between residents and the sea shapes their daily life, from fishing activities to handcrafted goods made from natural materials that visitors can see sold throughout the area.
The town is reachable by car from Sukabumi, about 60 kilometers away, and the best time to visit is the dry season from June to September when weather is more stable. Local markets, simple lodgings, and larger hotels are available, while volunteers work at beaches like Batu Bintang and Katapang Condong to manage parking and keep the areas clean for visitors.
The area is part of the UNESCO-recognized Ciletuh Pelabuhan Ratu Geopark, which includes distinctive geological formations and protected natural landscapes. Local traditions speak of mysterious locations along the coast that locals believe possess mystical powers, and many visitors report unusual experiences when exploring these spots.
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