Pangandaran

Pangandaran is a coastal stretch in the town of the same name on Java, divided into two sections: a calmer western part and an eastern section with waves. The sand runs along the bay and meets rocky outcrops at both ends that frame the shore.

The settlement began as a fishing village and remained largely isolated until the second half of the 20th century. The construction of roads and basic lodgings in the 1970s opened the area to travelers from other parts of Java.

Fishermen sell their morning catch directly on the sand and prepare regional dishes in view of visitors. The way they lay out and repair their nets follows techniques passed down through generations.

The water on the west side is usually calm in the morning, while the east side has more waves in the afternoon. Access is via several unpaved paths from the town center, which are easy to walk.

The adjacent Pananjung Nature Reserve forms a green peninsula jutting into the sea and shelters animals such as monkeys and wild boar. Walking trails lead through the forest to viewpoints from which both coastal sections are visible.