Why you should visit Sawarna in Banten

Leave a comment

By Ayu Wulandari, Contributor, Banten | Mar 10, 2015

Thanks to its picture-perfect setting that captures the sunrise and sunset, Sawarna in Bayah district, Lebak regency, Banten province, is a quite popular destination for photography enthusiasts.

Sawarna Beach, Banten, West Java

Tanjung Layar, Karangbereum and Legon Pari are some of the must-visit spots in the area, especially when the tide is low.

But there is more than meets the eye with this particular destination.

Home to ancient rock formations more than 20 million years old, also known as the Cimapag Formation, Sawarna offers an amazing natural laboratory for earth scientists. It is where they go to learn about slump structure or rows of intra-formational folding rocks.

An old breccia stone wall along Tanjung Layar’s terrace, a sandstone tower caused by the Indian Ocean’s wave abrasion and a criss-crossed sandstone and breccia wall filled with calcite and quartz along the coast between Tanjung Layar and Karangbereum, are just some of the natural highlights marveled by scientists at this place.

Sawarna is also a great destination to observe fascinating sea creatures such as sea algae (Echinoidea; also known as bulu babi), sea urchin, brittle stars (Ophiuroids; related to starfish) and a small crab that has a unique camouflage ability.

Where to stay

There are several homestays available around Sawarna village with starting rate of Rp 100,000 (US$7.65) per room per night. Pick the one near the beach to truly enjoy West Java’s southern sea atmosphere and the calming breeze of the Indian Ocean.

How to get there

Direct public transportation to Sawarna is quite rare. A more practical option is to rent a vehicle from your departure city (Jakarta or Bandung, for example). The journey will take around six to eight hours.

From Jakarta, the recommended route to reach Sawarna village is Serang – Pandeglang – Malingping – Bayah or Bogor – Ciawi – Pelabuhan Ratu – Cisolok – Bayah.

From Bandung, the recommended route is Cianjur – Sukabumi – Pelabuhan Ratu – Cisolok – Bayah.

 

Media: The Jakarta Post Travel