Rumour has it, that the best beach in Java island and the closest to Jakarta is Tanjung Lesung. It is an area of 1500 ha, located at the western tip of the island, in Banten Province, about 3-hour drive from Jakarta.

Tanjung Lesung is known as a much quieter “cousin” to other Banten’s popular beaches, like Anyer and Carita. Anyer and Carita beaches are common weekend getaways from the jam-packed Jakarta, while Tanjung Lesung exudes aura of a classier holiday spot; thanks to its stunning clear blue shore, white sands, and rich unspoiled underwater life, accompanied by four-star lush resorts along the beachline.


Each resorts occupy certain areas of the beach and making them “private beaches”. However, the provincial government of Banten has also set up a Beach Club for public, with IDR 7,500 entrance fee for visitors who are not staying at one of the resorts. The Beach Club provides beachside restaurant, and watersport packages, even bicycles for mountain biking. It might be true that spending a weekend in Tanjung Lesung might cost you more than in Anyer or Carita. However, if you have a tight budget and a loose attitude for adventure, maybe you should try renting a cottage or a room at locals’ houses. Surely it would be cheaper than staying at those luxurious hotels and resorts. Just look for houses surrounding the area with “Welcome” sign; room rates would be around IDR 200,000 per night.

Things to do in Tanjung Lesung:

• Scuba diving

The eruption of Krakatau in 1883 had resulted in the presence of underwater volcanic rocks that resemble ancient ruins.

• Water sports

Snorkeling, canoeing, sea kayaking, pedal boating, jetskiing, banana boat riding.

• Mountain biking

Guest can bring their bikes or simply rent one from the Beach Club.

• Sunset boat ride

The best way to enjoy the most breathtaking sunset view is by taking a romantic boat ride on a classy sailboat.

• Bird watching

Exotic migrating birds from other continents as far as Africa would flock the nearby Pulau Dua Bird Sanctuary from March to July every year.

• Excursion to Anak Krakatau

Anak Krakatau

The tours to the Krakatau Islands Nature Reserve usually start early in the morning and consist of a relatively light trekking, a boat ride to a number of islands, and some snorkeling time.

• Ujung Kulon Boat Excursion

Ujung Kulon National Park, classified as one of Indonesia’s World Heritage Sites, is one of the most pristine and untouched natural reserve of 120,000 hectares, home to the last remaining 60 of one-horned white Javan rhinoceros.

• Visiting Baduy community

Just a couple hours away lies the village of Baduy community, an enigma in this fast-changing world, dubbed as the “Amish of Indonesia”.

• Souvenirs

Local villages produce wooden sculptures of one-horned rhinoceros as souvenirs.

• Golf Driving Range
• Spa

There are two alternative routes on how to get to Tanjung Lesung.
Alternative 1:
- Take the Jakarta-Merak toll road, exit at Serang Timur.
- Follow signage to Pandeglang, then to Labuan.
- Take a left turn on Labuan, follow signage of Tanjung Lesung Beach Resorts.

Alternative 2:
- Take the Jakarta-Merak toll road, exit at Cilegon Barat.
- Follow signage to Anyer-Carita, then to Labuan.
- Take a right turn on Labuan, follow signage of Tanjung Lesung Beach Resorts.

A journey to Tanjung Lesung with public transportation is also feasible, with travel time around 6 hours.
Alternative 1 : Take a bus from Jakarta to Serang (around IDR 50,000). Once arrived at Pakupatan Terminal in Serang, board a DAMRI bus to Tanjung Lesung. Or you could also get on minibus angkot which coded “PS” to get to Tanjung Lesung.
Alternative 2 : Take a bus from Jakarta to Pasar Citeureup. Once arrived at Pasar Citeureup, it is pretty much close to Tanjung Lesung, around 8 km. You can get an ojek or rent an angkot to get there. The fare for renting an angkot is around IDR 60,000.

Your choices of hotels near Tanjung Lesung beach:

1. Tanjung Lesung Beach Hotel (formerly "Tanjung Lesung Bay Villas Hotel & Resort") : 61 luxurious cottages with the choice of 1, 2, or 4 bedrooms in each cottage, all of which are a combination of modern and traditional design, the perfect vacation in absolute privacy.
   Room rates start from USD 86. Reserve a room HERE.
   
2. Kalicaa Villa Tanjung Lesung : 15 bedrooms, all tastefully furnished to provide comforts such as seating area, mini bar, desk, private pool, satellite/cable TV. Recreational facilities including kids club, tennis courts, water sports (motorized), golf course (on site).
   Room rates start from USD 250. Reserve a room HERE.
   
3. Blue Whale Sanctuary Hotel : an exclusive villa of 6 bedrooms with direct view to the beach and Mt. Anak Krakatau. Facilities: private pool, 2 suite rooms, 4 deluxe rooms, water heater, kitchen, pantry on each floor, living room, cable TV. 
   Room rates start from USD 261. Reserve a room HERE.
   

One common tip from previous visitors is to check with the hotels whether or not there would be group or company outing events at the hotel during your planned stay, before making any reservations.