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Llamalicious · Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 5:49 am Post subject: Post-tsunami Pangandaran

I went to Pangandaran, a nice little resort town on the south coast of Java, a few years ago and really liked it. However, since then it has been hit by a "mini-tsunami" (I use this made-up term not to devalue the suffering caused, but rather to distinguish it from the massive tsunami that wiped out Aceh, amongst other places).

Has anyone been there recently? How extensive was the damage? What sort of condition is it in now? I have a week's holiday booked and was thinking of popping down.

guruengerish · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Posts: 424 Location: Australia

I asked the same question a few months ago, but nary a reply.

In particular, I wanted to know what had happened to my favourite surfing spot, at the far end of Pangandaran Bay, which is Batu Keras.

Any news anyone???

pauleslteacher1 · Joined: 17 Mar 2007 Posts: 108 Location: Indonesia

A good friend of mine was there about 3 weeks ago and said it was pretty much back to normal. I've been there once and would certainily like to go back! Cheers...Paul

Llamalicious · Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 8:17 am Post subject:

@pauleslteacher1

Cheers for the info.

Any hotel recommendations? I stayed in a nice place near the centre of town last time. It was a group of mini chalets round a central swimming pool and was owned by a German lady and her local husband. I forget the name, though.

I've also had Laguna Beach Bungalows recommended to me (a few km out of the town centre, gorgeous setting apparently).

pauleslteacher1 · Joined: 17 Mar 2007 Posts: 108 Location: Indonesia

Apparently the German place is still open but no info about the Laguna Place....

Cheers.... Paul

pauleslteacher1 · Joined: 17 Mar 2007 Posts: 108 Location: Indonesia

Check out today's Jakarta Post - July 18, for an article on Pangandaran...

pPamela · Joined: 11 Dec 2004 Posts: 7 Location: Sydney. Australia

Can't find the article on Jakarta Post? Yesterday was 12 months ago since the earthquake and tsunami.
Pamela.

pauleslteacher1 · Joined: 17 Mar 2007 Posts: 108 Location: Indonesia

Sorry.... check the online Jakarta Post at .... www.thejakartapost.com

guruengerish · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Posts: 424 Location: Australia

Couldn't locate that story on the July 18th back issues on the internet.

Llamalicious · Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 3:24 pm Post subject:

Here it is - http://www.thejakartapost.com/yesterdaydetail.asp?fileid=20070717.B08

I'm heading down there this weekend, so I'll post my findings next Tuesday.

guruengerish · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Posts: 424 Location: Australia

Thanks for that article.

Isn't it so disgusting, that officials rip of the poor village people, who are trying to re-build their lives? Situation normal. Crying or Very sad

Seems that the area I was interested in (Cijulan - Batu Karas) was also hit but no information specifically on this.

Llamalicious · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 5:38 am Post subject:

Our Man in Pangandaran Reports:

I took my new (used) car down. Took me 7 hours with three rest breaks. The roads are very clear once you get out of Jakarta. A few terrifying moments (trucks seem to enjoy overtaking on blind corners and hills) but I arrived unscathed. Also, my overtaking on the left has improved Twisted Evil

We stayed at "the German place," aka Adam's Homestay (tel: 0265 639164). Rp. 125,000 per night for a twin room. A bit pricier than much of the competition, but it does have a pool and a nice garden. Their food has gone downhill a bit though.

About the tsunami damage, I wouldn't say that the town is entirely back to normal. You can still see ruined houses or just sets of foundations, especially towards the east. However, the main strip has been rebuilt and my friend who hadn't been there before said you couldn't tell anything'd happened. That said, there are fewer cafes/restaurants/bars than there were before. I guess that not all have had enough money to start over. Also the town feels quieter. I was there over Idul Fitri last time, so it's not really a fair comparison, but I was told that the local tourists have been slow to return, citing fears of another tsunami.

I normally like blundering about myself, but I thought I'd hire a guide this time. Sutar and Rashid took good care of us as we hit the tourist trail to Green Canyon. Ask around for them if you feel like it. Sorry, guruengrish, but we didn't make it to Batu Karas.

So, I'd recommend Pangandaran if you've got more than a weekend to spend. It's laid back, the surrounding area is beautiful, the seafood excellent and you get to funnel some cash to an area that's been good to us but so cruel to the residents. Give it a whirl.