Anyer

Anyer is the most famous beach area on Java's west coast, drawing visitors with its black-sand beaches and dramatic sunset views over the Sunda Strait. The town is easily reachable from Jakarta as a weekend escape or day trip, offering a more laid-back atmosphere than the capital. Its proximity to Krakatoa volcano makes Anyer the primary launch point for boat excursions to see the active Anak Krakatau volcano.

Anyer is a district of Serang Regency, about 30 km west of Serang city, with its resort stretch concentrated along the coastal road in Anyer Kidul (South Anyer) and Cinangka areas. Historically significant as a Dutch East Indies seaport and the western terminus of the Great Post Road, Anyer was completely destroyed by the 1883 Krakatoa eruption and tsunami. The cape was known as Java's Fourth Point during colonial times. Today the main seaport of the region is 25 km north in Merak, connected by ferry to Sumatra.

From Jakarta, the most common route is to travel to Merak (about 120 km), then take the silver angkot minivan south along the coast road to Anyer. The journey from Jakarta can take 2-4 hours depending on traffic conditions, particularly during holiday weekends when the highway can become congested. Public buses run from Jakarta's Kalideres bus terminal to Cilegon or Serang, from where local transport continues to Anyer.

The silver angkot (public minivan) runs along the coastal road connecting all beach resort areas from Anyer north through Anyer Kidul to Cinangka in the south, also continuing toward Carita Beach. Motorcycle taxis (ojek) are available for shorter trips or where angkot don't reach. Visitors often rent cars or motorbikes for flexibility, especially to explore the multiple beach areas spread along the coastline.

Anyer is popular year-round as a beach destination, though weekends and Indonesian public holidays see significantly higher domestic visitor volumes. Resorts typically double their rates on weekends, so midweek visits offer better value and easier walk-in availability. The dry season (April-October) generally provides better beach weather, though tropical rain showers can occur any time.

Resorts line the area between the highway and beach, especially concentrated immediately south of the Anyer Lighthouse. Options range from budget hotels like Kampoeng Poci (from Rp320,000 per night) to mid-range chains like Aston Anyer Beach Hotel (from Rp698,000) and upscale properties like Marbella Hotel Convention and Spa (from Rp1,500,000). For budget travelers seeking cheaper accommodation, nearby Carita (40 minutes south by angkot) offers more low-cost room options.

Beach stalls along the sand serve fresh coconut drink (kelapa) for Rp5,000 and emping crackers made from melinjo nuts — a slightly bitter but tasty local snack enhanced with salt. Rumah Makan Ikan Bakar Tanjung Pinang (also called Rumah makan 88 Sea Food) on Jl. Raya Karangbolong offers cheap local eats with fresh fish, seafood, and Indonesian classics like nasi goreng from Rp20,000-50,000. Pasar Anyer traditional market opens 04:00-17:00 for local produce and goods.

The main activity in Anyer is simply enjoying the beach and watching the spectacular sunset over the Sunda Strait. Boat trips to Krakatoa volcano can be arranged from the beach areas — visitors rent boats to see the active Anak Krakatau volcano emerging from the sea. Beach options include Marina Beach (Pantai Marina) in Karang Suraga, Cinangka; Sambolo Beach on Jl. Raya Anyer-Sirih; and Sirih Beach (Pantai Pasir Putih Sirih) in Kamasan. Ghost crabs can be spotted on the sands at night.

The Anyer Lighthouse on Jl. Raya Anyer-Sirih is the most significant historical landmark — the original lighthouse was destroyed in the 1883 Krakatoa tsunami, and the current structure was completed in 1885 with funding from the Dutch government of King William III. Behind the lighthouse, a monument marks the kilometre zero point of the Great Post Road, the 1,000 km road built by the Dutch in the 1800s connecting western and eastern Java.

Anyer marks the western terminus of the Great Post Road, which runs east through Java connecting major cities including Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya. To the south, the coastal road continues through Cinangka to Carita Beach and on to Ujung Kulon National Park, Java's westernmost tip and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Merak, 25 km north, is the departure point for ferries crossing to Sumatra.

Budget travelers can get by on Rp150,000-250,000 per day including dormitory or budget room (Rp100,000-200,000), street food meals (Rp20,000-40,000 per meal), and local transport. Weekday stays offer significant savings compared to weekend rates which can double. The Rp5,000 coconut drinks and beach stall snacks are excellent low-cost refreshments.