A few locals recommended Anyer—“It’s close, it’s easy, and it’s where we go to
breathe,” one of them said.
So I packed a weekend bag, hopped in a car, and followed the coast west. Three hours later, I was
barefoot on warm sand, watching the sun melt into the Sunda
Strait.
And just like that, I understood why Anyer Beach has been a favorite for
generations.
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| img: exploresunda.com |
Where is Anyer
Beach, and How to Get There?
Anyer
Beach is located in Serang Regency, Banten Province, on
the western coast of Java. It’s one of the most accessible beaches from
Jakarta, making it perfect for spontaneous getaways.
From Jakarta:
· By Car:
Around 2.5–3.5 hours via the Tangerang–Merak toll road
· By Bus:
Buses run from Kalideres or Kampung Rambutan terminals to Merak/Anyer,
then local transport
· By Train:
To Serang
Station, then continue by car or ojek (motorbike taxi)
Location:
Along Jalan Raya Anyer–Carita
Entrance Fee:
IDR 10k–25k (depending on which beach segment or resort)
Opening
Hours: Open daily, 6 AM – 6 PM (some beach resorts 24h)
What to Expect
at Anyer Beach
Unlike Bali’s cliffs or Nusa Penida’s drama, Anyer is soft, familiar, and relaxed.
A beach you grow fond of, like an old song.
Here’s what I found:
· Long, flat stretches of
golden sand
· Gentle waves,
ideal for swimming or kids playing
· A view of Krakatoa,
if skies are clear
· Historic lighthouses and
ruins, whispering the area’s past
There’s a kind of local energy here. Families barbecuing. Kids building
castles. Street vendors selling grilled corn and es kelapa muda (iced coconut).
It felt more authentic
than touristy, and I loved that.
What to Do at
Anyer Beach
1. Beach Hop Along the Coastline
Anyer isn’t a single beach,
but a stretch of coastline dotted with beach segments like Marbella, Sambolo, Karang Bolong,
and Bandulu.
Each offers a slightly different vibe—some livelier, others quiet.
2. Swim, Sunbathe, or Just Stroll
The beach here is safe for
swimming, especially during dry season. I spent hours just walking along the
shore, chasing little waves and collecting shells.
3. Jet Ski or Banana Boat
For a little thrill, rent a banana boat or jet ski
from local operators. It’s affordable (IDR 50k–150k) and great fun, especially
with friends.
4. Visit Cikoneng Lighthouse
Built in 1885 to replace one destroyed by the Krakatoa eruption, this
colonial-era lighthouse offers a panoramic view of the coastline if
you dare climb to the top.
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| img: travel.okezone.com |
Best Time to
Visit
· May to October
(dry season) is perfect—sunny skies, calm seas, and cooler evenings
· Weekdays
are better for a peaceful experience, as weekends attract Jakarta day-trippers
· Sunset
here is golden and uninterrupted. Bring a camera or just be present.
Tip: If you're lucky, you’ll see Mount Krakatoa’s silhouette
against a fiery sky.
Where to Stay
Options range from simple to swanky:
· Marbella Hotel
– Grand, beachfront with pools and family vibes
· Sanghyang Indah Spa Resort
– Mid-range, relaxing, beachfront
· Guesthouses and homestays
– Affordable and more personal, often with direct beach access
Prices start around IDR 200k/night, with premium resorts up to IDR 1.500k.
Why Anyer Beach
Was Exactly What I Needed
Anyer doesn’t try to impress you with perfection. There are no curated
Instagram backdrops or designer boutiques. What it gives instead is realness—an easy breath,
a long shoreline, and space to just be.
I sipped coconut under a warung’s umbrella, feet buried in warm sand, no
agenda, no phone signal—and I realized: that’s the vacation I actually needed.
Sometimes the best places aren’t hidden or remote—they’re just quiet, familiar, and waiting for you.