I had never heard of Batu Hiu Beach before I arrived in Indonesia. It wasn’t in the glossy travel brochures or the top 10 beach lists—but maybe that’s exactly why it felt like a true discovery.
Nestled on the southern coast of
West Java, near the quiet town of Pangandaran, this beach holds a unique charm.
Its name, Batu Hiu, translates to Shark Rock, thanks to a jagged
cliff that juts out into the ocean, shaped eerily like a shark’s fin. And
yes—it’s just as dramatic as it sounds.
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| img: travel.kompas.com |
Getting to Batu Hiu
After spending a few relaxed days in
Pangandaran, I heard about this beach from a local guesthouse owner. Curious, I
rented a scooter and followed a winding road about 30 minutes south. The ride
itself was beautiful—rolling green fields, friendly faces, and the scent of sea
breeze growing stronger with every turn.
Once I arrived, the entrance fee was
around IDR 10k (less than a dollar), which felt symbolic more than
anything. The parking area was quiet, with just a few vendors selling fresh
coconuts and fried snacks.
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| img: travel.kompas.com |
First
Impressions
The path to the viewpoint led me up
a gentle hill, shaded by pandan trees and lined with stone steps. As I reached
the top, the ocean came into view—and wow.
The waves below crashed against
black volcanic rocks, sending sprays into the air. And just off the shore,
there it was: the famous shark rock. From the angle of the cliff, it really did
look like a fin cutting through the sea.
There was something raw and untamed
about the whole scene. Unlike the polished beaches of Bali or Lombok, Batu Hiu
felt completely wild—like a secret that nature hadn’t given up yet.
A
Quiet Conservation Story
To my surprise, just a short walk
from the viewpoint was a small turtle conservation site. A kind older
man welcomed me in and explained (with a little help from Google Translate)
that they rescue turtle eggs from surrounding beaches and protect the
hatchlings until they’re strong enough to return to the ocean.
It was humbling. No flashy signs, no
entrance fee—just locals quietly doing their part to care for their coastline.
🧺
Picnics and Peace
I spent nearly two hours just
sitting on the hill, watching the sea. There’s a small grassy area perfect for
a picnic, and a few shaded spots to escape the sun. I had brought a bottle of
water and some tempeh crackers from a roadside stall earlier—nothing fancy, but
it felt perfect.
Swimming isn’t allowed due to strong
currents, but honestly, I didn’t miss it. This beach isn’t about diving into
the waves—it’s about pausing and watching, feeling the wind and the salt in the
air.
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| img: id.alongwalker.co |
Useful
Info
- Open daily:
06.00 AM – 06.00 PM
- Entrance fee:
IDR 10k (locals) / IDR 15k (foreigners)
- Location:
Ciliang Village, Parigi District, Pangandaran Regency, West Java
- How to get there:
Rent a scooter from Pangandaran or hire a local guide/driver
Best
Time to Visit
I visited in June, during
Indonesia’s dry season. The skies were clear, the wind refreshing. Try to avoid
the rainy months (November–March) when the trails can get muddy and the sea
becomes rougher.
While
You’re in the Area
If you’re already in Pangandaran, it’s
worth exploring:
- Green Canyon (Cukang Taneuh) – a magical river adventure through mossy caves
- Pantai Batu Karas
– relaxed, surfer-friendly vibes
- Pangandaran Beach
– busier, but great for sunsets and seafood
If you’re the kind of traveler who
likes stumbling upon places not yet spoiled by crowds, Batu Hiu might
just be your kind of beach. It’s not flashy, and it’s definitely not famous—but
it stayed with me long after I left.