Beach Hopping Along Garut’s South Coast

Since the colonial era, Garut has been recognized as the Swiss van Java. Charlie Chaplin, a world-renowned actor-composer, reputedly pinned the nickname due to the beauty of the Garut highlands, which was a resemblance to Switzerland's majestic landscape. But make no mistake, Garut’s tourism potential isn’t limited to their highlands and cold areas. Head to southern Garut and prepare to be mesmerized by the beautiful beaches that will captivate you.

Garut’s coastline stretches 65 kilometers from Sancang Beach to Ranca Buaya Beach. There are dozens of beaches that you can visit along the coast, namely Cijeruk Beach, Karang Paranje, Santolo, Sayang Heulang, Manalu, Cicalobak, and several other smaller beaches.

If you’re strapped for time, forcing yourself to visit all beaches wouldn’t be necessary. A visit to two or three beaches would be enough. The following list is our recommendation for beaches you can see along Garut’s south coast.

Three recommended beaches in south Garut
 

1. Santolo Beach, South Garut’s Beach Prima Donna

Out of all the beaches in south Garut, Santolo seems to be the central and most famous beach. One reason for its fame would probably be its location not far from the main road. The expanse of sandy beach and the typical south sea waves will welcome anyone who comes. Don’t forget to stop by the remains of Santolo pier, which in the past was famous as Cilauteureun. Here, seawater stops and meets freshwater flowing from the estuary.

The facilities at Santolo Beach are also arguably more complete than other beaches along the south of Garut. You will have no trouble finding lodging, restaurants, and souvenir shops in this area.

2. Manalusu Park Beach

Less than 30 minutes drive, about 13 km west of Santolo Beach, you will arrive at Manalusu Park Beach. Not just the beautiful beach, Manalusu Park is also famous for its beautiful waters. You can find a variety of stunning marine life at certain depths, and even some kinds of ornamental fish can be seen swimming cheerfully in shallow waters. If you’re short on time, don’t worry. Playing on the beach is satisfying enough.

3. Feast on South Garut’s Seafood Cuisine at Rancabuaya Beach

Despite its name that involves a crocodile, you won’t find a single crocodile on Rancabuaya Beach. On this beach, though, apart from the waves, you will definitely find rows of food stalls selling seafood cuisine. The stalls are located not far from the fishing village, so you will have no trouble getting fresh seafood.

Rancabuaya Beach is located at the western end of Garut Regency and can be accessed via Pameungpeuk and the South Bandung route. If you start from downtown Garut, head to Pameungpeuk and then along the coast of the southern Garut coastline. If you want an off-the-beaten-path route, then take the South Bandung route and head to Cidaun. The roads are rocky, off the beaten path indeed.

It takes about 3-4 hours to get to the south coast from downtown Garut and reaching this area is truly a test of endurance and driving skill. At some point, you will find narrow, winding, filled with ups and downs and bumpy roads. So, maybe you want to opt to rent a car from a reliable car rental service like TRAC and avoid all the hassles.

Besides car rental services, TRAC also provides bus rental and travel packages. TRAC’s bus is convenient, especially when traveling in large groups, like with friends or family. You can choose the bus capacity according to the number of people joining the trip.

Book a car or bus from TRAC via the TRACtoGo application, which you can download from the Google Playstore and Apple App Store. Reach out to TRAC Customer Assistance Center at 1500009 for more information or email rco.nasional@trac.astra.co.id. Just communicate your needs, and TRAC will always be ready at your service