Pelabuhan Ratu
At the rear of a huge horseshoes - shaped bay, about 90 km south of Bogor, Pelabuhan Ratu is a popuar seaside retreat for Jakartans. The town itself is pretty humdrum - saved only by its long black sand beach and the colourfull outrigger fishing boats crowding the harbour. Most people come here for the fine surf beaches to the west
Legend has it that Pelabuhan Ratu ( Which translates as "Harbour of the Queen") actually witnessed the creation of Nyai Loro Kidul, the malevolent goddess who takes fisherman and swimmer off to her watery kingdom. Dont wear green on the beach or in the water (its her colour) and in the Hotel Indonesia Samudra a room is set aside for meditating mystics wishing to contact the Queen of the South Sea
Cimaja
Aside from its huge fish market, Pelabuhan Ratu won't jold your interest for long - it's best to head west once you've got your bearing. Cimaja, 8 km west Pelabuhan Ratu, has a pebble beach and some of the south coast's best waves at the Ombak Tujuh (Seven Waves) surf break. This is also the place to arrange diving, fishing or motorcycling trips.
Pantai Karang Hawu
Pantai Karang Hawu, 13 km west of Pelabuhan Ratu, is towering cliff with caves, rocks and pools created by a large lava flow. According to legend, it was from the rock of Karang Hawu that Nyai Loro Kidul Leapt into the mighty ocean to regain her lost beauty and never returned. Strais lead up to small kramat (shrine) at the top
Cipanas hot springs
About 2 km past Cisolok, are the Cipanas hot springs. Boiling water sprays into the river, and you can soak downstream where the hot and cold waters mingle. Its a very scenic area; you can walk a few kilometres upstream through the lush forest to a waterfall. Cipanas has changing sheds, warungs and crowds on the weekend.
Goa Lalay
Goa Lalay is a bat cave that's about 4 km southeast of Pelabuhan Ratu. It's of limited intesest except at sunset, when tousands of small bats flutters off into the night sky
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