Cilacap: Discover the Coast, Nature and Culture

Cilacap combines coastal experiences with nature, culture and its own culinary tradition. At Pantai Teluk Penyu, the relatively small waves are considered suitable for swimming. From there, excursion boats take visitors to the island of Nusakambangan; Pantai Pasir Putih Nusakambangan can be reached by boat in about 15 minutes. White sand, coral formations and dense green forest define this beach.

Beaches and activities on the water

The coast offers a variety of ideas for a day out. Pantai Ketapang Indah has a wide, gently sloping stretch of beach that is suitable for playing in the sand and wading. Pantai Karang Pakis in Desa Karangpakis, Kecamatan Nusawungu, also has a wide, gently sloping beach. Pantai Sodong, also known as Pantai Selok, lies behind the Srandil Mountains in Desa Karang Benda, Kecamatan Adipala. Cliffs and tall cypress trees surround the beach; the area is also home to Konservasi Penyu Nagaraja, where visitors can see turtles.

Those interested in waves and surfing will find large waves and surf equipment rentals at Pantai Widarapayung. The beach can be reached by public bus on the Cilacap–Gombong route or by private vehicle via the southern cross-island road. The access road to Pantai Widara Payung is suitable for two- and four-wheeled vehicles. At Pantai Teluk Penyu, a fish market, seafood dishes and shell souvenirs add to the beach experience.

Mangroves, forest and outdoor activities

Hutan Payau is located about 4 kilometres from the centre of Cilacap in Desa Tritih Kulon, Kecamatan Cilacap Utara. The access road is paved, lies close to a main road and is signposted. Mangrove vegetation provides a habitat for mudskippers, fiddler crabs, pistol shrimp and various bird species. This makes Hutan Payau a different nature experience from the open beaches.

At Curug Mandala, the path from the car park runs for about 500 metres along a route with uphill and downhill sections and steps. A pool forms below the watercourse, where visitors can swim when the water is clear. The surrounding forest is used by mountain bikers and trail bikers. Kemit Forest, meanwhile, sits at an elevated spot among dense pine trees; from there, you can see the landscape of Kecamatan Sidareja from above. Activities there include an aerial bicycle, paragliding, a skybridge and a treehouse, as well as other activities for children and adults. Waduk Kubangkangkung has play facilities for children and several photo spots.

History, tradition and local cuisine

Benteng Pendem was built in several phases between 1861 and 1879 across an area of 6.5 hectares. The complex has been managed again since 1986 and has been a tourist destination ever since. The Soesilo Soedarman Museum in Desa Gentasari preserves the personal collection of General Soesilo Soedarman. Items on display include military equipment, a maritime patrol aircraft, the family gamelan and shadow-puppet figures dating from around the 18th century.

Local crafts also tell the story of the region: Batik Hendy offers designs such as Parang Wijaya Kusuma, Kawung Cilacap and Pesisir Teluk Penyu. Batik Subama in Desa Bajing, Kecamatan Kroya, makes batik with designs such as mangroves, marine life and the island of Nusakambangan. Local cuisine includes Brekecek Pathak Jahan, a signature spicy dish made with Jahan fish, and Gembus, a doughnut-shaped cassava dish. Seafood is available at Pantai Jetis; at the TPI Congot fish auction centre, visitors can buy the catch directly from the sea.

Choose the focus that suits you

When choosing a holiday rental in Cilacap, your planned discoveries can help you decide: the beach and boating, mangroves and wildlife, cultural history, or active experiences in the forest each offer a different focus. If you would first like to explore the city area, you can also find Cilacap here.

More destinations: Semarang, Sragen, Blora, Boyolali, Brebes, Banyumas and Kendal.

For the overview of the wider region: Central Java.