Pelabuhan Ratu

Pelabuhan Ratu or Palabuhan Ratu (Sundanese for: Harbor of Queen) is a subdistrict which serves as the administrative capital and regency seat of Sukabumi Regency. Located at the southwest coast of West Java facing Indian Ocean. It is four hours drive from Bandung and up to 12 hours drive from Indonesia's capital Jakarta due to traffic jam in Ciawi, Cicurug, Cibadak and Pelabuhan Ratu gate, whose residents love to visit the bay Teluk Palabuhanratu, once named Wijnkoopsbaai by the Dutch. The bay is shaped like a large horseshoe and has enormous waves that can be very treacherous. The Sundanese locals tell that the Indian Ocean is the home of Nyai Loro Kidul who reigns along the southern-coast of all Java.

The Pelabuhan Ratu white sands beach is also a popular vacation destination for local visitors from Sukabumi, Bogor, Bandung and Jakarta. However, because of high rolling waves, some spots on the beach are considered too dangerous for swimming. Together with Pangandaran, the beach are the popular beach in West Java both facing south towards Indian Ocean. Several hotels, restaurants, resorts, and tourism facilities were built in the vicinity. Among the oldest is The Samudra Beach Hotel, established in 1966 commissioned by then Indonesian president Sukarno. The hotel keeps room 308 furnished with green colours & reserved for Nyai Loro Kidul. Sukarno was involved with the exact location and the idea for the Samudra Beach Hotel. The painting of Nyai Rara Kidul by Basuki Abdullah, a famous Indonesian painter, is displayed in this room.

Palabuhanratu has become a popular location for surfers in recent years, with its Indian Ocean location providing good waves for surfing. Several spots that are popular with for surfers are Cimaja Beach, Sunset Beach, Karang Sari Beach and Karang Aji Beach.

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