Pelabuhan Ratu Beach, Sukabumi offers exotic natural scenery, world-class surfing spots, traditional rituals, and the mysterious myth of Nyi Roro Kidul.
Pelabuhan Ratu Beach in Sukabumi, West Java, is one of the marine tourism destinations that captivates many tourists. Located on the coast of the Indian Ocean, this beach offers an exotic sea panorama with inviting waves.
The cool atmosphere that envelops this beach makes it a favorite place for those who want to relax while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Apart from its natural charm, Pelabuhan Ratu Beach is also famous for its mystical stories involving Nyi Roro Kidul, the ruler of the southern sea who is believed to have supernatural powers. This story adds to the appeal of the beach, making it a tourist spot steeped in mystery and history.
The Myth of Nyi Roro Kidul: Ruler of the South Sea
One of the stories that surrounds Pelabuhan Ratu Beach is the myth about Nyi Roro Kidul, the ruler of the southern sea. This legend has long lived among the local people and is believed to this day.
According to the story, Nyi Roro Kidul has magical powers that can pull anyone wearing green clothes into the sea.
Many visitors are careful not to wear green clothes while on this beach, although some others consider it a mere myth. Among the Beaches in Sukabumi, this story adds a distinctive mystical feel to the beach.
The Charm & Beauty of Pelabuhan Ratu Beach
Pelabuhan Ratu Beach offers a variety of interesting activities that make every visit a memorable experience. Here are some of the main attractions that you can enjoy when visiting this beach:
1. Sea Festival Ritual
This beach is a living witness to the Sea Festival Ritual, an annual tradition carried out by the local community as a form of gratitude for the abundant sea catch. In this ritual, buffalo heads and offerings are paraded out to sea as offerings.
This tradition attracts the attention of tourists who want to witness local culture directly. This ritual reflects the gratitude of the local community while preserving local cultural wisdom.
2. Surfing on Big Waves
Pelabuhan Ratu Beach is one of the most popular surfing destinations in Indonesia. The waves on this beach are known to be high and challenging, especially in the Cimaja area, which is a favorite for professional surfers.
With waves that can reach heights of up to 4 meters, this place is often used as a world-class surfing arena. For beginner surfers, it is recommended to hire the services of a professional instructor available around the beach for safety.
3. The Beauty of Sunrise and Sunset
Pelabuhan Ratu Beach is also known as an ideal location to enjoy sunrise and sunset. The sunrise and sunset views at this beach offer an extraordinary visual experience.
The beauty of the sky changing colors and the view of the vast ocean provide a peaceful moment that is hard to forget. Many tourists capture this moment as a souvenir.
4. Fresh Fish Auction
Not only enjoying the beach view, visitors can also visit the Fish Auction Place (TPI). Here, tourists can buy fresh fish caught by local fishermen.
Starting from shrimp, squid, to pomfret fish are available at affordable prices. If you want to get fresh fish, come in the morning when the fishermen have just landed their catch.
Location and Route to Pelabuhan Ratu Beach
Pelabuhan Ratu Beach is located in Citepus, Sukabumi Regency, West Java, about 60 km south of Sukabumi city center. To get to this beach, you can use private vehicles or public transportation.
If you depart from Jakarta, you can take the Jagorawi toll road towards Ciawi, then continue your journey via Cicurug and Parungkuda.
This route takes about 3-4 hours of travel. For those using public transportation, buses to Bogor or Sukabumi are available with direct routes to the Pelabuhan Ratu terminal, which can then be continued by public transportation to the beach.
Operating Hours and Entry Fees
Pelabuhan Ratu Beach is open 24 hours a day, giving tourists the flexibility to visit at any time. To enter the beach area, tourists only need to pay an entrance ticket of IDR 15,000 per person. Parking fee for cars is Rp. 25,000. For visitors who want to try activities such as surfing, equipment rental is available at an additional cost.
Facilities at Pelabuhan Ratu Beach
This beach provides various adequate facilities for the comfort of visitors. Some of the facilities available include:
- Pondok Dewata Resort: Luxurious accommodation near the beach that offers extra comfort for tourists.
- Other accommodation alternatives with a variety of price and facility options.
- fresh seafood and delicious local food.
- Souvenir Shop: The ideal place to buy typical Sukabumi souvenirs.
- Parking Area: Spacious parking for two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles.
- Prayer Room and Toilet: Clean prayer and toilet facilities for visitor comfort.
Pelabuhan Ratu Beach in Sukabumi not only offers stunning natural beauty, but also a unique cultural and mystical experience. With challenging waves for surfing, rich cultural rituals, and the legendary story of Nyi Roro Kidul, this beach has extraordinary appeal.
Among the Beaches in Jepara, if you are looking for a tourist destination that offers a combination of adventure, beauty, and mystical stories, Pelabuhan Ratu Beach is the perfect choice.
