Banten

1. Back to Basic in Baduy
Imagine a peaceful place, surrounded by verdant atmosphere. Sound of nature the rustle of the wind amidst the bamboo leaves, the chirping of the birds, the faint rush of the river. Baduy village, located in the hills of Kendeng mountain, about 75 kilometers southward from Rangkasbitung, West Java, is the perfect place to people who want to taste a bit of serenity seldom found in big cities. Those with a taste of adventure might find trekking to Baduy village both interesting and stimulating. You'll be able to explore the lush forest and natural sceneries (for Baduy people never disrupt the nature). You?re welcome to take pictures as long as you haven't entered Baduy Dalam (Inner Baduy) area. People in Outer Baduy are more tolerant with signs of technology. Traditional Baduy homes, Baduy women weaving cloth, Baduy people's activities (it's surprising to know that there are so many things to do without electricity!). Take pictures if you must in Outer Baduy Village, but never in Inner Baduy. You can stay at traditional homes in Baduy, in Cicakal Village. The houses are built of woven bamboos with ijuk leaves. These houses might last for up to 25 years (in one condition: the roof should be changed once per 5 years). Baduy people don't believe in technology, so don't expect electrical goods here.
2. The Amazing Umang Island Resorts
Umang Island, situated in Banten province, is a small island perfect for your tropical getaway. Especially when you've done some business in Jakarta, since Umang Island is only 4,5 hours away from the bustling city. The five-hectare private island is maintained by a single management, Umang Island Resort and Spa, which offers the same comfort as a star-rated hotel with relaxing ambiance. The location is also very strategic for nature trekkers as it's near the UNESCO heritage site Ujung Kulon National Park. Umang Island is also well-protected from the West Java sea storms as there's Tanjung Lesung beach to the north and Panaitan Island to the west. So whenever you feel like lazying around a white sandy beach overlooking the crystal sea water, you should try Umang Island, where the beauty of nature may give you peace and tranquility. The island is reachable via a five-minute speedboat ride from the shores of Sumur, Pandeglang, which is about four hours away by car from the bustling city of Jakarta. You can even bring your own car because the resort provides a free 24-hour secure parking lot in Sumur, plus an accomodation for your driver. To get to Sumur from Jakarta, you can choose one of the two options below:
Route 1 (via Pandeglang) 183 Km : Jakarta – Tol Kebun Jeruk- Merak – Exit Serang Timur (Km 71) – Pandeglang – Labuan – Tarogong – Citeureup – Cigeulis – Cibaliung – Cimanggu – SUMUR
Route 2 (via Anyer) 215 Km : Jakarta - Tol Kebun Jeruk – Merak – Exit Cilegon barat – Anyer – Carita – Labuan – Tarogong – Citeureup – Cigeulis – Cibaliung – Cimanggu – SUMUR
3. Ujung Kulon National Park: The Last Sanctuary of The Javan Rhinos
The last sanctuary of the Javan rhinoceros, the Ujung Kulon National Park is the triangular peninsula situated at the south western-most tip of Java. Ujung Kulon is Indonesia’s first and prime National Park, which was designated as a nature reserve since 1921. This is the largest remaining lowland tropical rainforest ecosystem in West Java. And, together with the awesome Krakatau volcano the 137,000 hectares Park was declared Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Ujung Kulon is the habitat of the rhino (badak) of which only 60 survive today. Seeing one of these animals is very rare since they are shy and are traceable only at night. Here also roam free some endangered animals like leopard cats, gibbons, long-tailed macaques, leaf-monkeys, crocodiles, muntjaks, mousedeer and herds of grazing wild oxen. In the Park’s surrounding seas are found the great clam, clown fish, angel fish, parrot fish, mudskippers which can climb trees, and archer fish, which spit water up to a height of more than two meters to catch insects. The Ujung Kulon Park is also rich in plant life. It has 700 species of plants with some 57 categorized as endangered species, including various species of orchids. Visitors to the Park may enjoy fast flowing rivers, waterfalls, white sandy beaches, thermal springs, and beautiful sea gardens. Best site to observe animals is at Handeuleum Island. From here one can further explore rivers and mangrove forests. While Peucang Island is ideal for snorkeling, diving and fishing with its clear blue water, white beaches and coral reefs.

(references: www.indonesia.travel and www.my-indonesia.info)