Santolo Beach in Garut offers stunning natural charm with white sand, beautiful waves, and various exciting activities such as boating, playing banana boat, and enjoying seafood cuisine.
Santolo Beach is one of the famous natural tourist destinations in Garut, West Java, which is known for its pristine natural beauty.
This beach, formerly known as Cilauteureun Beach, offers spectacular views that combine fine white sand, beautiful waves, and clusters of small islands around the beach.
Santolo Beach has a rich history, from the origin of its unique name to its story related to Dutch colonialism. Now, Santolo Beach is one of the main tourist destinations in the southern Garut area, with various attractions that make it worth a visit.
Knowing the History of Santolo Beach
The name Santolo Beach comes from the original name “Cilauteureun,” which is a combination of the words “ci” (water), “laut” (sea), and “eureun” (stop), which when combined means “stopped sea water.”
This name refers to a natural phenomenon where the sea water on this beach stops for a moment before finally flowing back towards the estuary.
The historical legend is also related to the journey of Walangsungsang, Jaya Sagara, and Larasatang, who stopped to rest on this beach, where they witnessed the sea water seemingly stopping before finally flowing again.
Over time, the pronunciation of “Cilauteureun” became difficult for the Dutch who ruled this area at that time. In 1913, a Dutch citizen named Koopman changed this name to “Zantolo” Beach, which is now known as Santolo Beach.
Since 1850, this beach has been used as a dock to transport spices and rubber to ships anchored in the middle of the sea. The remains of Dutch buildings that still exist today are evidence of the long history of this place.
The Attraction of Santolo Beach
Santolo Beach has many attractions that make it a prime choice for tourists who want to enjoy the beauty of nature and vacation with various exciting activities. Here are some of the main attractions offered by Santolo Beach:
1. White Sand and Beautiful Waves
Santolo Beach is famous for its soft and clean white sand, creating a very comfortable atmosphere for relaxing. The white sand creates a beautiful contrast with the clear, blue-green sea water.
In addition, the waves at Santolo Beach are very enchanting and suitable for water activities, such as going around using a fishing boat. You can enjoy the view of the small islands around the beach while feeling the sensation of the gentle waves.
2. Stunning Sunset
For sunset lovers, Santolo Beach is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset. The sight of the sky turning orange, red and purple as the sun sets creates a very romantic and calming atmosphere.
The reflection of sunlight on the surface of the sea water further beautifies this view, making it an unforgettable moment for every visitor.
3. Instagrammable Photo Spots with Natural Nuances
Santolo Beach has many Instagrammable photo spots with stunning natural backgrounds. When the sun sets, you can take photos with colorful sky views, or pose near the large rocks around the beach.
In addition, the pier located on the beach is also an interesting photo spot, perfect for adding aesthetic captions to your social media accounts.
4. The sensation of “Ngebaso” on the beach
One unique experience that you can try at Santolo Beach is enjoying meatball cuanki on the beach. In the afternoon, many bakso sellers go around selling their wares, offering delicious flavors and affordable prices.
Different from other places, enjoying bakso on the beach gives a different sensation, making your vacation even more memorable.
5. Horse Riding Around the Beach
For those of you who want to experience something different, try horse riding around Santolo Beach. Horse riding around the beach is a fun activity, especially for families with small children.
You will be accompanied by a friendly guide to lead you along the journey around the beach. This is a fun way to enjoy the beauty of nature while interacting with animals.
6. Enjoy delicious seafood cuisine
Like other beaches, Santolo Beach is also famous for its seafood cuisine. There are many restaurants around the beach that serve various seafood dishes, such as grilled fish, shrimp, squid, and crab.
The price of seafood here is very affordable, with packages that usually consist of grilled fish, rice, stir-fried water spinach, and sweet iced tea. Enjoy lunch or dinner with family or friends in a beautiful beach atmosphere.
Location and Access to Santolo Beach
Santolo Beach is located in Cikelet District, Garut Regency, West Java, about 80 kilometers from Garut City. The trip to this beach takes about 3 hours by private vehicle.
You can use the national road connecting Garut, Cikelet, and the surrounding area. It’s best to use the main route rather than the shortcut route to ensure safe travel.
Upon arrival at Santolo Beach, you will find a large parking area, both for two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles. If the parking area is full, you can contact the local officer to be directed to the nearest parking lot.
Santolo Beach Entrance Ticket Prices & Operating Hours
To visit Santolo Beach, you only need to pay an entrance ticket of IDR 10,000 per person. This price is very affordable, especially when compared to the natural scenery offered by this beach.
In addition, parking fees are also very affordable, namely IDR 5,000 for motorbikes and IDR 10,000 for cars. If you want to enjoy water rides, such as banana boats or fishing boats, the cost ranges from IDR 4,000 to IDR 25,000 per person.
Santolo Beach is open to the public 24 hours a day, including holidays. This means you can visit this beach anytime, either during the day to enjoy water activities or at night to enjoy the calm atmosphere of the beach.
Fun Activities at Santolo Beach
Once you arrive at Santolo Beach, you can enjoy various exciting activities, such as:
1. Enjoy the natural beauty of the beach
Relaxing on the beach while enjoying the sea breeze is a very enjoyable activity. You can enjoy the soft white sand and calm waves while resting. Santolo Beach is perfect for those of you who want to spend some relaxing time and enjoy the beauty of nature.
2. Boating to the Nearby Islands
Tourists can also rent a fishing boat to explore the small islands around Santolo Beach. The boat will take you around the lake with stunning views, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty up close.
3. Playing on the Kukus Reef
Karang Kukus is one of the amazing spots on Santolo Beach. With a 35-hectare atoll, the tall black coral clusters add to the beauty of this beach. The crashing waves that break on these corals create a very interesting view to capture.
4. Water Activities and Banana Boat
For those looking for more challenges, activities like banana boat rides are a great choice. Experience the thrill of riding a banana boat with family or friends. This ride will make your vacation even more exciting and memorable.
Tourist Facilities at Santolo Beach
Santolo Beach is equipped with various facilities that support visitor comfort, such as public toilets, prayer rooms, parking areas, and food stalls offering various typical beach foods.
Visitor safety is also a priority, with patrols along the beach and the use of fishing boats to ensure tourist safety.
Santolo Beach in Garut offers extraordinary natural charm with white sand, beautiful waves, and various exciting activities that tourists can enjoy.
From enjoying the sunset view to trying water rides like banana boat, everything can make your vacation more memorable. Don’t hesitate to visit Rancabuaya Beach and enjoy its stunning natural beauty!