Enjoy the natural beauty of Santolo Beach in Garut which offers spectacular views, exciting activities, and rich history, making it a popular beach tourism destination in West Java.
Santolo Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Garut, West Java. Widely known as a tourist spot that offers extraordinary natural views, Santolo Beach is a favorite destination not only for local Garut residents but also tourists from outside the area such as Bandung and Jakarta.
Located in Cikelet District, Garut Regency, this beach offers a peaceful atmosphere with stunning natural beauty, coupled with various exciting activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Santolo Beach also has a long history which further enriches its charm as a tourist destination.
History of Santolo Beach
Santolo Beach was originally known as Cilauteureun Beach. This name changed over time, thanks to the difficulty of Europeans, especially the Dutch, in pronouncing “Cilauteureun.”
They eventually pronounced the name as “Santolo,” and until now the beach is known by that name.
Santolo Beach has an important history since the Dutch colonial era. In the past, this beach was used as a pier to transport spices produced in the area to large ships sailing in the middle of the sea.
As a witness to history, this beach has a number of Dutch heritage buildings built around 1850, adding to the historical value inherent in the area.
The Uniqueness & Attraction of Santolo Beach
Santolo Beach offers extraordinary natural charm with stunning natural views. Known for its beauty, this beach is not only attractive to tourists seeking tranquility but also to those who want to enjoy various exciting activities by the sea.
Here are some of the main attractions that make Santolo Beach a very attractive tourist destination.
1. Amazing Natural Views
Santolo Beach has a wide expanse of white sand and is surrounded by green hills which add to the natural beauty of the surroundings.
The typical waves of the southern sea, although large, create a stunning view for visitors who want to enjoy the beauty of the sea.
You can walk along the beach, feel the cool breeze, and enjoy the calm atmosphere that soothes the mind.
2. Instagrammable photo spots
Santolo Beach has many very interesting photo spots and is suitable for uploading on social media.
One of the famous photo spots is the small Santolo Island, which is located not far from the main beach.
There, you can take pictures with a backdrop of the vast sea and enchanting green hills. In addition, the old bridge on Santolo Island is also a favorite location for visitors who want to take pictures.
The beautiful panorama, coupled with the ocean waves and trees surrounding it, make Santolo Beach a perfect place to take photos.
3. Fishing at the Pier
Santolo Beach is also a great place for fishing enthusiasts. The pier around the beach is widely used by traditional fishermen to catch fish, and visitors can also experience the sensation of fishing directly in the middle of the sea.
By using their own fishing equipment, visitors can enjoy a different fishing experience while enjoying the beautiful sea view.
4. Rent a Boat to Explore
For those of you who want to explore further from the shore, Santolo Beach offers fishing boat rental services.
With a rate of around Rp. 25,000, visitors can enjoy the sensation of being tossed by the waves of the southern sea.
This boat takes you to various interesting points around the coast, including Santolo Island which has very beautiful natural scenery. Besides enjoying an exciting sea journey, you can also see a very unique natural phenomenon.
5. The Beauty of Small Santolo Island
The small island of Santolo is one of the main attractions of Santolo Beach. Although to reach this small island you have to rent a boat, the beauty offered on this island is very stunning.
One of the natural phenomena that you can witness on Santolo Island is the flow of sea water that enters the Cilauteureun River when the sea water is high.
The uniqueness of this phenomenon is created because the land structure is lower in the downstream location of the Cilauteureun River compared to the shoreline.
While on the island, you can also visit the 100-meter-long old pier which is often used by local residents for fishing.
Entrance Ticket Prices and Opening Hours
The entrance ticket to Santolo Beach is very affordable, only IDR 15,000 per person. Meanwhile, the parking fee is IDR 5,000 for two-wheeled vehicles and IDR 10,000 for four-wheeled vehicles.
This beach is open 24 hours a day, so you can come anytime to enjoy the natural beauty of Santolo Beach.
Fun Activities at Santolo Beach
Santolo Beach not only offers natural beauty, but also various exciting activities that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Here are some activities that you can enjoy at Santolo Beach:
1. Camping on the Beach
For those of you who want to enjoy the beach atmosphere longer, camping at Santolo Beach can be a fun choice.
By setting up a tent around the beach, you can enjoy a quiet night atmosphere with the sound of crashing waves and cool sea breezes.
You can also enjoy the clear night sky while enjoying a campfire. However, it should be noted that Santolo Beach does not provide camping equipment, so you must bring it from home.
2. Playing Banana Boat
For visitors who like water rides, Santolo Beach also offers exciting activities such as playing banana boat.
This ride is perfect for families or friends who want to enjoy the excitement on the waves. With a rate of around Rp. 25,000 per person, you can feel the sensation of being tossed by the waves of the southern sea while having fun on a banana boat.
3. Enjoy the Sunset View
Santolo Beach is a great place to enjoy the beauty of the sunset. Facing west, this beach has a very beautiful sunset view.
Many tourists come just to enjoy this moment. You can sit back and relax on the beach while enjoying the view of the sun slowly setting behind the horizon.
4. Shopping for Fresh Sea Fish
Santolo Beach is also famous for its fresh sea fish market offered by local fishermen. Visitors can buy fresh fish directly from fishermen who have just returned from the sea.
Various types of sea fish, squid, shrimp, and octopus are available at quite affordable prices. In addition to fresh fish, you can also buy processed fish such as salted fish, fish crackers, and shrimp crackers that can be taken home as souvenirs.
Tourist Facilities at Santolo Beach
Santolo Beach has been equipped with various facilities that make your visit more comfortable. Some of the facilities available include:
- Fresh Seafood: you can enjoy seafood while enjoying the beach view.
- Parking Area: There is a large parking area available at affordable rates.
- Prayer Room and Public Bathroom: Facilities for worship and clean public bathrooms.
- Camping Area: A special area for camping that can be used to enjoy a night on the beach.
Santolo Beach in Garut is a tourist destination that offers extraordinary natural beauty, various exciting activities, and rich history.
With a calm atmosphere, stunning views of the southern sea, and various adequate facilities, Santolo Beach is a suitable place for family, friends, or solo travelers. With affordable ticket prices, Rancabuaya Beach should be on your holiday destination list.
