Don’t pay entrance fee in Pangandaran NP, Java, Indonesia
The Pangandaran National Park is a wild expanse of dense forest. Inside the park live porcupines, kijang (barking deer), hornbills, monitor lizards and monkeys (including Javan gibbons). But they changed the price from 7 000 Rp to 210 000 Rp for tourists.
With its black beaches, Pangandaran, will never stand a chance comparing to Bali when it comes to attracting the big crowds. However, this is exactly the appeal of this remote town of beach resorts. Even though it is a popular tourist destination with the locals on national holidays for its fine sand beaches (considering to be of the finest in Java), you will not feel overrun by the tourism. In the natural park you have also a beautiful white sand beach with monkeys where you can snorkel. So I recommend you to go there. But …
We all should support the National Parks, but 210 000 Rp is just a ripoff. However, the guides are no additional price, so you aren’t paying 210,000Rp to meander around aimlessly – you’re paying for a journey through the NP with guide.
How to go around Pangandaran entrance fee?
To avoid it get a boat in front of the park entrance to drop you off at the beach then its only 50’000 per person with return.
The other option is to swim or wade around the barrier marking the park’s boundary on the western coast, but be aware this is technically illegal, if rarely enforced.
As well you can still try to use indonesian kitas.
To the beach
As you walk to the beach there will be several offers of a cheap way to the white sand beach located within the National Park. Be aware that it’s illegal to enter the park without paying the entrance fee.
