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Things To See.
Tea
Plantation.
The tea
plantation at Bojong Asih is situated in the sweeping mountain
landscape of the Djampang Plateau, to the East of the bay. Started
by the Dutch, take walks through the tea gardens to watch the tea
pickers, lunch in the stately former administrator's residence, and
visit the tea factoryprocessing the day's pickings.
Bat
Cave.
Watch up to a
million bats leave their roost in the bat cave at dusk, forming a
seemingly never-ending stream of flying mammals out to
sea
Hot
Springs.
Visit the
hot springs nearby at Cisolok and experience the volcanic origin of
the archipelago.
Giant marine turtles laying eggs
at Ujung Genteng.
At the southern-most tip of the bay lies the nature
reserve Ujung Genteng where most nights of the year giant marine turtles, often
over 100 kgs, come to lay eggs. After dusk, these animals come ashore, drag
themselves up the beach, dig a hole and lay up to 150 eggs. They cover it up,
turn around and return to sea in a ritual that can take 21/2 hours, and can be
watched at close quarters. Viewing this primitive ritual is a truly inspiring
experience.
Local
Markets.
The
wet fish markets in Pelabuhan Ratu shows the abundance of
sea life in the bay and ocean. Huge hammerhead sharks, sailfish,
tuna, mackerel, lobster, squid, shrimp, cuttlefish, snapper,
grouper, eels and just about anything else you care to name that
comes from the sea. Other local markets selling dry fish, fruit and
vegetables, clothes, articles for farmers, fishermen and boat
builders, are as interesting. The town has many fine fresh seafood
restaurants.
Night
life.
And on
weekend nights the town comes alive for the influx of local
tourists. Motorcycle taxis are on hand to speed you back to the
resort at any hour of the night. |
