THE ULTIMATE LIST OF
SUMMER
DESTINATION
By Ike Aprilianingsih
Along the brown sand beach
are numerous restaurants,
many serving grilled fish.
Souvenirs and hotels are also
available. Fishing is a popular
pastime at the beach which
is crowded with local
residents on the weekends.
Boats are available for rent,
as are water activities such
as banana boats.
Access to other tourist
attractions is available
through Teluk Penyu,
including the abandoned
fortress of Benteng Pendem,
located on the west side of
the beach, and the island of
Nusa Kambangan, which is
accessible through a short
boat ride. On this island
there are several further
beaches, including Karang
Bolong.
Every Satu Suro (the first day
of the Javanese calendar) the
local residents perform a
ritual known as Sedekah Laut
(Alms to the Sea) in order to
thank God for protecting them
while fishing.
During this ritual, a procession
leaves the office of the regent
of Cilacap, heading to Teluk
Penyu. At sea, water buffalo
heads and other offerings are
thrown into the sea by
fishermen; according to local
tradition, this must be
completed by noon.
Afterwards, cultural activities
such as wayang (shadow
puppet) shows, kuda lumping
dances, and musical
performances are held. In
2009, Sedekah Laut attracted
3,000 participants and another
5,000 spectators.