Banten Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and local culture of Banten in Western Java. Plan your trip with our helpful itinerary, transportation options, and safety tips.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Banten, Indonesia

Banten, located in Western Java in Indonesia, is a hidden gem for travellers looking for a unique cultural experience. The region is rich in history and natural beauty, and offers a variety of activities for all types of travellers. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know to plan your trip to Banten!

Introduction to Banten

Banten is one of the six provinces in the Java island of Indonesia. It is known for its rich culture, history, and natural beauty. The region was once the capital of the Banten Sultanate, and has become an important hub for trade and agriculture. Banten is also known for its strong Islamic traditions, which can be seen in many of its cultural attractions.

List of Places to Visit in Banten

Banten offers a diverse range of attractions for travellers. Here’s our list of the must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Banten Museum: This museum houses a collection of artifacts that reflect the history and culture of the Banten Sultanate.
  2. Kaibon Palace: The palace was once the residence of the Banten Sultanate, and now serves as a museum that displays various royal collections.
  3. Old Banten: The ruins of the old city of Banten, which was destroyed during the Dutch colonization, are located in the modern-day city of Serang.

Natural Attractions of Banten: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Ujung Kulon National Park: This park is a haven for nature lovers, featuring a rainforest, beaches, and the endangered Javan rhinoceros.
  2. Mount Krakatoa: This active volcano last erupted in 2018, but it is still a popular hiking destination for adventure seekers.
  3. Tanjung Lesung Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches in Banten, especially popular for water sports.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Banten

Banten is a paradise for hikers and bikers. Here are our top picks:

  1. Mount Raksa: This hiking trail is perfect for those seeking a moderate challenge with beautiful views.
  2. Ciputih Beach: Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy a scenic ride from the city of Pandeglang to this stunning beach.
  3. Taman Nasional Gunung Halimun Salak: The nature reserve offers various hiking trails for hikers of all levels.

Best Things to Do in Banten: Activities and Tours

  1. Explore Baduy Village: A visit to this isolated village allows travellers to experience the traditional lifestyle of the Baduy people, who have managed to preserve their customs for centuries.
  2. Traditional Dance Performance: Watch a vibrant performance of traditional dances such as Jaipongan or Ketuk Tilu, which reflect the cultural heritage of Banten.
  3. Take a Local Cooking Class: Learn how to cook traditional Banten dishes, such as Nasi Uduk, a coconut milk rice dish.

Week-Long Itinerary for Banten

Day 1: Jakarta to Serang, visit Kaibon Palace and the Great Mosque

Day 2: Explore Old Banten, visit the Banten Museum and go shopping in Pasar Anyer

Day 3: Head to Ujung Kulon National Park and visit Peucang Island for a relaxing day at the beach

Day 4: Hike Mount Krakatoa or Mount Raksa depending on your fitness levels

Day 5: Visit Ciputih Beach for biking or snorkeling

Day 6: Experience village life in Baduy Village and enjoy a traditional dance performance

Day 7: Take a local cooking class and enjoy the sunset at Tanjung Lesung Beach

Food and Drink Scene of Banten

Visitors to Banten must try the following dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Sate Bandeng: Grilled milkfish satay, a signature dish of Banten.
  2. Empal Gentong: A spicy beef soup made with coconut milk, turmeric, and galangal.
  3. Pindang Serani: A sour fish soup made with tamarind and candlenut.

Local Beverages

  1. Bir Pletok: A ginger-based herbal drink that is traditionally served hot.
  2. Kue Rangi: A sweet dessert made with rice flour, coconut milk, and pandan leaves.

Where to Stay in Banten: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Banten has a variety of accommodation options for travellers with different budgets.

  1. Aston Anyer Beach Resort: A luxury resort located on the beach that offers a range of amenities such as a pool, spa, and restaurant.
  2. Hotel Horison Ultima Ratu Serang: A 4-star hotel located in the heart of the city of Serang that offers a fitness center, restaurant, and meeting rooms.
  3. OYO 1140 Celebes Hotel: A budget-friendly option located in the city of Pandeglang that offers clean and comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in Banten: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Banten should bring back some souvenirs such as:

  1. Batik Banten: A traditional fabric made with natural dyes and has unique motifs and colors.
  2. Kopi Lampung: A type of coffee that is grown in the Lampung province of Sumatra but is often sold in Banten.
  3. Krupuk Bawang: A type of crackers made with garlic and often served as a snack.

Local Culture and Customs of Banten

Banten is a predominantly Muslim region, and visitors should respect local customs such as:

  1. Dress modestly when visiting mosques or other religious sites.
  2. Avoid public displays of affection.
  3. Remove your shoes before entering a mosque or a private home.

Best Time to Visit Banten

Banten has a tropical climate, with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from May to September.

Do’s and Don’ts of Banten

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions.
  2. Try local foods and drinks.
  3. Learn some basic Indonesian phrases.

Don’t:

  1. Engage in illegal activities such as drugs.
  2. Disrespect religious or cultural practices.
  3. Litter in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Banten

Banten is a relatively safe place to visit, but it’s always a good idea to take precautions such as:

  1. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
  2. Use registered taxis or transportation companies.
  3. Be aware of your surroundings when visiting crowded places.

Health in Banten

Visitors to Banten should take precautions to avoid illnesses such as:

  1. Drink only bottled or boiled water.
  2. Wear mosquito repellent to avoid mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever.
  3. Be aware of the risks of food poisoning and practice good hygiene.

Getting to Banten: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Banten

The nearest airport to Banten is the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, which is located about 100 km away. From there, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Banten.

Bus Stations Near Banten

The Merak bus station is located near the city of Cilegon and has frequent buses that travel to Jakarta and other major cities in Java.

Other Options

Travellers can also hire a car with a private driver or rent a motorbike to explore Banten.

How to Get Around in Banten

Banten has a public transportation system that includes buses and minivans, but they can be crowded and confusing for visitors. The best option is to hire a car with a driver or rent a motorbike to explore the region.

Where to Go Next from Banten: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors to Banten can also explore nearby destinations such as:

  1. Jakarta: The capital city of Indonesia is only a few hours away from Banten and offers a wide range of attractions.
  2. Bandung: This beautiful city in West Java is known for its art, culture, and beautiful landscapes.
  3. Bogor: A popular destination for nature enthusiasts, which is famous for its beautiful botanical garden.

Conclusion

Banten is a region that should not be missed by travellers looking for an authentic cultural experience in Indonesia. With its beautiful nature, rich history, and unique traditions, Banten offers a wide range of activities for travellers of all types. Plan your trip to Banten with our comprehensive travel guide and explore everything that this beautiful region has to offer!

Map of Banten region. Map of Banten region. The town of Banten during its glory days, in 1724. The town of Banten during its glory days, in 1724. Beach resort at the Tanjung Lesung peninsula in Panimbang. Beach resort at the Tanjung Lesung peninsula in Panimbang. Ferry on the route from Merak (Banten) to Bakauheni (Lampung province, Sumatra island). Ferry on the route from Merak (Banten) to Bakauheni (Lampung province, Sumatra island). The 16th century Great Mosque of Banten. The 16th century Great Mosque of Banten. Mount Karang. Mount Karang. Beach at Liwungan island, Panimbang. Beach at Liwungan island, Panimbang.


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