A paradise for true nature lovers
By Carl Chairul
PELANG, East Java (JP): "What took me so long to find this place?" a nature lover might wonder upon visiting the beautiful, unspoiled beach of Pelang.
Saying that the place is Kuta Beach, Niagara Falls and the Karangbolong Caves rolled into one might be an exaggeration. But, come on! Where in the world can you find a beautiful beach, a natural fountain, and an unexplored cave within a radius of three hundred meters? Where else can you stand under a soothing natural fountain immediately after stepping out of the sea? Only at Pelang can you spend your leisure time lying on the white sand, listening to the poetry of the sea, without being interrupted by curious beach bums, masseurs, or souvenir vendors. And that's before you've even explored the stunning cave!
Situated in the district of Panggung in East Java province, some three hundred kilometers from Surabaya, Pelang is a great place to visit, especially for those who are not too obsessive about luxury. This place is so quiet that you can hear the voice of swallows over the rhythm of the waves, which are similar to those at Kuta Beach. There are no restaurants (and no noisy waiters!), and there are no hotels (and no terrible room service!) around Pelang. If you want to spend the night on the beach, you'll have to bring your own tent or sleeping bags and your own food. To get things done smoothly, it is advisable to hire a local person with a motorcycle. Such a local will be able to cater to your every need; from buying fresh fish to cooking and washing. If you feel insecure (although there is no reason to be), he can stay during the night. (The last time we went there, the hired people made barbecued shrimp with the most delicious chili paste we had ever tasted).
Pelang can be reached by car or by public bus. From Surabaya, it costs a mere Rp. 6,000 (US$2.70) to reach Trenggalek, sixty kilometers from the beach. There are no hotels with air- conditioned rooms here, but the climate in the town is not very hot. From Trenggalek, the bus trip to Pelang takes approximately one hour, provided the bus is in good condition. The bus fare is Rp. 1,500.
Along the hilly road to Pelang, you will enjoy the scenery of hills in a very unusual configuration. One of the hills, from a distance, looks just like a giant pole towering above the others. You'd think that you'd never be able to get close to it. But when you get to Dongko, the highest point on the route, that hill is right beside you, like a pin that could have been installed by Mother Nature to keep the earth stable.
Investors
The beauty of Pelang has not, unfortunately, been able to lure any investors. Although the nature in this place must not be changed, it sure needs some "polishing". A hotel must be built to accommodate those who need comfort and do not have the guts to sleep in the open air. Restaurants must be made available for visitors who are reluctant to take care of their own meals. And how about some publicity? So far nothing has been done to promote this potential tourist spot. (We found out about the place from a friend who happens to come from the area).
The local government should do something to promote this place and to provide better transportation. At present, getting to Pelang means enduring an over-loaded bus or minibus with a careless driver. And, before somebody comes along to wreck the environment, regulations must be introduced to keep the hills and the forest along the way unchanged. They have been and must always be there to be enjoyed as the priceless gifts of Mother Nature.