Cimaja - Beach and rice fields

After a few days in the hustle and bustle of big cities, we were more than ready to go somewhere quieter. We studied the map and found that we could reach Cimaja, a quiet surf town, in about 4 hours (100 km South of Bogor). After a bit of confusion and a lot of weariness at the bus terminal, we got encouraged to jump on the Economy bus, which was already full including people standing in the alley. We got told we can smoke on there (that was their selling point). No thanks!! Instead, we went towards the first class coach which had air-con and just about 2 seats for us to sit on – much better. Although we were very squashed, we were pleased to have our bags next to us rather than hidden away.

After a rather sweaty 4 and a half hours, we arrived in the madness of Pelabuhan Ratu. From there, we squeezed into a local Angkot towards Cimaja for the remaining 8 km. Lucky we had a hotel memorized from our Lonely Planet book so we were able to ask to driver to drop us there, because things are spread out along the coast and hard to find. We got dropped off at Cimaja Square and checked in a quaint thatched bungalow in the middle of rice paddies. What a treat! Our hut is quite spacious, with a fan and big bathroom. I enjoy our large porch and two sun chairs, which provide us unbelievable views of the rice fields. It is very serene.

Thatched Bungalows at Cimaja Square

Reading on our bungalow's porch at Cimaja Square

Can't ask for a much better view!

 Cimaja is renowned for its surf so we had a good time watching surfers and the crashing the waves on the main beach.

Cimaja's rocky beach

The big pebbles weren't very inviting though, so we went to Sunset Beach a kilometre away which was deserted and offered a great napping session! The best thing about Cimaja is getting both the greenery of the rice fields and the beach next to each other. It makes for a little piece of paradise.

We have Sunset Beach to ourselves!

Yes please!

Being here during Ramadan, most restaurants are closed in the day, so we are fortunate to have great food selection at our hotel. Most visitors here are surfers so the area has a very laid back vibe. The staff is very friendly too, which is refreshing. They remember our names and enjoy chatting with us. Most nights we get woken up in the middle of the night with the call to prayer which are recited over the loud speakers. It is the last day of Ramadan today so the celebrations of Eid al-Fitr will start at 6 o’clock and should last for a whole week!