Cilacap – Port City Between the Indian Ocean and Nusa Kambangan Island
Cilacap Regency is the southernmost and largest region of Central Java province, on the Indian Ocean coast. The regional capital, Cilacap city, is Central Java's only sea port. The region's best-known natural treasure is the Segara Anakan lagoon – a vast mangrove-covered tidal lagoon – and the mysterious Nusa Kambangan Island, which now serves as a prison island.
Attractions and Activities
The Segara Anakan lagoon's mangrove forests can be explored on eco-boat tours, discovering rich birdlife, crab-fishing communities and the mangrove ecosystem. Teluk Penyu (Turtle Bay) is Cilacap's city beach, where waves are impressive but not suitable for swimming – the sunset, however, is stunning. Nusa Kambangan Island's Dutch colonial forts and caves are partly accessible (with a permit). Gunung Srandil is a local spiritual pilgrimage site above the ocean shore. Batu Hiu rocky outcrop offers a panoramic ocean viewpoint.
Culture and Cuisine
Cilacap sits on the boundary of Javanese and Sundanese culture – the Banyumasi dialect and ebeg dance (Banyumas horse trance dance) are local hallmarks. The cuisine is robust: mendoan (tempeh in thick tempura batter) is Cilacap's most famous dish. Nasi lengko, sroto Banyumas (spiced meat broth), and getuk goreng (fried sweet-potato sweets) are all local favourites.
Public Safety
Cilacap is a safe city. You can move around the city centre and harbour area freely at night. Waves and currents on the Indian Ocean coast are extremely strong – do not swim outside designated areas. Use a reliable boat operator on the Segara Anakan lagoon. A prior permit is required for Nusa Kambangan visits. Medical care is available in the city (RSUD Cilacap); Purwokerto is approximately 2 hours away.
Practical Information
The nearest airports are the nearby Tunggul Wulung (Cilacap's small airport) or Purwokerto/Yogyakarta (3–4 hours). Cilacap train station provides good connections to Java's major cities. The best time to visit is April to October. Accommodation ranges from simple hotels to mid-range hotels.