Situated in a wide south facing bay overlooking the Indian Ocean on Java’s south-central coast, Tambakrejo Beach makes for a great day trip from nearby Blitar. The beach is clean and sandy but it’s steep and catches a little wave action so it’s not recommended from inexperienced swimmers.
The main beach is flanked by two rivers. The smaller, eastern river can be waded across at the river mouth. There are small walking trails that lead up onto the headland for good views back over the bay. To the west of the main beach, there is a small fishing boat harbour, and behind that, a larger river mouth and another long, sandy beach. The only feasible way to reach this beach is to take one of the local boats from the main beach (Rp 10,000 per person). However, we don’t recommend it when the swell is high.
The small fishing village of Tambakrejo is located adjacent to the main beach. It has a fish market and warungs overlooking the beach where smoked fish or fresh grilled fish is high on the menu. Tambakrejo can get quite crowded on the weekends so try to plan your trip to coincide with a weekday.
Tambakrejo can be reached by private car or ojek in about 1.5 hours from Blitar. Nearer the village, the road is unsealed and bumpy but not too bad. An admission fee of Rp 1,000 per person and Rp 2,000 for a car or motorbike is payable at a ticket gate just shy of the beach. Note, there’s no public transport from Blitar or accommodation in the area.
*Information and photos courtesy of Theo van Buesekom.
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