TANJUNG LESUNG, hailed by the
government as one of the country’s new, Bali-like international destinations,
centers on Cikarang-based Jababeka & Co’s exclusive enclave of pricey
beachfront resorts and the special economic zone currently being developed at
Ladda Beach. The absence of any equal competitor and the inconvenience of
low-end options outside the enclabe means there are no alternatives to choose
from.
While Bali has its recently-erupting
Mt.Agung and the West Bali National Park, the Tanjung Lesung enclave is located
in close proximity to Krakatoa, a volcanic island formed after a colossal
eruption in 1883, and to the pristine Ujung Kulon National Park. Unlike Bali,
however, it doesn’t have any strong, distinct cultural or religious heritage of
tis won. Although it is situated in Banten, it’s not the home of the Badui, the
traditional Bantenese community, whose hilly homeland is, in fact, closer to
Jakarta (120 km) than to Tanjung Lesung (194 km). This may explain why it built
a Mongolian food and culture center to entertain tourists. This, and some
decorative attempts to imitate Bali, indicate the lack of a strong vision for
its development.
Located a 3-t0-4-hour’s drive from
Jakarta (and a shorter ride by helicopter from Cikarang if you’re a potential investor), the giant
enclave’s top hotels are the Kalicaa Villa Resort and the neighboring, almost
two decade-old Tanjugn Lesung Beach Hotel. The later boasts a great family
villa, a beautiful beach, a very enjoyable swimming pool, but
institutionalized, uninspiring food. Currently, the resorts are awash with
visitors when there are sport events or company gatherings. Lower-priced
promotional packages also attract guests during the low season. A stay there
comes wit hfree access to the Beach Club, where different water sports (such as
jet ski and snorkeling) are offered.
Despite the club’s dilapidated look,
new structures were being built when I went
[From : The Jakarta Post Travel
Edition, August 2018 | Words: ]