Things To Do
in Cilegon
Cilegon is an industrial port city in Banten on the western tip of Java, facing the Sunda Strait. It blends a working-class port atmosphere with coastal scenery and access to nearby beaches and natural areas. While not as touristy as nearby Serang or Anyer, it serves as a practical gateway to the Krakatau region and western Java’s parks.
Expect a mix of modern facilities, traditional markets, and a growing scene of seaside cafés and street food along the coastline.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café, indulging in traditional Indonesian dishes like Nasi Goreng or Roti Bakar. Afterward, head to the Cilegon Fortress, where you can wander through the remnants of this historic site and learn about its fascinating past. The morning sun casts a warm glow over the area, making for perfect photo opportunities.
In the afternoon, visit the nearby Great Mosque of Cilegon, an architectural marvel that showcases beautiful Islamic design. Take a stroll through the surrounding gardens, enjoying the serene atmosphere and the sound of birds chirping. For lunch, savor some local seafood at a restaurant by the river, where you can enjoy fresh dishes prepared with local ingredients.
As the sun sets, make your way to the bustling Cilegon Night Market for an authentic culinary experience. Sample street food delicacies such as satay, bakso, and various sweet treats while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. End your evening with a leisurely walk along the riverfront, taking in the city lights and the soothing sound of water.
Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to Anyer Beach, just a short drive from Cilegon. The morning sun glimmers off the ocean, inviting you to dive into a variety of water sports available, including jet skiing and banana boat rides. Enjoy the thrill of the waves as you engage in these exhilarating activities with family or friends.
After a morning of fun, relax at a beachside café with a refreshing drink and some local snacks while enjoying the stunning ocean views. Spend your afternoon lounging on the sandy shores, soaking up the sun, or taking a leisurely swim in the warm waters. For those feeling adventurous, consider trying out snorkeling to explore the underwater beauty just off the coast.
As dusk approaches, find a cozy spot on the beach to watch the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant, where the catch of the day is grilled to perfection. Close the day with a bonfire on the beach, sharing stories and laughter under the starry sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| ☕Coffee at cafe | $1-3 |
| 🥗Vegetarian lunch | $3-6 |
| 🍽️Two-course restaurant meal for 2 | $15-25 |
| 🏨Hotel night (mid-range) | $30-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Coastal city with accessible beaches and seafood
- Gateway to Ujung Kulon and Krakatau-related attractions
- Relative affordability and growing visitor amenities
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure compared to bigger cities
- Public transport can be sparse; some areas require private transport
- Weather can be hot and humid throughout the year
- "Halo" - Hello
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Berapa harganya?" - How much is this?
- "Di mana kamar kecil?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Apa rekomendasi makanan lokal?" - What local food do you recommend?
Places to Visit in Cilegon
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide sandy beach with expansive horizons; ideal for sunrise and sunset photography over the Sunda Strait.
Rocky coastline with interesting formations and tidal pools; great for dramatic seascapes and silhouettes.
Industrial harbor scenes featuring cranes, ships, and morning fog; striking for contrast photography between industry and sky.
City park with ponds and pathways offering candid street photography and relaxed portraits.
Pristine coastal scenery at the edge of Ujung Kulon National Park; capture expansive horizons and quiet beaches during golden hours.
Food in Cilegon
Cilegon Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Boneless milkfish steamed with spices; a local seafood specialty often found in markets and seafood restaurants in Cilegon and nearby Anyer.
Must-Try!
Grilled fish served with a punchy chili sambal and lime; best enjoyed at seaside stalls and casual restaurants.
Fish steamed in banana leaves with herbs and spices, offering a fragrant, lighter option than fried dishes.
Smoked or grilled rice with flavorful seasonings, commonly found in coastal eateries and warung-style restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Traditional market with fresh seafood, produce, and local snacks; great for tasting everyday flavors and observing daily life.
Coastal market offering fresh fish, small bites, and regional snacks; ideal for an informal lunch or snack stop.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a smile and a handshake; address people with respect and, where appropriate, use local titles.
Dress modestly in markets, religious sites, and rural areas; shoulders and knees covered when visiting sacred places.
Ask for permission before photographing people or private property; be courteous if someone declines.
Safety
Tipping in Cilegon
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated in nicer restaurants and hotels; rounding up the bill by a small amount or leaving 5–10% in fine dining settings is common in tourist areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, sunny days with low rainfall; ideal for beach visits and outdoor activities, though expect higher crowds on weekends and holiday periods.
Frequent showers and high humidity; plan flexible outdoor plans and have indoor options; travel times may be longer due to intermittent rain and occasional flooding in low-lying areas.
Cilegon at Night
Hiking in Cilegon
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Boat-based trips to Krakatau area with optional island hikes; trips depend on sea conditions and permits.
Airports
How to reach Cilegon by plane.
Main international airport serving Jakarta and western Java; typically about 60–90 minutes by car from central Cilegon when traffic is favorable.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Bantenese and Javanese communities, with workers in port and industrial sectors; a mix of locals and migrant laborers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular pastime with local matches and pickup games in parks and schoolyards.
Common recreation at community centers and clubs; easy to join as a visitor.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cilegon.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for tofu-based dishes, vegetable curries, and nasi-lauk combinations. Clearly communicate about fish stock or shrimp paste when ordering, and seek out meals centered on vegetables and soy proteins.