SAWARNA AIMS TO BECOME THE BALI OF BANTEN

The Sawarna Village, noted for its pristine beach with good waves for surfing, is now preparing to become "The Bali of Banten".

"We have drawn a master plan in which an integrated tourism complex will be built. The people in the village have prepared to welcome any kinds of tourists while preserving our own culture, just like the Balinese," said Erwin Komarasukma, the village head.

He further said that the local government has allocated a 16 hectare land for the purpose. In the tourism complex, there will be a water park, cottages, retailing complex where the Sawarna people can sell their handicrafts, restaurants, fisherman home stay complexes and so on.

"The master plan has been getting positive responses, but unfortunately we are stumbled on the funding of the permanent bridge construction. Without it, the master plan will be just a plan," Komarasukma said, adding that the 60 meter bridge would cost around Rp 2 billion. "It should be the provincial government's decision to take, but it seems not in the near future."

Currently Sawarna keeps receiving tourist visits everyday, domestically as well as internationally. They can spend the night at the villagers' homes with very reason able price. To go to the beach, about 65 km in length, people have to pass through the wooden hanging bridge as the land and the beach is separated by a wide and deep river. For those who heave no courage to go through it, they opt to fly using paragliding or light aircraft.

"Most of the foreign tourists do it that way. They fly from Pelabuhan Ratu and return there later; no spending for the local people. By building the integrated tourism complex, the tourist is hoped to stay and spend their money here.

However, the beach will be kept free for access, no entry charge whatsoever for anyone," Komarasukma said.

Sawarna village is flanked by a mountain and the sea, with breathtaking view of the beach, viewed from winding roller coaster well asphalted road. Due to its geographical conditions, it's no wonder if the village is also enriched by unique flora & fauna and natural caves.

For those who are interested to invest in Sawarna, it's better to start buying a piece of land now when the price is still relatively very cheap, between Rp 10,000 – Rp 60,000 per square meter.

Source: Travelwan Magazine