The 6 hour drive down to the beach area was fabulous. We got to really see Indonesia and her landscape. Beautiful tiered paddy fields with dramatic mountains, palm trees and jungle forests decorated our view. Interesting all the houses had red tiled roofs, not matter what the walls were made of. They were also mainly bungalows, a stark contrast to Vietnam.

The beach we were heading to, Pangandaran, is Java's finest beach resort and the native 'Bali'. Arriving there we hunted a bit to find some decent but cheap accomodation. Finding some little huts down a back alley we deserted the bags to go and find the sun. The beach was glorious. Dark sands and plenty of fishing boats, high waves and a strong tide. Pangandaran was hit by a tsunami a few years ago and the evidence is still noticeable. As we wandered down the beach you could still see where houses have been destroyed as the water hit. Very eerie.

We spent the day soaking up the sun and watching people enjoy the beach. Plenty of people were flying home made kites which was fun to watch. In the evening we headed to the fish market. We had the most delicious fresh tiger prawns and nasi goreng rice. For about a pound it was one of the best meals I have had whilst travelling (even beating the Sheraton!). Joy.

The people at the beach were friendly but very forward. They also liked yelling out 'hey missus' and then laughing when you turned round to look. Odd. At the fish market when I asked to take their picture they thought it hilarious and one of them pulled his top up to show us his very round stomach. Now apparently this means something, and not very nice so I did not stop to enquire!

Given the fact we only had a short amount of time in Java we decided to head on the next day to see some temples nearby (well about 4 hours drive!).