The Beauty of Pantai Prawean Bandengan, A New Tourist Destination in Jepara

Jepara - It is no exaggeration to call Jepara Regency the area with the most beach tourism spots. In this city, which is famous for its wood carvings, there are various beautiful beaches featuring clear seawater and captivating white sand. And now, Jepara’s beach tourism has a new destination: Pantai Prawean, located in Bandengan Village, Jepara District. This beach tourism site was officially launched by the local government on September 24, 2023.

The Pantai Prawean beach attraction is now managed by the village government and is expected to attract both local and foreign tourists. Like most beaches along the Java Sea coast, visitors can enjoy relatively calm waves compared to the southern beaches that face the Indian Ocean.

Acting Head of the Tourism and Culture Office (Disparbud), Hartaya, stated that the official inauguration of Pantai Prawean will add to the list of beach tourism destinations in Jepara Regency, thereby drawing both local and international visitors.

“With the presence of Pantai Prawean, it can become part of a tourism package when visiting Jepara. Pantai Prawean is projected to become an alternative tourist spot in Jepara,” said Hartaya.

He expressed hope that the community will always maintain the cleanliness and beauty of Pantai Prawean to create a healthy tourism ecosystem. Meanwhile, Jepara Subdistrict Head Subiyanto expressed appreciation to the residents of Bandengan Village for opening the new tourist attraction of Pantai Prawean. He hopes that this new tourism site will boost the economy of the people in Bandengan Village.

Separately, Bandengan Village Head Sumadi explained that Pantai Prawean has become a village asset and is included in the village inventory. Pantai Prawean has been designated as a tourist village through a Regent’s Decree (SK Bupati). After being properly arranged and developed, it can serve as a source of original village revenue (PADes).

The launching event was marked by the signing of an inscription plaque and a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Acting Head of Disparbud Hartaya, accompanied by Jepara Subdistrict Head Subiyanto and Bandengan Village Head Sumadi.

From Pantai Perawean to Pulau Panjang

On the coast of Jepara, the sound of breaking waves and the gentle sea breeze welcome tourists who wish to cross to Pulau Panjang. The stretch of white sand and crystal-clear seawater make this small island a favorite destination for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the sea panorama. Access to the island is relatively easy, with simple boat crossings available from several points, one of which is through Pantai Perawean. Along the journey, tourists are treated to calming sea views before reaching their destination.

Supawi (54), Chairman of the Perawean Community Association (Paguyuban), said that the ferry service from Pantai Perawean has only been operating for the past three years. This service was born from an agreement among local residents, which was then proposed to the managers and eventually received operational permission.

“I have been working here since the crossing from Pantai Perawean was opened, about three years ago. At first, it was the result of an agreement among the villagers. We gathered, reached a consensus, then submitted it to the management until it could finally operate,” he said.

The route to Pulau Panjang is not only from Perawean but can also be accessed from Pantai Kartini and Pantai Bandengan. The crossing takes approximately 10–15 minutes. Operating hours run from 07:00 to 16:00 WIB. However, if tourists arrive earlier, the boats will still depart.

“If there are passengers at six in the morning, we will still take them. The travel time is around 10 to 15 minutes,” he explained.

The association has 12 privately owned boats belonging to its members. Each boat can carry about 20 passengers. Although the boats are privately owned, the operational system is managed by the association on a rotating basis to ensure fairness for all members.

Regarding income, Supawi mentioned that daily gross revenue can vary depending on the level of crowds.

“If it’s quiet, we might only make one crossing with revenue of around Rp320,000. If it’s busy, we can do four round trips, with gross revenue reaching up to Rp800,000 per day. But that’s not net income, as it still has to be deducted for cash, labor, and insurance. All revenue is first collected by the management, then distributed after obligations are deducted,” he explained.

Visitor numbers are heavily influenced by weather conditions. According to him, the main obstacle for crossings is high waves during the west wind season. If conditions are dangerous, boats will not depart. However, if it is only raining with relatively stable waves, crossing is still possible. The association also provides safety equipment and insurance for passengers.

“If it’s the west wind season with high waves, we don’t dare to depart. But if it’s just rain and the waves are stable, we can still cross. We have also prepared life jackets and insurance for passenger safety,” he added during an interview on Sunday (03/05/2026).

Meanwhile, Aurelia, a second-semester student from Universitas Negeri Semarang, said she visited Pulau Panjang with her friends for an organizational vacation activity. They crossed from Pantai Kartini after receiving a recommendation from a friend from Jepara.

“At first we wanted to go to Jogja, but we were looking for something close with beach views and fresh nature. We were recommended Karimunjawa, but the cost was expensive. In the end, we chose to come here and it turned out to be not disappointing. The weather was sunny, and the crossing was also enjoyable. For that ticket price, we think it’s very worth it,” she said.

The existence of the boat crossing association at Pantai Perawean not only makes tourism access easier but also serves as a promising source of income for local residents. With privately owned boats and a collective management system, association members are able to generate millions of rupiah in daily revenue during peak tourist seasons.

The Beauty of Pantai Prawean Jepara

Pantai Prawean possesses the same beauty as other beaches in Jepara. This beach is calm, cool, and offers many attractions.

The beach is well-known for its clean and expansive white sand. The fine sand is perfect for sunbathing, playing beach volleyball, or simply relaxing while enjoying the gentle breeze.

In addition to its white sand, Pantai Prawean also has fairly clear seawater, making it an ideal place for swimming. You can explore the underwater beauty and enjoy water activities. This is enhanced by the relatively calm waves typical of the Java Sea.

Another highlight is the stunning sunset at this beach. Pantai Prawean is the perfect spot to enjoy a spectacular sunset. As the sun begins to set on the horizon, the sky over Pantai Prawean fills with beautiful colors. You can simply visit to enjoy the afternoon atmosphere or even go camping.

Location of Pantai Prawean Jepara

Pantai Prawean is located in RW II, Bandengan Village, Jepara District, Jepara Regency, Central Java. Its location is quite easy to reach, as it is only about a 5-minute drive from Pantai Bandengan. For more details, simply search on Google Maps.

The beach is also relatively easy to access from the center of Jepara town. You can use public transportation or rent a motorcycle to get there. Around the beach, there are various accommodations suitable for out-of-town tourists.

Entrance Fee to Pantai Prawean

At the time this article was published, no entrance fee had been implemented yet. This is understandable, as the beach is still relatively new. Visitors are only charged a standard parking fee.

Tips and Suggestions

To make your vacation even more perfect, here are some tips you can follow:

• The best time to visit is in the afternoon while waiting for the sunset.
• Bring camping gear and camp near the beach.
• Bring enough food and drinks, as this beach is still new.
• Bring a change of clothes or swimwear so you can enjoy the water more comfortably.
• Plan your trip carefully, as there are many other nearby beaches and tourist attractions.

Pantai Prawean Jepara is a tropical paradise waiting to be explored. With its breathtaking natural beauty and rich local culture, this beach is the perfect place to unwind and create beautiful memories. So, when you are in Jepara, make sure to take the time to visit this hidden gem.