PUBLIC TRANSPORT ROUTESThe cheapest way to visit Ujungkulon is traveling by public transportation through Serang and Labuan with the route as follows:

1. Jakarta (Pulogadung / Kalideres / Tanjung Priok / Kampung Rambutan) – Serang – Tamanjaya
This route is much smoother and more comfortable because the available bus Patas AC and Non AC Patas majors Jakarta – Serang – Cilegon – Merak, all the buses are directly through highway except for buses from the Kalideres bus station which enter the highway inKebon Nanas Tangerang.
The bus ticket of Jakarta – Serang cost between Rp. 20,000 – Rp. 22.000/orang. In normal conditions it takes only about 2 hours, but when stuck in traffic jam it can stretch to 3 – 4 hours.
You have to get to Serang bus station before 11:00 for the last direct minibus Serang – Labuan – Tamanjaya which depart from Pakupatan (Serang) before noon and there was only 1 or 2 minibuses that serve this route every day with the cost of Rp. 35,000 / person. Travel time from Serang to Tamanjaya is about 4 – 5 hours except when there are traffic jams.

2. Jakarta (Kalideres / Tanjung Priok / Kampung Rambutan) – Labuan – Tamanjaya
There are no AC bus serving the routes Jakarta – Labuan and the last minibus directly to Tamanjaya from Labuan usually leave around 12:00 to 13:00. So you have to start the trip from Jakarta as early as possible for not to be too late to catch this last minibus in Labuan. Normally the bus ticket for Kalideres – Labuan cost Rp. 25,000 / passenger, but if your luggage is great the bus conductor usually ask for additional fare. The direct minibus Labuan – Tamanjaya also cost Rp. 25.000.

3. Jakarta (Kalideres / Tanjung Priok / Kampung Rambutan) – Labuan – The Well – Tamanjaya
If you come too late to the terminal of Labuan and are no direct minibus serving Labuan – Tamanjaya you can get on the public bus for Labuan – Sumur that cost of Rp. 25,000 / person and then continue the trip to Tamanjaya by “Ojek” (motorcycle taxi) from the junction of Sumur to Tamanjaya cost about Rp. 25.000/orang (afternoon) and Rp. 50.000/orang at night (depending on the weather and your luggage.)

Tips & Tricks:

* Even though it costs a bit more expensive, to travel Jakarta – Serang, the bus Patas AC or Non AC Patas is better than regular bus that stop more often to pick up passengers in any place.
* Stay alert and keep an eye of your luggage for not lose it due to carried other passengers or stolen by thieves who pretended to be passengers.
* Remember, never get the minibus for Cibaliung or Sumur in Labuan or Serang unless you arrive too late, or when no direct minibus for Tamanjaya.
* Be smart and please negotiate before get on the motorcycle taxi if you don’t want to be cheated by the motorcycle taxi drivers who sometimes ask for too much more expensive than the normal price.
* Pretend that you have been in Tamanjaya before and say that you know some youth leaders like Mr. Komar (Sunda Jaya homestay owner) or Mr. Warca Dinata (Tamanjaya elementary school teachers / rhino statue maker/ Chairman of the Koperasi Gema Umat Tamanjaya) .
(To be continue)