Banten overview

The great thing about Banten is that it is only an hour away from the traffic and noise of Jakarta. It is incredible to think that this laid back fishing village once rivaled the greatest ports in the world and was once one of the busiest and most cosmopolitan in Asia. Some of the old buildings remain for those who like a bit of history, but it is the Grand Mosque, completed in 1599 which should top any architectural itinerary. The beaches of Carita and Labuan offer relaxation for travellers who caught the bus from Jakarta. The local hawkers are always on hand to sell trinkets or a shell to the weary traveller who can’t be bothered to pick one from the beach. And as always the slightly ominous shape of Krakatau’s son, as the sometimes violently active volcano is now fondly known, sits out to sea.