Never Wear Green in the South Sea: Pelabuhan Ratu, Sukabumi
A tale of jealousy within the Royal family of 16th Century Kingdom of Mataram has brought about the death of a Queen who gave her life to the open sea, and a legend that lives on. Just a few hours from the bustling city of Jakarta lie the beautiful beaches of South Sukabumi, with Pelabuhan Ratu right in the center of it. It’s a coastal town where beach villas scatter all over white sandy beaches, with the curl of the waves just right to satisfy any surfer. Don’t get too carried away though – quite a handful of holidaymakers have never resurfaced after taking a dip in the ocean. Most of the victims were men, suspected of wearing green attributes while swimming, and stories spread that the Nyi Roro Kidul (Queen of the Southern Sea of Java) took their lives as wearing her colours upset her.
Different from most urban legends in Indonesia, Nyi Roro Kidul’s presence is revered by many, including President Soekarno himself. In fact, Room 308 of the Samudra Beach Hotel has been reserved for her visit. Available for meditation purposes, the room is beautifully designed with green and golden threads (colours she loved), doused in the smell of jasmine and incense.
But are you brave enough to have a date with the Queen of the South?
Pelabuhan Ratu
Getting There: From Jakarta, head towards Ciawi/Sukabumi by going on Tol Jagorawi. Continue straight until reaching Pasar Cibadak, after passing through the market, turn right and continue straight towards Pelabuhan Ratu.
Picture Source : Tripcanvas.co & Google
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