Major city · Indonesia
Pacitan
Go for 2–3 nights if you surf or want caves and empty beaches; skip if you need public transport, nightlife or a beach you can swim from.
Pacitan is a regency on Java's Indian Ocean coast, about 5–6 h by road from Yogyakarta or Solo. Its draw is a string of limestone caves and surf beaches spread along 60 km of coast, plus Watu Karung, one of Indonesia's better reef-break waves. There is no useful public transport between sights, so you rent a scooter or hire a car and driver. Two to three nights covers the caves and two or three beaches; surfers stay a week or more at Watu Karung.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- IDR
- Best months
- May–Sep (dry season, offshore winds on the south coast)
- avoid Dec–Mar (heavy rain, rough seas, some beach roads flood)
- Airports
- YIA · SUB · SOC
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 6Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Indonesia ↗Buy the visa on arrival or e-visa only on the official Immigration portal; lookalike sites charge extra.
- Indonesia ↗Complete the All Indonesia digital arrival and customs form before landing; it is free.
- Indonesia ↗Foreign visitors to Bali pay a one-off tourist levy; keep the payment proof on your phone.
- Indonesia ↗Riding a motorbike needs a valid licence that covers motorbikes (an international permit alongside your own) and a helmet; check your insurance covers it.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Pacitan112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Pacitan, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Rupiah (Rp) in small notes for warungs, parking, offerings and drivers; large cards are common in tourist restaurants but not everywhere.Indonesia-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckTelkomsel, XL and Indosat sell tourist SIMs at airports; foreign phones must be IMEI-registered if staying over 90 days — check.Indonesia-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations common in Bali.Indonesia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Often 10% service + tax on the bill; nothing more needed.Indonesia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Indonesia-wide
- SafetyPacitan is a low-crime rural regency and the main risks are on the road and in the water: unlit coastal roads, scooter accidents…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern in hotels and cafés; squat toilets with a water scoop elsewhere; paper in the bin.Indonesia-wide
- Emergency numbers112 General emergency (Indonesia) · 110 police · 118 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysBali shuts completely for Nyepi; government offices close Friday midday for prayer; Lebaran slows the country for two weeks.Indonesia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYIA Yogyakarta International (Kulon Progo) (About 5–6 h by road to Pacitan; the usual arrival for most travellers.).
- Getting aroundRent a scooter (daily rate, 2026 estimate) or hire a car with driver by the day — this is the only practical way to link the caves and beaches.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a warungRp5,000–15,000
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekRp100,000–200,000
- Museum or sight ticketCave or beach entry ticketRp10,000–30,000
- Budget bedGuesthouse or homestay bed, a night, per personRp100,000
- Mid-range bedDouble room, town guesthouse or hotel, a night, per roomRp400,000
- High-end bedDouble room, town guesthouse or hotel, a night, per roomRp800,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget Rp350,000 · Mid Rp700,000 · High Rp1,500,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YIA Yogyakarta International (Kulon Progo) (About 5–6 h by road to Pacitan; the usual arrival for most travellers.) · SUB Juanda, Surabaya (About 6–7 h by road via Solo or Madiun; check with your driver before booking.) · SOC Adi Soemarmo, Solo (About 4–5 h by road; the shortest of the three on a good run.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Feb
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
May
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jun
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Dec
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jul (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C) low), wettest Jan (19 rain days), driest Aug (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Pacitan: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
19 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
17 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15 rd
Apr
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11 rd
May
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
8 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
6 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
4 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
3 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
4 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9 rd
Nov
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14 rd
Dec
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
18 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Rent a scooter (daily rate, 2026 estimate) or hire a car with driver by the day — this is the only practical way to link the caves and beaches. Roads to the west coast are narrow and unlit after dark; fuel up in town. Intercity buses use Terminal Pacitan on Jl. Gatot Subroto.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Watu Karung and Srau beaches
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Scooter or car west from Pacitan town on the Pringkuku road
Watu Karung is a reef break for experienced surfers; Srau has intermediate waves and a white-sand bay. Check the tide before paddling out.
Klayar Beach and Banyu Tibo
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h each way
Car or scooter west via Donorojo
Klayar's blowhole fires best on a rising swell; Banyu Tibo is a freshwater fall onto the sand. Do both in one loop.
General Sudirman monument, Pakis Baru (Nawangan)
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Car north-east from town
A guerrilla-war site with a replica house, open roughly 07:00–17:00. Only worth it if you are already heading north.A guerrilla-war site with a replica house, open roughly 7:00 AM–5:00 PM. Only worth it if you are already heading north.
Ponorogo
overnightDoor to door: About 3 h
Car or bus north via Nawangan or Baturetno
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep one night and continue to Solo or Yogyakarta.
Trenggalek
goDoor to door: About 2 h
Car east along the coast road via Soge Beach
Stop at Soge Beach on the way; the road is slow but scenic.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Pacitan town (Krajan, around Jl. Ahmad Yani and Jl. Gatot Subroto)
Guesthouses, warungs and the bus terminal; 10–15 min by scooter to Teleng Ria and Pancer beaches. Best for a first night and for ATM and pharmacy access.
Watu Karung and Ketro (Pringkuku)
Surf stays and small resorts a few minutes' walk from the break; about 45–60 min by road from town. Book ahead in the May–Sep swell season.
Klayar and Donorojo (west coast)
Quiet beach guesthouses near Klayar and Banyu Tibo; furthest from town, so a scooter is essential.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- Rp350,000–600,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- Rp600,000–1,200,000 excl. bed
- High
- Rp1,200,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, town guesthouse or hotel1 × 3 nights × Rp400,000 | Rp1,200,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × Rp700,000 | Rp4,200,000 |
| Scooter rental, one day2 × Rp75,000 | Rp150,000 |
| Car with driver, one day1 × Rp600,000 | Rp600,000 |
| Cave and beach entry tickets, one day2 × Rp60,000 | Rp120,000 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × Rp150,000 | Rp300,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | Rp657,000 |
| Trip total≈ Rp1,205,000 per person per day, bed included | Rp7,227,000≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in rupiah; long-distance transport to Pacitan excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a warung | Rp5,000–15,000 |
| Soto Pacitan or nasi campur | Rp15,000–35,000 |
| Bottled water, 1.5 L | Rp5,000–10,000 |
| Scooter rental, one day | Rp70,000–100,000 |
| Car with driver, one day | Rp500,000–750,000 |
| Cave or beach entry ticket | Rp10,000–30,000 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | Rp100,000–200,000 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No ride-hailing coverage outside Pacitan town; arrange your driver the night before.
- South-coast beaches have strong rips and no lifeguards — most are for looking at, not swimming.
- Cave floors and stairs are wet and slippery; bring a torch and wear shoes with grip.
- Scooter riders: police check licences on the main roads; an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle endorsement is the safe option.
- ATMs are limited outside town; carry cash for cave tickets, parking and warungs.
Emergency numbers
- General emergency (Indonesia)
- 112
- Police
- 110
- Ambulance
- 118
- Fire
- 113
Pocket card
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PacitanPacitan
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Ke alamat ini, yaTo this address, please
Emergency
- General emergency112
- Police110
- Ambulance118
- Fire113
Embassy
No embassies in Pacitan; the US consulate-general is in Surabaya, and most other countries keep embassies in Jakarta. Consular help for the region is handled from Surabaya or Jakarta.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Scooter rental, one day: Rp70,000–100,000
- Car with driver, one day: Rp500,000–750,000
- Pacitan town → Watu Karung by car: about 45–60 min
Say or show
- Permisi / Maaf — Excuse me / Sorry (per-mee-see / ma-af)
- Terima kasih — Thank you (te-ree-ma ka-see)
- Berapa harganya? — How much is it? (be-ra-pa har-ga-nya)
- Bisa bayar pakai kartu? — Can I pay by card? (bee-sa ba-yar pa-kai kar-too)
- Di mana toiletnya? — Where is the toilet? (dee ma-na toy-let-nya)
- Saya mau sewa motor — I want to rent a motorbike (sa-ya mau se-wa mo-tor)
Telephone area code 0357. Most travellers arrive by private car or bus; there is no airport in the regency.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Pacitan. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep (dry season, offshore winds on the south coast) · avoid Dec–Mar (heavy rain, rough seas, some beach roads flood) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YIA and SOC: last-leg drive times field-checked, driver fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Pacitan town, Teleng Ria and Pancer, the cave belt (Gong, Tabuhan, Putri), Watu Karung and Ketro.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Gong Cave, Tabuhan Cave, Klayar, Watu Karung) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wet-season and hostile-arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.