If you are in East Java, and have ever heard of Red Island, or Pulau Merah as it is known locally, then you will also know that there are many other wonderful beaches in the area. One of these is the beautiful Pantai Wedi Ireng, which is one of the most picturesque beaches in the entire area. The problem is that it is not only difficult to get to, but it’s also hard to even find! In this article, I will go into detail about how you can get there yourself and enjoy a great day at the picture perfect Pantai Wedi Ireng.
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Table of Contents
- Where is Pantai Wedi Ireng?
- How to get to Pantai Wedi Ireng
- What to expect
- What to bring
- Where to stay
- What else is nearby
- Summary
Where is Pantai Wedi Ireng?
Pantai Wedi Ireng is located not too far from Pulau Merah. The problem is that this is only geographically, and actually getting there presents its own set of problems. I will go into details a little further along in this article as to the easiest way to find it for yourself.
On the map, you will find Pantai Wedi Ireng just to the west of Pulau Merah. It’s technically the next bay along, although not easy to get to via the coastline itself.
How to get to Pantai Wedi Ireng
The easiest way to get to Pantai Wedi Ireng is on a scooter. Start in Red Island (Pulau Merah) and follow Jalan Raya Pelabahan Pancer in a westward direction until you come to THIS location. Here, you will find a blue sign on the right hand side of the road pointing you toward Pantai Wedi Ireng.
Follow the road for a hundred meters or so, and once it turns to the left, you will then take the first right. Across a couple of small wooden bridges you follow the dusty road past a few sporadic homes until you get to THIS location, and a red sign on the right, pointing down to the left.
Follow this road until you reach the little warung in the picture below. Here, you can opt to park your scooter and do the rest of the trek on foot, or attempt to ride all the way in.
Park or hike?
Here is where I get real. Yes, you can ride in. Fishermen do it, as do plenty of locals. I’ve even seen a foreigner do it, although he actually stated to me that he regretted it!
The road isn’t easy, and if you end up having to abandon the scooter and walk the rest of the way, then it will be in the middle of nowhere and may not be there when you get back. Also, as you get closer to Pantai Wedi Ireng, the path enters jungle and there are some very steep and dodgy slopes to navigate. The path turns to clay, and if there is ANY rain at all it would become very very slippery on a scooter.
Personally, I opted to park at the warung. The walk in is about 4km in each direction. If you have decent footwear then it will be a breeze. Just grab some water from the warung and hit the trail.
Follow the signs
The walk in will begin as a straight forward trudge past fields of crops and the occasional sheep and goat. The road twists and turns a couple of times, and there is a lack of signs. Just follow the main road and use common sense.
Every now and then you will see a sign saying “Kiri” and pointing left. This sign is for YOU, and means you turn left. Likewise you will see a couple pointing straight and saying “Lurus”. Just continue on straight.
A couple of times you will actually see a sign saying Wedi Ireng, which is a relief because there were several times when I first hiked in that I thought I was surely lost! So just continue on the main path, passing by some really disheveled local houses, and eventually into a bit of jungle and finally to the beach itself.
What to expect
Pantai Wedi Ireng is an amazing little beach. Unless you are very unlucky, you are almost guaranteed to have it all to yourself as well.
The water here is calm and protected. The sand is white, and the views out across the small bay to the beautiful islands are stunning.
On the beach head itself, you will find some nice shady trees with small seats underneath. There are even a couple of small shelters to sit in, strategically placed for you to be able to admire the view.
At time of writing, there are now toilets at the beach, which was a great surprise considering how remote it is! There are a couple of small warungs as well, which is great if you do the trek in and are low on water, or simply want to spend the day there.
What to bring
Water! Especially if you are opting to trek in. But other than that, I would be making a list such as you would make for most beach excursions. Here is what I would take with me, and suggest you do too.
- Water – as I already covered
- Sunscreen – slap it on before you even start
- A good hat – for the same reason
- Good shoes – I have done the trek in sandals before, but don’t really recommend it. Especially if there might be some rain about.
- Rain protection – An umbrella or poncho can be handy at certain times of the year when a tropical shower might hit either at the beach or on the trek in
- Snacks – You might be able to get them at the beach, but best to be prepared in case you can’t. The warung at the start of the trail has a great selection
- Tip money – If you park your scooter at the warung and walk in, then give the lady a tip for babysitting your bike. It’s the least you can do.
- Towel – so you can swim and sunbathe
- Your Camera – Because you will want to be taking photos of this gorgeous beach!
Where to stay
To visit Pantai Wedi Ireng, then you will want to stay local. Red Island is a wonderful place to find some great digs, with home stays and guest houses everywhere! Here are a few of the best to choose from.
RED BEACH HOMESTAY
Basic homestay accommodation offset by an amazing host and wonderful, homely atmosphere. This place is only a short walk from the beach, with restaurants and supermarkets right on the doorstep.
MOJO SURF CAMP RED ISLAND
Basic rooms but made up for with a wonderful location where you can actually see the surf while having morning coffee. Being a surf camp, the instructors are great, and give you the full surf camp experience.
SHANUM HOMESTAY
Another cheap homestay with basic facilities but a wonderful host that will go out of his way to show you around, as well as give local recommendations. Great breakfast served in the owner’s warung.
What else is nearby
Pulau Merah, or Red Island is a great beach with some beautiful views. The surfing is extraordinary, and most of the time you will only have a few others to share the waves with. The food all around the area is great too, with many warungs and restaurants to choose from.
Further afield, head to Banyuwangi and take a night to hike the incredible Mount Ijen. If you don’t know much about it already, then check out THIS ARTICLE.
Summary
Pantai Wedi Ireng is a beautiful hidden beach in East Java. It takes a little work to find and get to, but is totally worth it! I rate it as one of the best beaches I have found in Indonesia.
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