Merak

[[file:Banner ship Merak.jpg|1280px]]

Merak (or officially Pulo Merak) is a town and seaport on the northwestern tip of the island of Java, in Banten province in Indonesia. While the town is relatively small, it is well known for its seaport, from where passenger ferries and cargo ships depart to the island of Sumatra on the other side of the Sunda Strait.

Merak Halal Explorer

Pulo Merak is a neighborhood in the north of the city of Cilegon. Pulo means river bank, while merak means green peafowl. This endangered bird species does not live here anymore, but is still in the Ujung Kulon National Park about 150 kilometers to the south. Pulo Merak is usually simply called Merak. Because of its seaport, and for being the western terminus of the Trans-Java toll road, Merak is well known in Indonesia, and especially in Java. Apart from the port, Merak also has some tourist attractions, such as beaches and mountains.

Travel to Merak

By ferry

Pelabuhan Merak Port of Merak - The port of Merak.

The Merak ferry port GPS -5.93135,105.99655 is the reason for the significance of Merak. There is a highly frequent ferry route between Merak and the port of Bakauheni in the province of Lampung on the island of Sumatra, on the other side of the Sunda Strait. The Merak-Bakauheni ferry line is the main form of transport to connect the 150 million people living on the island of Java, and the 50 million living on Sumatra. Because of this and the port of Merak is very busy, and due to the ageing ferry fleet and infrastructure and the port and ferry service can often not cope with the number of passengers and trucks that want to cross. Especially during holiday periods, waiting times are often long (several hours). Waiting times for trucks can be several days.

The Merak-Bakauheni ferry route is operated 24 hours per day, with on average one ferry departure per 12 minutes. The passage of the Sunda Strait takes about 2 hours. An adult ticket is Rp34,500, children 8,500. More expensive tickets are available for reserved seating in an air-conditioned compartment. Taking a vehicle on the ferry costs Rp543,000.

Rent a Car or Limousine in Merak

Merak is the western terminus of both the Trans-Java toll road and the original North Coast Road (known in Indonesia as Pantura), that leads all the way to the port of Ketapang near Banyuwangi, where the ferries to Bali depart, 1,316 kilometers to the east. Using the Jakarta-Merak toll road, Merak is about 100 kilometers west of Jakarta. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours if there are no traffic jams, but because of the usual traffic congestion regularly up to 3 hours.

Travel by train to Merak

Merak train station GPS -5.93016,105.9966 is in the port area, just 100 metres north of the ferry port. The station serves four trains per day to and from Jakarta, via Cilegon, Serang, and Rangkasbitung. By train and the trip from Jakarta to Merak takes about 4 hours, so in usual traffic conditions it is faster to take a bus. A one-way ticket in economy class is about Rp50,000.

By bus

The Merak integrated bus terminal GPS -5.9348,106.0009 (Terminal Terpadu Merak) is about 300 metres from the ferry port. It serves many intercity buses to destinations throughout Java, including all major bus terminals of Jakarta. In addition, many buses on the way from Sumatra to Java or vice versa, that cross the Sunda Strait by ferry, make a stop at the Merak bus terminal. There is also a direct bus from Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Merak via Serang and Cilegon, operated by DAMRI. During daytime, this bus runs once per hour. The drive from the airport to Merak takes about 3 hours, and the ticket price is Rp60,000.

How to get around in Merak

The main points of interest to travellers, i.e. the ferry port, train station, and bus terminal, are all within walking distance. There are also angkots (minivans) that operate on a fixed route through Merak, and to the city of Cilegon as well as the town of Salira to the north. Another option is to hire an ojek (motorcycle taxi).

What to see in Merak

Pulau Merak Besar Big Merak Island GPS -5.934,105.989 opposite the ferry port, 200 m off the coast No fixed price for the crossing by boat, but usually about Rp45,000 per person. 20 hectares island. The island can be visited by a short hop on a small boat, that departs not from the ferry port but from behind the policy station (Kantor Polsek Merak). On the island you cand find a protected forest with many monkeys, and white sand beaches. Of course the view includes the arrival and departure of many ferries. There are no facilities on the island. Pulau Merak Kecil Small Merak Island GPS -5.9419,105.9969 behind the police station, 200 m off the coast No fixed price for the crossing by boat, but usually about Rp30,000 per person. Much smaller island, but with a similar landscape. The beach of Pulau Merak Kecil is increasingly popular among local residents. No facilities are available on the island. The small boats depart from behind the police station (Kantor Polsek Merak).

Halal Restaurants in Merak

Restoran Simpang Raya Chain restaurant with Padang (West Sumatra-style) food.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Merak

Merak - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Merak, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Merak. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Merak and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Merak. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Merak. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMerak: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Merak.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Merak: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Merak, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Merak.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Merak, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Merak, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Merak and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Merak, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Merak, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Merak without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Merak is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Merak.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Merak is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Merak, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Merak Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Hotel Feri Merak - Jl. Raya Pelabuhan Merak, No. 30 GPS -5.94098,106.00205 ☎ +62 254 572 081 Double rooms from Rp450,000 per day. Simple hotel opposite the police station, not far from the ferry terminal.

Travel Next

• Sumatra — if you cross the Sunda Strait by ferry you will find yourself in Lampung province in southern Sumatra.
• Banten (town) | Banten — the old capital of the Banten sultanate, with several historic attractions.
• Anyer — the most famous beach on the western coast of Java, on the other side of the city of Cilegon.

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