Banten province lies at the western end of the island of Java. Prior to 2000, it was part of West Java province. Now a quiet yet fascinating town, Banten port on the north coast was once the most important in the whole of Southeast Asia. The province has a toll road running through it from Jakarta to Merak port (for access to Sumatra island) but train services are infrequent and incredibly slow. To get to Serang, Banten’s provincial capital, take a bus from Kalideres in West Jakarta or, better still, hire a vehicle and/or driver. There are plenty of angkot routes connecting Serang and neighbouring towns.

Halimun is one of the wildest forest peaks in Java, the twin peaks of Karang and Pulosari are popular hiking destinations for local students from the nearby town of Pandeglang and Raksa on remote Panaitan island is home to one of the oldest Hindu statues in Indonesia.

A Selection of Photos of Banten’s Ribus

Approaching Pulosari crater (Daniel Quinn, May 2010) Approaching Pulosari crater (Daniel Quinn, May 2010)

Looking over to Gunung Aseupan from Pulosari (Daniel Quinn, May 2010) Looking over to Gunung Aseupan from Pulosari (Daniel Quinn, May 2010)

Karang as seen from the top of nearby Gunung Pulosari (Daniel Quinn, May 2010) Karang as seen from the top of nearby Gunung Pulosari (Daniel Quinn, May 2010)

View from near the top of Gunung Talaga, Halimun – Gunung Salak in the distance to the east (Daniel Quinn, February 2011) View from near the top of Gunung Talaga, Halimun – Gunung Salak in the distance to the east (Daniel Quinn, February 2011)

Map of Banten’s Ribus

 Download these peaks as a kml file.

Statistics and Links to Banten’s Ribus

Name	Elevation	Prominence	Ribu Category	Island	Bagging Info
Halimun (North)	1,929 m	938 m	Spesial	Java
Karang	1,778 m	1,705 m	Kurang Tinggi	Java
Pulosari	1,346 m	890 m	Spesial	Java
Raksa	329 m	329 m	Spesial	Panaitan