Mekaki Beach

I camped here a few years ago, and it was one of the best beaches I've ever visited. Unfortunately, security measures, military presence, and some development have ruined the area. Access to the beach is now restricted, and they won't let you in.

A year later, I attempted to visit Mekaki Beach again. Security is still present, but they allowed me entry with a local guide. After a pleasant conversation and a cigarette, they permitted me to join a group of locals who had just arrived to see the beach. Mekaki Beach is spectacular! It's very wide, clean, and has strong waves, so swimming is not advisable. After a long ride, I discovered that the beach is closed due to a development project. The security personnel instructed me to turn back.

Great view from a high vantage point in the mountains, but security and army personnel were blocking access to the beach. They wouldn't let us pass the barricade, stating that the beach was closed for construction.

I first arrived at Mekaki Beach by motorcycle in 2014, navigating an incredibly challenging track that started at Solodong. Nowadays, there's a new road, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. Mekaki Beach remains wild and almost deserted. However, exercise caution because a) the sea is very rough and b) during my last visit in 2019, some young kids attempted to steal my friend's motorcycle even though we were only 100 meters away. I'm not exaggerating. I chased them, but they vanished into the scrub. Unfortunately, they damaged the ignition switch, so the key wouldn't turn anymore, and we had to hotwire the bike to get it started. It left a bitter taste in my mouth. Despite this, I will always return to this beach. It is a true gem.

This remains my favorite beach. It's still not crowded and almost untouched by civilization, which is quite rare these days. The untouched nature of the beach is both a blessing and a drawback, as there are many bushes, thorns, and dried coconut shells. There's no internet access here, and even phone signals are hard to come by. Additionally, there's virtually no security, so if you encounter any trouble, it could be disastrous if you're alone. I recommend coming here with at least two friends and driving a car. While it's possible to reach the beach by motorbike, it's not advisable. It's best to leave before sunset since there is no road lighting for a few kilometers. As of March 2020, the road lighting is still under construction, so we can expect improvements soon. Until then, I suggest leaving early to avoid the pitch darkness and the risk of getting mugged. There are rumors of muggings in the area, although I have never experienced any issues during my visits. Please be mindful of your trash and keep the beach clean. It's already rare to find such a pristine beach, so let's not ruin it. For my fellow Indonesians, please don't litter! Batur Sekotong is still beautiful, and there are no local or foreign tourist muggings here, so let's keep it that way.