Lake Tasikardi

A. Brief Information
The word “tasikardi” is derived from two Sundanese words; “tasik” (lake) and “kardi” (artificial). According to a historical record, Lake Tasikardi was made by Panembahan Maulana Yusuf, the second sultan of Banten Kingdom, during 1570 - 1580 A.D. Its bottom part, according to the record, was covered with bricks; thus was named tasikardi, referring to an artificial lake. This five-hectare-wide lake was made as a tribute to the ruling sultan of Banten Kingdom. In the past, the lake was the place for the sultan to spend his leisure time along with his family.

Situ Kardi, just another name for Lake Tasikardi, is the reservoir of the water flowing from the Cibanten River. The lake, in the past, functioned to supply the water for the royal family of Surosowan Palace and the surrounding farming lands as irrigation. The water from the lake was flowed to the palace through a 2 – 40-centimetres-diameter pipe that was made of clay. The water had to pass the filtering process before being used by the royal family of Surosowan Palace; Red, White, and Golden filtering processes.

Recently, Lake Tasikardi, along with the Great Mosque of Banten Province, Surosowon Palace, Kaibon Palace, Pasar Lama Serang, Speelwijk Fortress, and Avalokitesvara Buddhist Monastery, are under the management of the Banten Lama historical site. Those historical buildings are the witnesses to the glory of Banten Kingdom in the past. Likewise, it becomes one of the worth visiting historical destinations; a right place for you who are interested in the history.

B. Distinctive Features
Having a visit to Lake Tasikardi, you will experience two travelling sensations; historical tourism in the Banten Lama site and nature tourism on Lake Tasikardi. The lake’s existence is evidence to Banten Kingdom’s advanced civilization, especially in agricultural sector.

The leafy trees and the green scenery of the wide rice fields around the lake is another feature that may attract you to spend leisure time with the family during holidays and weekend. Here you can feel the fresh air and watch the turquoise lake water while sitting beneath the available shelters or leaning upon the leafy trees. For you who love fishing so much, Lake Tasikardi is the right place to meet that hobby. Also, Lake Tasikardi is the best camp ground in the province of Banten..

To improve your vacation more comfortable, you can take a visit to a 1936 square-metres island located 200 km away from the edge of Lake Tasikardi. You may take a rented boat to reach the island. You can find the remaining traces of Banten Kingdom such as a water reservoir, a pendopo (royal palace hall), and a royal bathing place for the sultan and his family. In addition, taking a sunset/sunrise view from this island will surely become an unforgettable moment, special for you.

C. Location
Lake Tasikardi is located at Margasana Village, Kramatwatu Sub-district, Serang District, Banten Province, Indonesia.

D. Access
Accessing the location from Serang City, the capital of Banten Province, you can take any public transport leading to Kramatwatu. Lake Tasikardi is located west of Serang City and south east of Surosowan Palace. The location is about six km away from Serang City and three km away from Surosowan Palace.

E. Ticket Price
To enter Lake Tasikardi, you only need to pay IDR Rp.2.500 per person (last updated in July 2007).

F. Accommodation and other Facilities
Some supporting facilities have been provided for your comfortable visit in the location. There are parking areas, camp grounds, souvenir shops, shelters and restaurants. For you who want to look around the beauty of surrounding area, you can rent motorized boats that are provided by the lake management. Likewise, for fishing lovers, there is a fishing equipment shop nearby Lake Tasikardi.