Kahona Beach

Nearby dining options focus on authentic Indonesian flavors, particularly Padang cuisine. Rumah Makan Jaso Mande Bungus stands out for its 4.6-rated dishes like beef rendang and sambal, served in a casual, group-friendly setting. Rimba Ecolodge combines eco-conscious dining with Indonesian specialties, offering a unique forest-to-table experience near Muaro Duo Bay. For late-night eats, Warung Pical Lele Mbak Rosi serves crispy fried catfish until 4 AM, while RM Keluarga Bungus provides hearty breakfast nasi campur in a family-oriented atmosphere.

Seafood enthusiasts frequent Pondok Ikan Bakar Aru for grilled fish feasts accompanied by live music, though no specific website exists. Most spots emphasize Halal practices and affordable pricing (Rp 25K–50K), with wheelchair-accessible seating available at several locations like Kupi Batigo Teluk Buo.

Accommodations blend rustic charm with modern comforts. Ricky’s Beach House dominates with its 4.6-rated beachfront bungalows, inclusive meals, and conservation-focused activities like turtle releases. Guests consistently praise its communal bonfires and volunteer programs.

Nearby, Nyalo Beach Cottages (4.1 rating) offers simpler rooms 2.3 miles away, while Pesona Manjuto (4.5 rating) provides a hybrid lodge-restaurant experience. Rimba Ecolodge’s eco-friendly homestay appeals to sustainability-minded travelers, though detailed amenities aren't fully documented. Most properties emphasize open-air designs, with Ricky’s featuring pet-friendly policies and kitchen-equipped rooms.

Basic facilities include public restrooms and freshwater showers near main beach access points. Rental equipment remains limited, though some hotels offer snorkeling gear. Picnic areas with bamboo shelters dot the shoreline, ideal for family gatherings. Recent visitors note well-maintained pathways but recommend bringing essentials like sunscreen and insect repellent.

Beachfront warungs (small stalls) sell bottled water and light snacks, while Rimba Ecolodge provides binoculars for birdwatching. No formal lifeguard services exist, necessitating caution when swimming.

Swimming and snorkeling are popular in calm waters near the river mouth, with occasional turtle sightings at sunrise. Kayaking along the Pinang River offers mangrove exploration, while beachcombing reveals unique shells and driftwood. Volleyball nets appear intermittently during peak seasons.

Cultural activities dominate evenings, including fishing village visits and traditional dance performances. Ricky’s Beach House organizes guided island-hopping trips to nearby coral reefs, highly rated for their intimate group sizes.

Wheelchair-accessible gravel paths connect main beach areas to parking zones, though sand mobility remains challenging. Select restaurants like Kupi Batigo Teluk Buo and RM Keluarga Bungus offer ramps and adapted restrooms. Ricky’s Beach House provides ground-floor bungalows with wide doorways.

Manual wheelchair rentals are occasionally available through hotels, but advance requests are recommended. Tidal flat areas near the river mouth prove most navigable for mobility aids during low tide.

Free dirt lots and street parking are available within 200 meters of the main beach entrance. Ricky’s Beach House guests enjoy dedicated parking, while overflow areas near Rumah Makan Jaso Mande Bungus accommodate larger vehicles. No parking fees apply, but spaces fill quickly during weekends.

Motorcycle parking dots access paths to the shore, with local attendants assisting during busy periods. Limited lighting after dusk necessitates early arrival for evening visits.

Local lore claims the beach’s name derives from a mythical kahuna (healer) who once resided here. Green turtles frequently nest on secluded northern stretches between June-August. The unique black-and-white striped lighthouse visible offshore is a 19th-century Dutch maritime relic.

During low tide, exposed tidal pools reveal neon-colored nudibranchs and octopuses. Fishermen here still employ traditional jermal bamboo fish traps, a technique unchanged for centuries.

The Pinang River estuary serves as a prime birdwatching spot, home to kingfishers and herons. A 30-minute hike inland leads to small waterfalls hidden in tropical foliage. Nearby Bungus Teluk Kabung village offers authentic Minangkabau architecture workshops.

For adventure seekers, guided ATV tours traverse coastal trails connecting to neighboring beaches. Historical Japanese WWII tunnels, though minimally marked, attract history buffs willing to explore with local guides.