Reggae Country Bar
Barefoot reggae hideout in the Zanderij bush, minutes from the airport
Why Go
Fifteen minutes off the runway at Johan Adolf Pengel, the asphalt gives way to red laterite and the air starts to smell like woodsmoke and jerk seasoning. Follow Joris Klasweg until you hear bass drifting out of the trees ΓÇö that's Reggae Country, a shaggy, self-built bar and eco-hangout where the beers are cold, the sound system is loud, and nobody's in a hurry to see you leave.
The Experience
This isn't a polished lounge; it's a passion project stitched together from reclaimed timber, hammocks, and a lot of Bob Marley. Owners Dwight and Anita run the place like a backyard party that never ends ΓÇö a shaded bar under a pitched palm roof, picnic tables scattered across the sand, a small swim lake, farm animals wandering past, and Rasta colors painted onto anything that stands still. Locals from the surrounding Para villages roll in on scooters, layover travelers wander over from the airport hotels, and by sunset everyone is sharing tables while roots reggae and dancehall roll off the speakers. On event nights live bands take over the clearing and the whole property turns into an open-air dance floor under the stars.
What to Try
Order a cold Parbo (the local lager) or a rum punch built with Borgoe and fresh passion fruit, then graze on whatever Anita is cooking that day ΓÇö usually Surinamese-Creole plates like moksi meti with rice, roti with kip, or a smoky jerk-style chicken pulled straight off the outdoor grill. Ask about produce from the on-site garden; a lot of the herbs and greens on your plate were picked that morning. Save room for a slice of homemade cassava cake with your after-dinner coffee.
Insider Tip
Message ahead on WhatsApp before you drive out, especially midweek ΓÇö the kitchen fires up around what's ordered, and if you give them a few hours' notice they'll prep a proper spread and even organize a live reggae set. If you're on a long layover at PBM, they'll happily send someone to collect you at the terminal; it beats sitting in Arrivals for six hours.
The Practical Stuff
Joris Klasweg, Zanderij, roughly 2 to 3 km from Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (about a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk in daylight). Cash in SRD is king; small USD or EUR notes are usually accepted but don't count on card. Bring mosquito repellent ΓÇö you're in the bush ΓÇö and a swimsuit if you want to cool off in the lake. Open daily into the evening, but hours flex with the crowd; late nights when there's live music, earlier close on quiet weeknights.
Pair It With
- 101 Suites Guide — The most comfortable bed within walking distance ΓÇö perfect if the Parbo and the reggae outlast your energy for a taxi back to Paramaribo.
- Aanansi ATV Tours Guide — Spend the morning ripping through Para district trails on a quad, then cool off at Reggae Country with a rum punch and a plate of jerk chicken.
- 597SpeedUp Watertubing Guide — A high-adrenaline river day nearby pairs beautifully with an evening of hammocks, roots reggae, and a slow-cooked dinner under the palms.
- 4x4xJankie Guide — Rent a 4x4 to reach Jodensavanne or Brownsberg from Zanderij, and end the day with sunset drinks back at the bar.