Kepahiang Travel Guide

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Another area of awesome natural beauty in Bengkulu province, Tebat Monok is a traditional village and also a nature conservation surrounded by mountains on all sides and rich with traditional Rejang culture. It is also home to endangered species such as, honey bear, Rafflesia arnoldii, the world’s largest flower, and Amorphophallus titanium (locally known as bunga Kibut), the world’s tallest flower. The village is at 800-900 m above sea level, the best way to explore the village is on foot. The air is cool and clean, and the locals are hospitable.

Besides natural beauty, Tebat Monok also offers some great do-it-yourself trekking opportunities where you can explore the fresh and clean outdoors and meet hospitable locals, and stunning sunrises. You could also day-trip here for some hiking through forests/coffee plantations and a local lunch. There aren’t any real restaurants in Tebat Monok and most visitors end up having meals and drinks in warung (simple food stall). Basic supplies are available in local shops.

Tebat Monok is about 48 km (30 miles) from Bengkulu and can be reached on day trips from Bengkulu or Kepahiang. Simply take a public transport (Rp. 10,000) to Tebat Monok from Terminal Nakau in Bengkulu or rent a Kijang. Ready to go?????

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Travelers with a taste for tasty Javanese bakso (meatball soup) should head to Bakso Arema Cak Brewok on Jl. Air Rambai – Kepahiang. Warung bakso Arema Cak Brewok is simple, clean, serving excellent eastern Javanese meatball soup, cold soft drinks and icy fresh fruit juices locally known as “es juice” (Rp. 6,000). A bowl of bakso cost Rp. 9,000.

According to many serious bakso fans, bakso Cak Brewok is considered the best bakso in town. It has a reputation for serving tasty bakso better than anyone else in Kepahiang. As this place is often packed with bakso fans, the food is cooked and eaten quite quickly and is not reheated. Come and try some!!!

Favorite Dish: I love the bakso with crispy fried bakso, it only can be found in Bakso Arema Cak Brewok and its official branches in Bengkulu province.

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The common Indonesian means of transport such as angkot (public city transport), ojek (motorcycle riders who take passengers), and becak (pedicab) are available in many places in Kepahiang. Most angkots serve a standard route, picking up and dropping off people anywhere along the route, angkot fare is Rp. 2,000 per person. You can find Ojeks at Kepahiang bus station, traditional markets, and around crossroads. An ojek can take you around the town, or can take you where no other public transport exists. The base rate for an ojek is Rp. 3,000 per person for a short distance. Becaks (pedicab) serve a short distance only and they can be found at around the back streets, becak fare is Rp. 2,000 – Rp.4,000.

It is wise to ask someone, such as your hotel employee or the locals, about the normal fare before you get on any local transport, otherwise see how much the other passengers pay and offer the exact fare.

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Driving inland from Central Bengkulu region, you gradually leave the humid villages behind and ascend into the cool, damp hill villages around Kepahiang County, and then you will see a village (right before the city of Kepahiang) with tens of simple roadside fruit stalls.

What to buy: For tropical fruit and vegetable lovers, this village is a good place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables with O.K prices. Typical Indonesian fruits and vegetables such as pineapple, banana, mango, papaya, pumpkin, bengkoang (jicama/ yam bean), avocado, cassava, sweet potato, cucumber, water apple, tomato, etc are could be found here.

What to pay: Prices are les than US $1.

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Luggage and bags: Locks for your luggage to protect your important item & travel documents from theft. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: In Kepahiang and in most part of Bengkulu province, the wet season falls from October to April, the wettest months are January and February that can make travel more difficult. The weather in Kepahiang and the villages around Kepahiang is cool and less humid. On January to February rains can come in sudden tropical downpours, and or it can also rain nonstop for a whole day. Bring plenty of socks to wear while wearing shoes, folding umbrella, a light waterproof rain jacket (heavy plastic raincoat might be too warm for the humid tropics), long pants and/or jeans, shorts, T-shirts, flip flops.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: First Aid Kit, anti Malarial tablets, analgesic pills, Antihistamine pills for any allergic reactions, toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper for the eventual emergency, and anti-bacterial gel for use afterwards.

Photo Equipment: Bring extra batteries and SD cards, in case you go someplace where you can’t buy replacement stocks. Zip locks bags for use in protecting your camera equipment, travel documents, etc. It’s good to bring a transformer or adapter if your devices don’t play nice with the local electricity.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Flashlight, mosquito repellent, pack at least two bottles of water per day.