Tulungagung Travel Guide

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Wonorejo barrier is a recent addition to Java's water management infrastructure. It was inaugurated in 2001 after 19 years of construction. It is a massive dam across a relatively narrow valley. Upstream of the dam a deep lake has formed suitable for all kind of water sports. Swimming is not encouraged though, 'because we have no supervision'. So you swim at your own risk. And for water-skying you would have to bring your own gear.

Although not high (the dam reaches 188 m above sea level), the climate is relatively cool. Approaching the dam there are some fine views. Accommodation is available, both luxury and budget, see Tulungagung hotel tips. The recreation area is well managed by the government-owned company Jasa Tirta I. Entrance fee: Rp 3000 per person, Rp 2000 per car.

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The name Selomangleng can be translated as 'hanging rock' (selo = rock, mangleng = hanging). There are two caves of this name dating from the Majapahit era, one is near Kediri, the other one is located south of Tulungagung.
The Tulungagung cave comsists of one chamber hewn out of a single big rock. On the lintel is a symbol we could not quite figure out.
The most striking feature of the cave are the reliefs on the inner walls. They depict the story Arjunawiwaha, i.e. Arjuna's marriage, which is also shown on Candi Jago near Malang.
This is an 11th century Javanese embellishment of the Hindu epos Mahabharata. The marriage - with seven heavenly maidens - comes at the very end of the story. First Arjuna is tested by the gods; while seeking spiritual strenght throug meditation he rejects the advances the maidens. Then god Indra seeks his assistance for killing the evil king Niwata Kawaca. As a reward for his successful aid, Arjuna is then allowed to marry the maidens.
It is supposed that these reliefs were meant to strengthen the resolve of people who came meditating here following the example of Arjuna.
On top of a hill about 1 km from the cave are the ruins of a temple, Candi Dadi, which we did not yet seek out. Another temple, Candi Sanggrahan, is easier to reach.
Address: Wajak Kidul village, Boyolangu district,
Directions: From Tulungagung - the crossing of the main Trenggalek-Blitar road and the road coming from Kediri- take the road south direction Popoh. At 5.4 km from that crossing the Popoh road turns right. Here go straight on for 700 m, park and walk south along a ditch. At a small shelter turn left.