West Java Province Off The Beaten Path

  ITB Bandung south gate early afternoon
by ullfri49
 
  • ITB Bandung south gate early afternoon
      ITB Bandung south gate early afternoon
    by ullfri49
  • ITB Bandung, south gate-outside at early afternoon
      ITB Bandung, south gate-outside at early...
    by ullfri49
  • dUTCH ARCchitecture heritage-Cipaganti Bandung
      dUTCH ARCchitecture heritage-Cipaganti...
    by meiyergani
  • Dutch architecture Taman Sari street Bandung
      Dutch architecture Taman Sari street...
    by meiyergani
  • Astronautic Obervatory Bosscha, Lembang Bandung
      Astronautic Obervatory Bosscha, Lembang...
    by meiyergani
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Leuweung Sancang Nature Reserve

by theo1006

Leuweung Sancang Nature Reserve is on the map, but almost ignored. Walking around you share the forest and the coast only with a few locals. The reserve is of interest to botanists (the Kayu Kaboa tree can be found here only) as well as to animal spotters (banteng, gibbons, iguanas, peacocks and more). But as usual you need luck and patience to see the animals. Locals told us that a few foreigners come to Leuweung Sancang beach for surfing.The closest accommodation is at Pameungpeuk, an hour's drive to the west, see our accommodation tips. To find the reserve drive east from Pameungpeuk until the road swerves inland to a bridge. Before the bend there is on your right a porch saying "Pantai Cijeruk Indah". Enter the forest through this porch, the road has recently been upgraded. Drive a few hundred meter until you reach the hamlet with the Forest Guard office (pos Polisi Hutan). We were...

Tip Photo
Karang Paranje beach

by theo1006

Unique features of Karang Paranje beach are the rock formation after which it is named, and the estuary of Ci Baregbeg river forming a lake which is safe even for poor swimmers. East and west of the rock there is good sandy beach for more experienced swimmers.Karang Paranje means something like 'cock cage rock'. The story goes that a certain princess was to marry the winner of a tournament. When the contestant with the ugliest face came out as winner, the princess ran away and hid behind the rock. However, she had taken her favourite cock with her and was eventually found out because of the cock's crowing.Government data would indicate that the beach attracts about 9000 domestic visitors yearly, but on weekdays you will not find any. We happened to run into a tourism official of Garut regency, who enthousiastically showed us around - admitting that the site needs some investment (there...

Tip Photo
Kampung Dukuh, a traditional village

by theo1006

Hidden in the southern hills of West-Java lies this little village that rejects all amenities of modern life. No electricity here, thus no TV or mobile phone. No houses built of brick and tiles, not even glass. No kitchen utensils of metal or plastic.Instead the people use natural, organic materials for all their needs. Their philosophy of life is based on the teachings of the sufist Mazhab Imam Syafii, which value harmony in society uppermost. And anything tending to luxury or technological advances is seen as disturbing this harmony.The village consists of just 40 houses and a mosque within a simple bamboo fence. There are several houses ouside the fence, even one of brick! These are not part of the community.As may be expected there are no facilities for tourists, but visitors are welcome. You even are invited to stay over and participate in the life of the village. Just report to the...

Tip Photo
Rancabuaya beach

by theo1006

Rancabuaya is a remote beach due south of Bandung. It took us almost five hours to get there from Bandung, because the winding mountain road had suffered from the first heavy rain of the season. The beach is not suitable for swimming. Yet, according to the Garut regency government website, in 2007 Rancabuaya beach attracted 25,000 domestic tourists and 14 (!) foreign tourists. Likely the majority of the domestic tourists come here during Lebaran and Christmas holiday seasons, when the village must be crowded. We were there on a weekday, when no other visitors were in sight (not counting a group of officials who had commandeered all the food in the best warung).Not a bad place, however, to see life in a fishermen's village. And for us a starting point driving east to Pameungpeuk.Directions: Approach from Garut via Bungbulang may be blocked in the rainy season due to landslides. We came...

Tip Photo
Gunung Geder beach

by theo1006

You find rocks at much of West-Java's south coast, but near Pameungpeuk there are long stretches of sandy beach, suitable for swimming. Athough you do this at your own risk, as there are no lifeguards.On of the best beaches is Gunung Geder beach, about 9 km west of Pameungpeuk. The beach is quiet and clean, but exposed so you may want to bring something to provide a little shade.We found the access road closed by a pole, but a man came running from across the street to open it and collect a voluntary contribution (no paper tickets). Once past the gate a road straight on leads to a lookout on Gunung Geder hill. For the beach it is best to turn right immediately past the gate, although there is also a steep path down the hill to the beach. A small river, Ci Seundeuhan, reaches the sea just east of the hill.The beach was deserted except for two women gathering driftwood and a lone fisherman...

Tip Photo
Cicadas river falls

by theo1006

7 km east of Sindangkerta beach the coastal road crosses one of the bigger rivers, Ci Langla. It's contributaries have several waterfalls. The easiest to reach of these are the Ci Cadas river falls. There are two of them, Curug Caringin in the minor arm Ci Cadas river and Curug Dengdeng in the major arm.The water is not clear yet clean to swim in, as there are no upstream settlements to contaminate it. That is, if you are a good swimmer, because the pool below the major fall is said to be 8 m deep!Directions: To reach the falls take the narrow asphalt road north at 600 m west of the Ci Langla bridge. After 3 km the road is paved only with rocks. At the highest point in the road, about 4 km from the coastal road, you have to leave your vehicle. From there walk about 1 km on the rock-paved road to the right. You reach a hamlet where someone will volunteer to guide you (our guide went by...

Tip Photo
Sea Turtles at Sindangkerta Beach

by theo1006

Once you got as far as Leuweung Sancang Reserve, another hour's drive takes you to Sindangkerta Beach, 4.5 km east of Cipatujah. Alternatively you may approach the beach from Tasikmalaya, a 75 km or two hours drive to Cipatujah.Here is a recreational beach for locals, with some simple foodstalls. Ask for pak Yus (short for Yusliana), who is the local entertainer owning a keyboard (HP 081546951503). Early in the morning you can see sea turtles swimming near the rocky shore. We were invited to jump in the water and swim among them, but found the waves a bit too strong.3 km farther east (on the other side of Karanganyar village) is a walled stretch of beach where the turtles lay their eggs. You have to come on the right day at 8 pm: the turtles appear once in a fortnight. In order to further protect the eggs from human and other predators, they are dug up and then re-buried in a fenced...

Tip Photo
Krakatau Volcano Camp

by irma-setiono

Camping on the remains of the famous volcano that erupted in 1883 - one of the biggest eruption that ever happened.Climbing up the growing-still very much active volcano - the "Anak Krakatau" (child of Krakatau). The view from the top is amazing - all tiredness from walking the hot-deserted-sandy trail is dissappeared. it is really worth it doing it!Swimming/snorkeling around the area is also very amazing. The water is very clear and there are abundant fishes swimming around. You can also see some interesting coral reefs that have just started to grow up with the background of black volcano stones/sand. If you like diving - which unfortunately not yet my experience - my friends said that diving around the Krakatau is one of the most amazing diving trips they have done.My trip was arranged by Pak Irwan - the package includes the great meals (4 meals - L,D,B,L), tents & other camping...

Tip Photo
Unique Places in West Java Province

Top 3 Hotels in West Java Province

Four Seasons Resort Sayan Bali  Bali

 1 Review and 200 Opinions  the most beautiful hotel great views, spectacular cabins 

 Hotels in Bali

Sensa Hotel  Bandung

 1 Review and 61 Opinions  Right in the middle of Ciwalk. Plenty of shopping and food. If possible, avoid room 1106, but if... 

 Hotels in Bandung

Novotel Bogor  Bogor

 2 Reviews and 124 Opinions  This hotel is absolutely great for us, relaxing and we were enjoying much. Nice atmosphere with a... 

 Hotels in Bogor

416 Hotels in West Java Province
 
Explore the World
Travel Destinations
Travel Highlights

The Place

Reviews and photos of West Java Province attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for West Java Province sightseeing.

Experience West Java Province
Off The Beaten Path: Cities in West Java Province
  1. Bandung Off The Beaten Path
  2. Bogor Off The Beaten Path
  3. Cirebon Off The Beaten Path
  4. Pangandaran Off The Beaten Path
  5. Pelabuhanratu Off The Beaten Path
  6. Sukabumi Off The Beaten Path
  7. Garut Off The Beaten Path

More Cities in West Java Province

 

Questions and Answers

azami profile photo

Q:  hi, i'm flyin' off to Bandung in May '08 for 7 days vacation, i've heard about this hotel called Bukit Dago Hotel, can anyone... 

boocik04 profile photo

A: the primary advantage of the hotel is its location on Jalan ir. h. juanda or jalan dago, the heart of the city's uptown ‘dago heritage residential area'. the hotel... 

Read 2 Replies

postQuestion_button