Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Indonesia? Do you want to witness the power and beauty of nature in one of the most active volcanoes in the world? If yes, then you should visit Tangkuban Perahu, a stunning volcano that resembles an overturned boat. In this guide, we will explore the wonders of Tangkuban Perahu, from its history and legend to its activities and tips.
History and Legend
Tangkuban Perahu, which means “overturned boat” in Sundanese, is a stratovolcano that is located about 30 km north of Bandung, the capital city of West Java. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region, attracting millions of visitors every year.
The volcano has a fascinating origin story, involving a tragic love affair between a mother and a son. According to the legend, there was once a beautiful princess named Dayang Sumbi, who was granted eternal youth by the gods. She had a son named Sangkuriang, who grew up to be a handsome and brave young man. One day, Sangkuriang went hunting and accidentally killed his own father, who had been transformed into a dog by Dayang Sumbi. He then returned to his mother, who did not recognize him and fell in love with him.
Dayang Sumbi agreed to marry Sangkuriang, but on one condition: he had to build a lake and a boat in one night. Sangkuriang accepted the challenge and used his supernatural powers to summon the spirits of the earth and the sky. He was almost done with his task, when Dayang Sumbi realized that he was her long-lost son. She then prayed to the gods to make the sun rise sooner, which they did. Sangkuriang was furious when he saw the dawn, and he kicked the boat that he had built, turning it upside down. The boat then became the volcano that we know today as Tangkuban Perahu.
The legend of Sangkuriang and Dayang Sumbi is not only a captivating tale, but also a reflection of the culture and values of the Sundanese people. It shows their respect and admiration for nature, as well as their belief in the supernatural and the divine.
Tangkuban Perahu is not just a legend, but also a reality. The volcano is still active and has erupted several times in the past centuries. The most recent eruption was in 2019, which caused ash and smoke to rise up to 200 meters high. The volcano has three main craters, namely Ratu, Upas, and Domas, each with its own characteristics and attractions.
Things to Do
There is no shortage of things to do at Tangkuban Perahu, whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or education. Here are some of the activities that you can enjoy at the volcano:
Viewing the Craters:
The most obvious and popular thing to do at Tangkuban Perahu is to view the craters from the observation deck. You can marvel at the majestic and surreal landscape of the volcano, with its steaming vents, bubbling pools, and colorful minerals. You can also smell the sulfur and feel the heat from the earth. The largest and most accessible crater is Ratu, which means “queen” in Sundanese. It is about 1 km wide and 200 meters deep, and it offers the best views of the volcano. The other two craters, Upas and Domas, are smaller and less visited, but they are also worth checking out. Upas is about 500 meters from Ratu, and it has a circular shape and a greenish hue. Domas is about 1.5 km from Ratu, and it has a more active and lively atmosphere, with boiling mud and hot springs.
Hiking the Trails:
If you are feeling more adventurous, you can also hike the trails that surround the craters. You can explore the different aspects of the volcano, such as its flora, fauna, and geology. You can also enjoy the fresh air and the scenic views of the mountains and the valleys. The trails are of varying lengths and difficulties, so you can choose the one that suits your preference and ability. Some of the trails are: Ratu Crater Trail, which is a 3 km loop that takes you around the rim of the crater; Upas Crater Trail, which is a 2 km loop that takes you to the second crater; Domas Crater Trail, which is a 4 km loop that takes you to the third crater; and Cikole Trail, which is a 12 km loop that takes you through the pine forest and the tea plantation.
Relaxing at the Hot Springs:
After a long and tiring hike, you can also relax and rejuvenate at the hot springs that are located near the volcano. The hot springs are rich in minerals and have therapeutic effects on the skin and the muscles. You can soak in the warm and soothing water, while enjoying the natural surroundings and the local culture. Some of the hot springs that you can visit are: Sari Ater Hot Spring, which is a resort that offers various facilities and services, such as pools, cottages, restaurants, and spas; Ciater Hot Spring, which is a public hot spring that has several pools and slides, as well as a camping ground and a fishing pond; and Maribaya Hot Spring, which is a natural hot spring that has a rustic and authentic vibe, as well as a waterfall and a bamboo bridge.
How to Reach
Tangkuban Perahu is easily accessible from Bandung, the capital city of West Java. You can choose from different modes of transportation, depending on your budget, time, and convenience. Here are some of the options that you can consider:
By Car:
The fastest and most comfortable way to reach Tangkuban Perahu is by car. You can either rent a car or hire a driver from Bandung, and drive along the Lembang road. The journey takes about an hour, and the road is well-paved and scenic. You can also stop by some of the attractions along the way, such as the Floating Market, the Farmhouse, and the Begonia Garden. The entrance fee to the volcano is 200,000 IDR (about 14 USD) per person for foreigners, and 20,000 IDR (about 1.4 USD) per person for locals.
By Taxi:
Another convenient way to reach Tangkuban Perahu is by taxi. You can book a taxi from Bandung, and negotiate the price and the duration with the driver. The average cost is about 400,000 IDR (about 28 USD) for a round trip, and the duration is about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the traffic and the stops. You can also ask the driver to wait for you at the volcano, or to take you to other places nearby, such as the hot springs or the tea plantation.
By Bus:
The cheapest way to reach Tangkuban Perahu is by bus. You can take a bus from Bandung to Lembang, and then another bus from Lembang to Tangkuban Perahu. The bus fare is about 10,000 IDR (about 0.7 USD) per person for each leg, and the total journey takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the schedule and the traffic. The bus station in Bandung is located at Jalan Kebon Kawung, and the bus station in Lembang is located at Jalan Raya Lembang. The bus station in Tangkuban Perahu is located near the entrance gate of the volcano.
By Motorcycle:
A more adventurous way to reach Tangkuban Perahu is by motorcycle. You can rent a motorcycle from Bandung, and drive along the Lembang road. The rental fee is about 100,000 IDR (about 7 USD) per day, and the journey takes about an hour, depending on the speed and the traffic. You can also enjoy the freedom and the thrill of riding a motorcycle, as well as the flexibility and the convenience of stopping anywhere you want. The entrance fee to the volcano is the same as for cars, but you can also park your motorcycle for free at the parking lot near the observation deck.
Tips
To make the most of your visit to Tangkuban Perahu, here are some tips that you should keep in mind:
1. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as you will be walking and hiking a lot. You should also bring a jacket or a sweater, as the temperature can drop significantly at the volcano, especially in the morning and the evening.
2. Bring a mask or a scarf, as the sulfur and the dust can be irritating to the nose and the throat. You should also bring some water and snacks, as the food and drinks at the volcano can be expensive and limited.
3. Bargain with the vendors and the guides, as they tend to charge higher prices to foreigners. You can also avoid buying souvenirs and products that are made from the volcanic materials, as they are not environmentally friendly and may be harmful to your health.
4. Respect the nature and the culture, as Tangkuban Perahu is not only a tourist attraction, but also a sacred and a historical site. You should not litter, vandalize, or disturb the wildlife and the plants. You should also not enter the restricted areas or touch the hot springs, as they can be dangerous and disrespectful.
Tangkuban Perahu is more than just a volcano; it is a symbol of the culture, history, and nature of West Java. It offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors who want to witness the power and beauty of the earth, as well as the legend and the mystery of the overturned boat. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or education, you will find something to suit your taste and interest at Tangkuban Perahu.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Tangkuban Perahu today, and discover the wonders of Indonesia’s overturned boat volcano.
