Feeling too late to choose a destination for the long weekends? But too bored to just stay in Jakarta and still want a holiday trip?
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Don’t worry, you can visit these 5 areas in West Java which are ready to be your short holiday spot with their own unique excitements. Read this article and have a wonderful short trip to West Java!
1. Pangandaran
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Chilling while slurping coconut ice on the seashore of Pangandaran Beach, Ciamis Regency, can be a tranquilizing moment for your holiday. Not only that, you can do a lot of beach activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, boat cruising, fishing, or just strolling around with a bicycle. You should note that every June or July, there will be Pangandaran International Kite Festival here. Indonesia should also be proud because we have our own Green Canyon in Pangandaran, which is known as Cukang Taneuh by the locals. Located in Kertayasa Village, Cilujang Sub-district, Ciamis Regency. Prepare your camera to capture the beauty of nature when tracking down the river, surrounded by natural stones.
2. Sukabumi
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If you want to pump your adrenaline, go rafting at Citarik Valley, Cikidang Sub-district, Sukabumi Regency, West Java. This river already meets the standard of the International Rafting Federation (IRF). Of course, it’s because this rafting is in grade IV which is thrilling enough. Sukabumi also has the Citatih River with its more rapid stream, wider river, and longer track.
For you who love to hike, Kawah Ratu which is located on the slope of Gunung Salak can also be an interesting alternative. You can also have cultural recreation at Ciptagelar Village in Cisolok Sub-district, Sukabumi, which is also should be on your list. Because this village is already been there for 650 years with their hereditary custom!
A natural park of old stones which is known as the name Geopark Ciletuh is also one of the favorite natural sites in Sukabumi that is already confirmed as a National Geopark by UNESCO. Not only the captivating natural stones' beauty, but you can also amaze your eyes with the 10 mountain waterfalls here. Sounds refreshing, right?
3. Garut
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Besides being known for the dodol snacks, Garut also has natural recreation spots that are loved by tourists. One of them is Kampung Sampireun Resort & Spa, which brings the beautiful atmosphere of Sundanese village. Located in Ciparay, Sukakarya Village, Garut Regency, West Java, this three-star resort that stood on 3.6 hectares of land has 22 units of bungalows and 20 villas you can choose from with the price starting from 2 to 6.5 million rupiahs.
The bungalow is designed as a Sundanese traditional house (a stage house known as rumah panggung in Indonesia) and built on a lake. Wake up in the morning and seeing the lake panorama when opening your front door will be blessed, right? Or strolling around the lake in the canoe will give you a refreshing breeze. No wonder this place is often the most favorite holiday or honeymoon destination. Traditional entertainment such as angklungan or kecapi suling (Sundanese traditional music performance) and jaipongan (Sundanese traditional dance performance) will be ready to cheer you.
Garut also has Situ Bagendit Lake which is known to still good condition. Where you can enjoy the fresh air on a boat, water bicycle, or Situ Bagendit’s signature raft. It really suits you who dream of a picnic beside the lake. Shopping for leather fashion such as jackets or bags in Sukaregang Village the center of the leather industry in Garut is also an interesting choice, right?
Nasi Liwet Pak Asep Stroberi one of the branches is located on Jl. Raya Kadung Kanora No. 245, Garut, is a must-try culinary destination too. Taste the delicacy of the Sundanese dish by Mr. Asep and the freshness of the strawberries, in a saung (Sundanese traditional hut) with the panorama of paddy fields and rivers. Such a nice getaway!
4. Tasikmalaya
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A town that is located 106 km from the eastern of Bandung City is secretly having its various amusing travel destinations. If you want to shop for handicrafts, you can shop in Rajapolah Village, the heaven of webbing handicraft creation. From bags, hats, wallets, sandals, and souvenirs you can buy at a super-friendly price. You can also get to know the culture of Kampoeng Naga, a village that still brings the Sundanese hereditary customs since the first generation.
Imagine the enjoyment of being familiar with the locals and learning about their culture. It’s a social pleasure! Tasikmalaya also has Galunggung Mountain, where you can spoil your eyes with natural sceneries such as a lake, hot water springs, and a swimming pool. Situ Gede Lake in 47 hectares area will also be your choice of recreation spots. They have a jogging track, fishing area, and boat cruising facility to stroll the lake.
5. Cirebon
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If you plan to visit Cirebon, you have to try their culinary destinations such as Nasi Jamblang and Empal Gentong! Nasi Jamblang (Jamblang rice) is a rice in adult fist sized wrapped in a teak leaf, served with a variety of side dishes you can choose from, from sambal goreng ati, sate kentang, salted fish, paru, Indonesian omelet, fried tempeh or tofu, and balakutak. Balakutak is a sea creature similar to squid but cooked with ink. Be ready with the black ink stain on your lips or tongue!
For Empal Gentong, the favorite one in Cirebon is the Empal Gentong Bu Darma located at Jl. Slamet Riyadi, Krucuk, No. 1. For you who like historical recreation, Cirebon has Keraton Kasepuhan, which is the most pretentious palace in Cirebon, located at Jl. Jagasatru, Cirebon. You will see the cultural blending of Javanese, Sundanese, Chinese, Indian, Arabian, and European at this palace building. For those who want a romantic getaway with their loved ones, Bukit Gronggong is known as the most romantic place in Cirebon. Your dinner will be more special by seeing Cirebon city lights scenery from the top of the hill.