World famous Pangandaran Beach in West Java is famous for its breathtaking green canyon. (Burufly Photo).
If you’re into activities that give you adrenaline rush, West Java is a perfect place for you. From surfing at Cimaja Beach, paragliding in Puncak, caving in Buniayu Cave, skydiving in Lido Lakes, hiking on Mount Gede to whitewater rafting in Citarik River, this province has everything you would want. Travel West Java to find out why.
You can find Cirebon on the northern tip of West Java. Cirebon is one of the biggest coastal towns along Java Sea that has an abundance of appeal, from its Keraton palace to Trusmi batik village. Don’t forget to see world-famous masked dance, Topeng Cirebon, and try its delectable dishes such as Nasi Jamblang — rice wrapped in little portion with sati leaves — and Jatiwangi Swikee — a frog dish.
Towards the west, you can find Bogor. Located very near from Jakarta, you can reach Bogor easily by highway. While you’re in town, don’t miss the chance to visit Bogor Botanical Garden — a spacious open space built since the English colonialism — and enjoy its green atmosphere, a perfect getaway from your usual big cities’ hustle bustle. You can also continue your retreat in Java’s oldest and arguably one of the best spas, the Javana Spa; or if you’re more interested in sporty activities, you can try paragliding in Puncak or skydiving in Lido Lakes area.
West Java province has an abundance of appeals for both local and international tourists. (Burufly Photo).
On the eastern side of West Java, you will find Cianjur, a small rice-producing town which is also famous as a center for authentic local snacks.
If you’re a mountain person, West Java has many options of natural beauties for you to choose. The Kawah Putih (the white crater) in Ciwidey often looks surreal in its whitish landscape, while Mount Gede’s 50-hectare meadow called Alun-Alun Suryakencana is filled with blossoming edelweiss flowers. Mount Gede also offers Kebon Raya Cibodas, a huge park in the middle of tropical forests. A visit to tea plantations in Rajamandala and Pangalengan could be the next in your itinerary. There, you can sit and sip freshly brewed tea while admiring the peaceful — often foggy — scenery; or you can just hike the hills and enjoy the fresh oxygen.
You can also opt to get closer to the sea and explore amazing beaches, which West Java is far from lacking of. There are several beaches lining up along the Indian Ocean’s coastal line, waiting for your visit. You can go to Palangpang Beach to see its dramatic Cimarinjung waterfall; the beautiful Ranca Buaya beach; and of course, the world-famous Pangandaran Beach with its breathtaking green canyon.
But if you’re more a romantic person, fret not, West Java also has options for you. Go to Lembang in Bandung and visit Boscha Observatory where you can take a look on the great Milky Way and the constellations using the antique telescope. The stargazing trip will be unforgettable.
Moving on from natural wonders, West Java has a range of historical man-made buildings from Dutch colonial era which are still relatively well-preserved. Many cities were built from scratch by the Dutch back then. Bandung keeps most of its historical architectures. You can easily spot old buildings — with their stunning art deco and Indies style — used as offices, schools, hotels, even malls, around the city. Spare some time to admire Asia-Africa Conference Building and Gedung Sate in Bandung; or Bogor Presidential Palace and Bogor’s 300 year old cathedral.
There are still many things to do in West Java: shop in Bandung or Bogor’s factory outlets, go hiking in Punclut, bathe at Curug Seribu waterfall, visit the tomb of Sunang Gunung Jati. The list is endless.
