Tangkuban Perahu (Tangkuban Parahu), the legendary volcano from West Java
Tangkuban Perahu, or Tangkuban Parahu in local Sundanese dialect, is an active volcano 30 km north of the city of Bandung, West Java. It is a popular tourist attraction where tourists can hike or ride to the edge of the crater to view the hot water springs upclose. This stratovolcano is on the island of Java, has erupted about seventeen times since 1826 and last erupted was in 1983.
The name translates roughly to “upturning of (a) boat” or “upturned boat” in Sundanese, referring to the local legend of its creation.
The story tells of “Dayang Sumbi”, a beauty who lived in West Java. She cast away her son “Sangkuriang” for disobedience, and in her sadness was granted the power of eternal youth by the gods. After many years in exile, Sangkuriang decided to return to his home, long after the two had forgotten and failed to recognize each other. Sangkuriang fell in love with Dayang Sumbi and planned to marry her, only for Dayang Sumbi to recognize his birthmark just as he was about to go hunting.
In order to prevent the marriage from taking place, Dayang Sumbi asked Sangkuriang to (1) build a dam on the river Citarum and (2) build a large boat to cross the river, both before the sunrise. Sangkuriang meditated and summoned mythical ogre-like creatures -buta hejo or green giant(s)- to do his bidding. Dayang Sumbi saw that the tasks were almost completed and called on her workers to spread red silk cloths east of the city, to give the impression of impending sunrise. Sangkuriang was fooled, and upon believing that he had failed, kicked the dam and the unfinished boat, resulting in severe flooding and the creation of Tangkuban perahu from the hull of the boat.
There are two big craters: Ratu (Queen) crater (Kawah Ratu, the main crater) and Domas crater (Kawah Domas). Kawah Ratu is the biggest crater and you can park your vehicle just beside this crater. You can walk along side the crater or you just want to stand up at the watching post, looking at the crater with panoramic view. Down to the valley you can find people selling merchandises, you can bargain if you want.
Walking to another valley, there is Kawah Domas. You’ll need a stick to help you walking down. As soon as you reach the crater, you can cook the egg into the crater. Yes you can walk, sit and cook inside the crater. You should try it.
How to get there…?
1. Driving. Bandung is only 2 hours driving from Jakarta, go to the north of Bandung. There are several access to go to Tangkuban Perahu: via Jl Setiabudhi or via Jl Ir.H. Djuanda (Dago) or via Cimahi (west Bandung). Usually people use Jl Setiabudhi since it’s the main road the the peak but you’ll find the traffic jam around Ledeng, the public transportation terminal. If you driving by your own vehicle, you can drive up until the edge of the main crater (”Ratu” crater).
2. On foot. Driving to Bandung, go to Lembang. If you want to have an experience walking into one of the tropical rain forest in Indonesia, you can start walking from Lembang (near the Lembang traditional market) and you can camp inside the forest if you want. There is a gate to enter the forest and you have to pay for some money.
Aug 3rd, 2008 at 6:01 pm
Thank you
Sep 24th, 2008 at 8:32 am
favorited this one, dude