Here’s your sign to get back in touch with nature - the West Java allure, to be exact!
Indonesia’s natural beauty is endless. Whether that is rafting, trekking, mountain climbing, body rafting, paragliding, or swimming, West Java is oh-so-alluring due to the plethora of adventure and outdoor activities for different types of adrenaline seekers to revel in. We’ve gathered some of the best activities that cater to different levels and atmospheres. Similar to what the guides you’d encounter would say, “Are you ready?”
Best Adventure and Outdoor Activities in West Java
Rafting in Cikandang River, Garut
Would you agree that rafting is more exhilarating if it is done on a river with a strong current? The Cikandang River has a steep slope, thus the rapids created are immensely challenging. This 28-kilometre long river has relatively clean water quality and the water discharge is almost unaffected by the season so you can wade through this river at any time. However, beginners are not advised to give this river a chance.
Sukamulya, Pakenjeng, Garut, Jawa Barat.
Price: Rp600,000-850,000 per person for a package
Telaga Nilam, Kuningan
Are you dreaming of a lake day? Telaga Nilam has clean, refreshing, and glass-like crystal water as deep as three metres, perfect for you to swim and/or snorkel amongst a shy fish species called "nilam" or "nilem". Legend has it, Telaga Nilam formed naturally due to a volcanic eruption from Mount Ciremai centuries ago, which led to the emergence of a spring that gradually filled the basin, aided by rainwater. You can always bask in the beauty of the natural springs, relax in the gazebo, or sit on the rattan swing hanging from a tree in between dips.
Kaduela, Pasawahan, Kuningan, Jawa Barat.
Operational Hours: 24 hours
Price: Starting from Rp15,000
Green Canyon, Pangandaran
A river flows between two rocky hills that penetrate a cave is the best description of Green Canyon, aside from magnificent. At the mouth of the cave, the sound of dripping water resembles perpetual rain, creating a sense of idyllic natural wonder. To illustrate, a haul of activities best to do during the dry season are boat rides for those who simply want to enjoy the scenery, swimming, body rafting, diving into the water, and exploring cliffs for adrenaline-seeking adventurers.
Jl. Pantai Indah No.54, Batukaras, Cijulang, Pangandaran, Jawa Barat.
Operational Hours: 8 AM-4 PM
Price: Entrance is free, activities vary
Paragliding in Puncak, Bogor
Do you dare to fly with the birds? If yes, try out paragliding. Indonesia doesn’t entail many paragliding sites, but the Puncak area is not only synonymous with the breezy air. Strap on the safety gear and let the paragliding expert glide you amidst the clouds above Puncak’s vast greenery. Your supposed fear of heights might probably vanish.
Options: Paralayang Puncak Bogor, Fly Indonesia Paragliding, Flypuncak Air, Wisata Paralayang Puncak Cisarua, Paralayang Puncak Official
Price: Rp350,000-500,000 per person
Climbing Mount Parang via Ferrata, Purwakarta
Mountain climbing in Mount Parang is done differently - you’ll utilise ferrata (Italian for iron ladder planted along the cliff walls)! Mount Parang in Purwakarta is the highest andesite mountain in Indonesia reaching an altitude of 700 metres above sea level, merely one to two hours away from Jakarta. Opt for varied heights to tackle, ranging from 100 metres, 300 metres, 500 metres, up to 700 metres offered by the site’s two operators, namely Badega Gunung Parang and Skywalker Badeg. The ideal time to climb Mount Parang via Ferrata is the dry season as there is no potential for lightning.
Kampung Cihuni, Sukamulya, Tegalwaru, Purwakarta.
Operational Hours: 8 AM-4 PM
Prices: 100 metres - Rp65,000 | 300 metres - Rp225,000 | 500 and 700 metres - Rp465,000
Situ Gunung Suspension Bridge, Sukabumi
Another adventurous and outdoor activitity you can do in Sukabumi is strolling on the the Situ Gunung Suspension Bridge. Stretching 250 metres with a height of 150 metres, combined with gusty air and lush trees, you are guaranteed to be ardent experience a touch of adrenaline flowing through your limbs. Glamping sites are provided once you cross the bridge, as well as a small waterfall and a zip line.
Jl. Kadudampit, Gede Pangrango, Kadudampit, Sukabumi, Jawa Barat.
Operational Hours: 7 AM-4 PM
Price: Green Lane Access Rp100,000 | Yellow Line Access Rp75,000 | Red Line Access Rp50,000
Surfing in Cimaja Beach, Pelabuhan Ratu
Who says catching breaks can only be done in Bali? Pelabuhan Ratu, Sukabumi serves as the nearest surfing spot from Jakarta, approximately four hours by car. Head to the somewhat hidden Cimaja Beach. This a more silent beach compared to the rest in the area because visitors are normally wave riders testing their surfing skills against the challenging, fierce waves. Both beginner and professional-level surfers are generally seen flocking Cimaja Beach between May and October.
Desa Cimaja, Cikakak, Sukabumi, Jawa Barat.
Operational Hour: 24 hours
Cikaso Waterfall, Sukabumi
The exquisite Cikaso Waterfall, or what the locals call Curug Cikaso, consists of three water flow points with a pool-shaped waterfall bottom containing clear turquoise water 100 metres wide and about 30 metres tall. Two streams are very clearly visible, while the other is seen somewhat hidden behind a cliff. There are two ways to access Cikaso Waterfall: use a motorboat priced at Rp80,000 or walk along rice paddies spanning 1 km owned by the locals.
Ciniti Village, Cibitung District, Sukabumi Regency, West Java Curug Cikaso
Operational Hours: 8 AM-6 PM
Price: Rp5,000