West Java

The Sundanese people inhabit most of the western third of Java, the so-called Tanah Sunda or Sunda Lands. Although physically indistinguisable from the Javanese, they are culturally different, known for their mellifuous language, hardy individualism and staunch Islam. West Java may be roughly divided into the Parahyangan and the northern coastal plain. It boasts wonderful mountain scenery, world famous botanical gardens and wildlife reserves like Ujung Kulon, main stronghold of the Javan rhinoceros.

West Coast, the coastline from Anyer to Labuhan is no more than 3 hrs drive from Jakarta. Carita Beach is the oldest seaside resort on the west coast. The focal point of the village is the ageing Krakatau Beach Hotel, overlooking a crescent-shaped bay with silver sand and safe swimming. Krakatau Museum, just over the road of the hotel, has information on the volcano plus archaeological exhibits.In addition to sun, sea, sand and solitude, the west coast is famous for its sunset views of the unihabited volcanic islands of Krakatau. Although dormant for centuries, this volcano achieved instant and lasting infanny in 1883, when it errupted with cataclysmic force, ripping out a huge chunk of earth’s crust to form a monstrous 40 sq km submarine activity caldera. In the decades that followed, undersea activity continued and a new active crater has emerged from sea called Anak Krakatau or son of Krakatau. Ujung Kulon National Park, a good place for trek through pristine troipical rainforest and a first-hand look at some of Java’s rare wildlife species.

Bogor, only an hour drive from central Jakarta, is appreciably cooler than the coast. The main attraction here is the Botanical Garden (Kebun Raya) originally opened by the Dutch in 1817. To the east of Bogor, Puncak Pass is a crowded highland resort area and then a manicured landscape of tea plantation. Beyond Puncak Pass, Cibodas Botanical Gardens, an extention of the Botanical Garden is famous for its collection of montane and temperate climate flora from around the world. The southern coast of West Java, beautiful but dangerous is also within easy reach of Bogor. Pelabuhan Ratu, which is a fishing village is unspoiled and vital. When boats moor in the morning, the fish market does a roaring trade in fresh fishes, prawns and so on. A number of good swimming beaches and hotels line the coastal for several kilometers past the town, Be careful of swimming here because this is the domain of Nyai Loro Kidul, Queen of the South Seas.

 

  

Bandung capital of West Java is Java’s third largest city. It is a student city, home to the Bandung Institute of Technology. Geological museum in Bandung is worth a visit, for a look at the extraordinary array of rocks, map and fossils displayed here including replicas of the famous Java Man skulls found in Central Java. Bandung’s most exciting excursion is a visit to the nearby volcanic highlands.

The nearest is Tangkuban Prahu which leads on to the Ciater hot spring. To the southeast of Bandung about 38 km to Citarik village, just after the local market there are Curug Sidulang or Cidulang, the waterfall which is 10 km from the main road. The two flows gush down from about 12 m high.

 

 

 

 

Ciwidey, 36 km southwest of Bandung is known for blacksmithing. The Ciwidey valley with terraced paddy fields and Mt Malabar as a background providesa beautiful panorama. White Crater is located further south from Ciwidey. The crater at certain times turns from turquois to white, On a clear day, Mt Patuha can be seen standing proudly at the back of the high cliff at the other end of the crater.

 

Cirebon, once a powerful royal centre and still a fascinating potpourri of Sundanese, Javanese, Chinese, Islamic and European influences. Cirebon is rather a sleepy place now, with a small harbor and a sizeable fishing industry.

 

 

Kraton Kesepuhan Komplek in Cirebon, with its split red brick gate and several elaborately carved audience pavilion, is undoubtedly one of the finest example of former Hindu-Javanese architecture in existence.

 

 

 

 

Taman Arum Sunyarage, which is built as a fortress in 1702 and used as a base fro resistance against the Dutch, this stone and coral folly was cast in its present form in 1852 by a Chinese architect to serve as a pleasure palace cum hermitage for Cirebon’s rajas.