Famous for varied local industries, such as chic pandan hats to alluring painted umbrellas, Tasikmalaya is where you can see what all the fuss is about. Take your time to find out how charming the Sundanese region is. The cultural attractions, traditional ceremonies bequeathed from the ancient civilisations, and exotic tropical nature are the best descriptions of this gem. Just a 3-hour drive from Bandung, you will find Tasikmalaya worth it to explore.
Here are the 10 best things to do in Tasikmalaya, West Java Province, Indonesia:
1. Trek to Curug Dengdeng Waterfall
Not far from beach fishing sits a dazzling natural beauty called Dengdeng Waterfall. Reaching the waterfall is somewhat challenging as you have to hike a rough trail through a dense teak jungle. However, the hike will pay off when enjoying the waterfall. The surrounding green vegetation and the clear pool definitely add to the atmosphere of this location.
Dendeng Waterfall
Address: Tawang, Cikatomas, Tawang, Pancatengah, Tasikmalaya
Opening Hours: 8 am to 4 pm
2. Visit Cipatujah Beach and greet buffaloes
cipatujah beach ;-)
Posted by Reni Rismayani on Friday, 17 January 2014
Tasikmalaya is also popular with its exotic beaches, and one such beach is Cipatujah Beach. This is the widest and longest stretch of white sand in the area, so it is an absolutely recommended getaway. Its highlights are buffaloes being herded by local shepherds. It doesn’t stop at that though; the traditional musical instruments being played by locals really hypnotize viewers.
Cipatujah Beach
Address: Cipatujah, Tasikmalaya, West Java
Opening Hours: 24 hours
3. Experience Sundanese culture in Kampung Naga
If you are a culture loving traveler, you can discover a traditional village on the roadway between Tasikmalaya and Garut, called Kampung Naga. This is where you can meet the locals who are preserving their ancestral traditions. Don’t miss the ceremonies held annually such as the Mulud Festival and Pedaran Alif. The houses are uniquely built with roofs made of sago palm leaves and wooden walls.
Kampung Naga
Address: Neglasari Village, Salawu District, Tasikmalaya Regency
Admission Fee: Free
4. Explore Malawang Cave
Batu Masigit Curug Luhur
Posted by Surade Sukabumi on Sunday, 12 December 2010
Malawang Cave is a spot where you can either learn history or explore nature. The locals dubbed it with various names such as Batu Masigit, Oyon, Keraton, or Gorin. Some important archaeological objects have been found in the cave such as animal bones, pottery fragments, and stone axes. Although it’s not the main tourist attraction of Tasikmalaya, it’s still nice to see.
Malawang Cave
Address: Kampung Wangunwati, Sukawangun Village, District Karangnunggal
Opening Hours: 24 hours
5. Go fishing at Situ Gede
Fishing is a universal way to relieve stress. Situ Gede, situated 30 minutes away from the city center, is the right spot to sit back, relax, and go fishing. Just enjoy the panoramic scenery while catching fish. The lake has multiple purposes, but mainly for irrigation and recreational reasons. Some facilities like a jogging track, park, and prayer room are provided.
Situ Gede Lake
Address: Jl. Situ Gede, Mangkubumi, Tasikmalaya
Admission Fee: 4,000 IDR (0.3 USD)
6. Submerge yourself in the Ciawi Hot Spring
Posted by Tya Yullianti on Wednesday, 4 January 2017
If you are starting to feel weary from so much traveling, indulge your body with a soak in the Ciawi Hot Spring. Some people believe that this activity can boost your immune system and refresh your mind. Visitors will feel the sensation of a natural massage, so that muscle stiffness can be easily released. The hot spring is where you can delight in a super cheap sauna (you are only charged 0.2 USD).
Ciawi Hot Spring (Pemandian Air Panas Gajawong)
Address: SDN Cipanas, Pamoyanan, Kadipaten, Tasikmalaya
Opening Hours: 3,000 IDR (0.2 USD)
7. Escape to the secluded Karang Tawulan Beach
If you seek an escape in Tasikmalaya, Karang Tawulan Beach is a cool spot to leave your stress behind. Although you are not allowed to swim due to the strong currents of the Indian Ocean, some relaxing activities like marveling at the mesmerizing ocean view and lying on the beach or the grass are totally recommended. Sip a fresh coconut water to fit out your lovely day.
Karang Tawulan Beach
Address: Kalapagenep, Cikalong, Tasikmalaya
Contact Number: +62817-613-246
8. Jump off a cliff at Tonjong Canyon
Tonjong Canyon offers endless natural beauty of a turquoise river flanked by limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. It is similar to the Green Canyon, one of the fascinating attractions in Pengandaran. Some fun activities you can do while exploring the canyon include cliff jumping, swimming, tubing, and rowing a boat.
Tonjong Canyon
Address: Nagrog, Cipatujah, Tasikmalaya
Admission Fee: Free
9. Feel the fresh air at Taraju Tea Plantation
Getting to Taraju Tea Plantation is an alternative way to spend your vacation in Tasikmalaya. The mind-blowingly green landscape is filled with an abundance of tea trees. The refreshing scenery allows you to feel free. Opened by the Dutch colonialists in 1909, the plantation is a site where you can see the process of tea leaf drying.
Taraju Tea Plantation
Address: L. Raya Taraju, 46472, Deudeul, Singaparna, Tasikmalaya
Contact Number: +62 (0265) 543132
10. Try tahu bulat, the local snack
Hunting for local snacks is another exciting thing to do in the eastern region of West Java. Try the tahu bulat or fried tofu ball. This dish is made of mashed tofu and some spices like garlic and shallots. It’s shaped like a ball then deep fried in sizzling oil. The tasty tahu bulat has a chewy texture and is usually devoured with green chilies.
Tahu Bulat
Price: 500 IDR (0.04 USD) per piece
Have fun in the enticing Tasikmalaya
Discovering West Java sounds great if you include Tasikmalaya onto your itinerary. Forget your problems and start enjoying the incredible nature around you from the Dendeng Waterfall to Tonjong Canyon, or cultural attractions in Kampung Naga. Tasikmalaya is awaiting your visit.
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