Tangkuban Perahu
Various geographical landscapes, long coastlines, hundreds of beaches scattered along the archipelago, and mighty mountains. Those rich sights can be found in Indonesia. Indonesia has been known as the country of an archipelago with more than 17,000 islands creating emerald on the equator in Southeast Asia. Located between the Indian Ocean on the south and the Pacific Ocean on the north, this country is being passed by the ring of fire. In a small part of this ring of fire shaped like a horseshoe, Indonesia becomes one of the countries with many volcanoes on Earth.
Among many volcanoes, there is one active volcano in Java Island that has been famous throughout the nation. Its mythical legend has been spread from generations to generations, it’s none other than Tangkuban Perahu. Tangkuban Perahu is a volcano situated in between Cikole Village and Sagalaherang Village, around 25 to 30 kilometers away from Bandung, to the direction of Lembang in West Java Regency. Tangkuban Perahu is an ideal spot for those who love the panoramic view on top of the mountain yet doesn’t like hiking for hours. On this volcano, you can drive up to the rim and see the many craters. The weather on Mount Tangkuban Perahu is cold, therefore, prepare some comfortable and warm clothes.
Once you reach the rim of the crater, you can smell the sulfur it emits continuously. Therefore, you should always take precaution by bringing a mask to cover your mouth and nose. Tangkuban Perahu offers many places to be enjoyed. You can be amazed at the massive crater with immense streaming down below. There are 3 main craters, the first crater was formed around 90 to 40 thousand years ago after a massive explosion which created Paguyangan Cauldron. Other 2 craters that shaped like the moon is Kawah Ratu and Kawah Upas. You can also enjoy the thick protected forest, take a leisure stroll in the forest situated on its slopes, or just enjoy the unbelievable sight and cool breeze on top of the mountain.
The Legend of Tangkuban Perahu
Perhaps the most distinctive feature about this mountain alongside the splendid view and the experience of driving up to the rim is the legend. The legend has been told in many stories, starting with the name Tangkuban Perahu itself. Tangkuban Perahu if roughly translated means Overturned Boat. The geographic expert said that from the south or Lembang, you can see that there are two craters, side by side, making it look like an overturned boat.
However, the most accepted reason why it’s named Tangkuban Perahu is none other than the legend of Sangkuriang and Dayang Sumbi. Dayang Sumbis is a beautiful widow and Sangkuriang is Dayang Sumbi’s only son. He had to leave his hometown for a very long time, thus making his mother very sad. Seeing the sadness of Dayang Sumbi, God granted her eternal youth as she waits for his son. Once upon a time, he returned to his hometown, they met again but failed to recognize each other.
Amazed by her beauty, he wanted to marry her. Dayang Sumbi wasn’t aware for the first time, but seeing the birthmark on Sangkuring, she then recognized her son and firmly rejected his proposal. However, Sangkuraing insisted and Dayang Sumbi came up with an impossible condition. In order to prevent the marriage, she asked Sangkuriang to build a boat in one just night. Sangkuriang agreed and summoned spirits to help him build the boat. Knowing that Sangkuriang almost made it, she prayed to Gods to rise the sun. The night went faster than usual, and the sun rose, Sangkuriang was furious and kicked the boat. The boat flew away and turned over, the boat is said to be turning into Mount Tangkuban Perahu.
How to Get to Mount Tangkuban Perahu
If you wish to go to Mount Tangkuban Perahu, try to avoid weekends to dodge price increase and the traffic jam of Bandung. From Bandung, you can rent a car to travel to Tangkuban Perahu. If you take a tour usually it has included other local sightseeing spots. Or you can take public transportation such as angkot or minibus to Lembang then, transfer to Lembang-Cikole angkot and stop at Tangkuban Perahu entrance. From the entrance, you can take the shuttle bus available in the area to get you to the rim. As for your accommodations, for a more convenient stay, there are a lot of hotels and homestays available in Bandung, click here to get delightful deals!
