Hidden Gem! 5 Destinations to Look Out For While in Garut

For years, Garut has been well-known for its 2D anecdote, Dodol (palm sugar-based confectionery traditional to Garut), and Domba (sheep). However, many people may not have known that Garut is more than just the Dombas and the Dodols. Its regency spans an area encompassing south of Bandung and is home to many travel destinations. 

Gurilaps is an acronym that aptly describes the local destinations. Not only does it sound like ‘gurilap,’ which, in Sundanese, means sparkling, but the abbreviation also refers to the GUnung (mountain), RImba (forest), LAut (ocean), Pantai (beach), and Seni budaya (culture). A travelers’ paradise.

Is Garut appealing enough for you? Here are five destinations in Garut that you can visit.

5 Garut travel hidden gems
 

1. The phenomenal Mount Papandayan, the pride of Garut

Not practically hidden since it’s standing tall at 2665 meters above sea level, Mt. Papandayan is remarkable and has been Garut’s tourism icon forever. Many say that the epithet ‘Swiss van Java’ embedded in Garut was derived from Mt. Papandayan. 

Despite its height, you don’t need to climb all the way to the peak to revel in Papandayan’s beauty. Short hikes to several points can be enough for tourists with little to no experience hiking on mountains or strapped for time. The dead forest, Pondok Saladah, and Tegal Alun are usually the three points that tourists not aiming to reach the peak typically visit. Don’t forget to buy the entry ticket and permit to enter the Papandayan Nature Reserve. Local tourists are only required to pay Rp20.000-30.000, which is very affordable.

2. Blown away by the waters of Curug Sanghyang Taraje fall

Plunging from 82 meters tall, this waterfall located in Pamulihan District is likely the highest in the Garut area. If you notice the unique name, it’s because it explicitly means the ladder (Taraje) of the creator (Sanghyang) waterfall (Curug). To reach this waterfall, head southwest for about 2 hours or a 45 km drive from downtown Garut.

3. Revealing nature’s beauty at Leuwung Sancang Forest

Located at the eastern end of southern Garut, Leuweung Sancang Nature Reserve or Sancang forest is a hidden gem for those who like outdoor activities and are nature lovers. Away from the bustling touristy spots, make sure you spend a lot of time here. Besides the many activities you can do in the forest, the journey to this destination itself will take time. From downtown Garut, Leuweung Sancang is approximately 4-5 hours, with roads heading there that can be pretty challenging.

The forest is not only home to various flora and fauna, but it also has stretches of beautiful beaches untouched by many, making it a perfect off-the-beaten-path destination. As you arrive, be prepared to be greeted by the grainy white sands begging you to lay down on top of them. Make sure to be well prepared and bring supplies, and don’t leave behind any trash to keep this destination clean and natural.

4. No trip to Garut is complete without a trip to the hot springs

Garut Regency has heaps of natural hot springs scattered around. Tourists may be more familiar with the Cipanas area in Tarogong Kaler District. Cipanas offers a complete tourist destination looking for a hot plunge with an extensive choice of hotels and inns as well as water parks, making this area a prima donna.

Although many flocks to Cipanas, a bunch of others opt to visit the Pasirwangi District, not far from Darajat Crater. Here, you can feel the sensation of soaking in natural hot springs while indulging in the eye-spoiling natural scenery. Despite having fewer facilities than Cipanas, this area also offers several hotels with large swimming pools complete with rides.

5. Ceplak Market’s very own culinary paradise

Many consider this market a street food paradise. Well, I think we may have to hop on the bandwagon. This market is located in Jalan Siliwangi, Garut Kota District. Come in the afternoon and take a moment to explore the area around Ceplak Market beforehand. Stop by for coffee at the legendary Ipo Morning Coffee shop, open since the 50s. Grab a souvenir or two at the Chocodot Castle, only 300 meters from the bustling market. If you’re hungry, taste the spicy and fresh Cibiuk chili along with many other side dishes at a typical Sundanese restaurant around the market. 

After the sun sets is where the market comes to life. Witness the rush of street vendors selling all kinds of different foods like traditional snacks from Garut like burayot, jalabria, cucur, and many others. Don’t let the unique name put you back and be surprised by its delicacy. For dinner, you can choose a variety of Pepes or Papais, which goes really well when eaten together.

Tourist destinations in Garut are scattered around town and some are located on the outskirts. If you want to make the best out of Garut, then you may want to be mobile, especially if you don’t have the luxury of time. Rent a car with a driver for comfortable mobility when exploring from one spot to another. Spare the hassle of driving to Sanghyang Taraje Fall or hard-pressed looking for a parking spot at the Ceplak Market and do rent a car from TRAC.

With drivers equipped with defensive driving/riding techniques certification, booking a car or bus can be conveniently done from the palm of your hand. Just download and install the TRACtoGo application on Google Playstore or the Apple App Store. Don’t miss out on the best promos and offers for your pre-planned trip. With offices spread across many cities in Indonesia, TRAC’s operational area covers the entire archipelago. For more information regarding TRAC services, dial our Customer Assistance Center at 1500009 or email rco.nasional@trac.astra.co.id.

TRAC’s reliable and trusted service is committed to always protecting its passengers during the pandemic. All of our operations require to undergo a series of health and safety measures called the SMART PROTOCOL. This protocol includes:

1. All units are disinfected both before and after serving customers

2. All units-on-duty are provided with hand sanitizers for passengers

3. All units-on-duty implement a social distancing protocol between passengers

4. All units-on-duty are equipped with fiberglass barriers between the driver and passengers

5. Every driver-on-duty will undergo a medical check-up beforehand

6. Every driver-on-duty is required to wear a mask and gloves

7. Our drivers are not allowed to get in physical contact whatsoever with the passengers