Traveling to Tasikmalaya, West Java’s Hidden Gem

Tourist destinations in Tasikmalaya are arguably not as well-known as in Bandung or Bogor. Famous as the Pearl of the East Priangan, tourism in Tasikmalaya seems to be a hidden gem, especially if you’re up for some off-the-beaten-path adventure. So, if you want to visit someplace new, TRAC summarizes five kinds of things that you can do while visiting Tasikmalaya that you should include in your next travel bucket list.

One of the hidden gems in West Java, here are 5 places to visit in Tasikmalaya

1. Religious tourism, the Backbone of Tasikmalaya Tourism 

Tasikmalaya has long been known as one of the destinations where people would come on a spiritual journey or pilgrimage. Some of the places that have been visited by many are Saparwadi Cave or known as the Pamijahan Religious Tourism Area, and the Manonjaya Mosque.

Saparwadi Cave is arguably the primary destination for religious tourism goers. The location is about 60 km south of Tasikmalaya and administratively located in Bantarkalong District, Tasikmalaya Regency. This cave is home to the tomb of the famous Shaykh Abdul Muhyi, a cleric who spread Islam in the West Java region, as well as the area where he started teaching the students at that time.

2. Tasikmalaya also has their beach

Drive further south of Tasikmalaya City to Cikalong and CIpatujah sub-districts, and you will be mesmerized by stretches of beautiful beaches on the south coast of Tasikmalaya Regency. Cipatujah Beach, Pamayangsari Beach, and Karang Tawulan are the beaches you can stop by when you visit Tasikmalaya.

Cipatujah Beach tends to be one of the better-managed beaches in Tasikmalaya. So, it’s not surprising that locals love coming to this beach. The combination of sand and coral makes this beach a fun place to visit. Meanwhile, Karang Tawulan Beach, as the name implies, is dominated by coral. Uniquely, there is a stretch of green grass on this beach that makes the panorama even more beautiful. While the sloping Pamayangsari Beach is known for its rows of delicious seafood stalls. Don’t forget to snap one or two pictures with the neatly parked fishing boats.

Cipatujah Beach tends to be well-managed, so it is not surprising that this beach is one of the favorite tours of Tasikmalaya residents. The combination of sand and coral becomes an enjoyable playground. As the name implies, Karangtawulan Beach is dominated by coral. Uniquely here, there is a stretch of green grass that makes the panorama even more beautiful. While the sloping Pamayang Beach is known for its rows of delicious seafood stalls. Don't forget to take pictures with the sails of a row of neatly arranged fishing boats.

3. Heavy traditional nuances in Kampung Naga

This traditional village is located between the beautiful green hills of Neglasari that meet the calming flow of the Ciwulan River. At first glance, Kampung Naga will remind you of the village of the Baduy Tribe in Banten, both of whom still adhere to their ancestral customs. Traditional wooden houses with thatched roofs blend nicely with nature. Kampung Naga is the perfect destination if you’re interested in diving deeper and experiencing local traditions and culture.

4. Exploring the mountains, hills, and waterfalls

Tasikmalaya is also a destination for people who seek solace in nature. For those who like to climb or hike up the mountains, the Mt. Galunggung area should be your go-to hike in Tasikmalaya. Standing at 2,167 meters above sea level, you can still enjoy this mountain's beauty and cool breeze without hiking all the way to the peak.

Another destination you should visit is Tonjong Canyon. This colorful rock cliff not only offers beautiful views but is also Instagrammable. Tasikmalaya is also home to several beautiful waterfalls, such as Curug Dengdeng, CUrug Agung, Curug Paneetan, Curug Badak, Curug Ciparay, and several others.

5. Culinary and shopping destinations in Tasikmalaya that you can't miss

If you’re traveling to Tasikmalaya, don’t miss out on trying Nasi Cikur and Nasi Tutug Oncom. As these foods are iconic, you won’t have difficulty finding them, even from simple roadside stalls to family restaurants.

Nasi Cikur means rice cooked with kencur or aromatic ginger. The composition is simple: warm white rice mixed with kencur seasoning, mashed garlic, and shallot. Besides Nasi Cikur, Tasikmalaya is also famous for Nasi Tutug Oncom. Similar to Nasi Cikur, the difference is that this dish includes an addition of oncom that is mashed together with spices. Both dishes can be had together with various side dishes such as fish and fried chicken, sambal, and fresh vegetables. Delicious! 

If you like shopping, Tasikmalaya also has a special place. Stop by the Rajapolah area, which is famous for its unique handicraft items. Woven bags, hand fans, and other crafts made from rattan, bamboo, and clay you can take home as souvenirs for your loved ones.

Start planning your trip to places in Tasikmalaya with TRAC, a car and bus rental that has an extensive network in Indonesia. TRAC has a variety of fleets you can choose to support all of your transportation needs.

Offering a complete service with a designated driver, TRAC is best for you who seek comfort when exploring a city inside and out. Choose the type of vehicle you need, from a tiny city car to a powerful SUV. In addition, TRAC also provides service without drivers.

Now, if you have plans to go with a big group or your extended family, a bus car rental service can be the best choice. TRAC has various bus capacity options that you can choose from, from small buses that comfortably fit 15 passengers, medium buses that can accommodate up to 30 passengers to large buses equipped with an onboard toilet facility. There is also a luxury bus that will make your trip with the group to Tasikmalaya more exciting.

For convenience, you can reserve both buses and cars directly from your smartphone. Download and install the TRACtoGo application via Google Playstore or Apple App Store. Make a reservation anytime and anywhere using that application. You can also get deals and offers when making a reservation via the TRACtoGo application. If you’re looking for more details, also visit TRAC’s representative offices you can find in cities near you.

Follow the latest information on TRAC’s car and bus rental service and stay updated on other details regarding TRAC’s services by following TRAC’s social media accounts like Instagram @trac_astra, Facebook TRAC-Astra Rent a Car, and Twitter @TRACastra for the latest information on TRAC’s services and products.