Majalengka, the Beauty of Parahyangan
The Majalengka town is geographically located in the Majalengka District in the east of West Java Province. For many, Majalengka District may be off the beaten path, but it offers many hidden gems that a nature-lover should not miss. The landscape of Majalengka District partly belongs to Mount Ceremai National Park.
The serene mountainous range, the verdant forests, extensive paddy fields, and the waterfalls in Majalengka District are testaments to the beauty of Parahyangan (the abode of Gods). Most attractions are scattered in the area of 1,204 kilometer-square district. You need to spend at least 2-3 days visiting the attractive sites. Here are some recommended places that you should not miss if you visit Majalengka.
Majalengka Town and Surrounding
Situated on the foot of Mt. Ciremai, Majalengka is the most crowded town in the district. Most live part of the town is concentrated in the Town Square (Alun Alun), a chic park which is decorated with artistic structures made of terracotta—made and designed by local architects. The stripe of Jalan Ahmad Yani, near the Town Square, is the most vibrant part of this small town. Along the street, small hotels, homestays, cafes, restaurants, shops, and street vendors stand. In the evening, the area turns out to be a site for hanging out.
The good part of Majalengka town is you will not find any traffic congestion, for sure. And the border between a “town” and a rural area is completely vague. You can find yellow paddy rice fields and forests in a matter of a 5 to 10-minute drive from the center.
Gunung Panten
Aside from Alun Alun, there is nothing much to see in town. However, about eight kilometers from the center you can enjoy an impressive panorama from Mt. Panten. The road to Mount or Gunung Panten, as the locals call it, is quite easy. It is a hill, where from its peak you can admire the surrounding greeneries and the view of Majalengka town.
Gunung Panten is also a popular spot for paragliding and hang-gliding because of its perfect wind blow. The site also offers tandem paragliding and hang-gliding with a licensed instructor. It was the site for paragliding during the Asian Games in 2018. The recommended time for doing that sport is from November to April. The price for tandem paragliding and hang-gliding ranges from Rp 350,000 to Rp 650,000.
If you don’t want to try it, you can just chill out there and enjoy the surrounding breathtaking view of the town at dusk.
Gunung Karang 1000 Goa
Another site that is close to Majalengka town is Gunung Karang 1000 Goa. It literally means a rocky mountain with 1000 caves. In fact, the caves in the mountain are not as many as 1000. The mountain is about a 20-minute drive from the town. From a distance, the site looks like a hill with scattering big rocks. You must get ready with your strong foot muscle to reach the peak, which is ascending all the way. In the first few meters, there are man-made stoned steps but afterward, it is just giant rocks that scatter all over the place. It is recommended to climb this mountain with a local guide.
Although the area is shaded by tall trees with conifers as the dominant vegetation–as you climb higher, it is good to protect yourself with a hat and insect repellents. The path to the peak is manageable but in the rainy season, the red earth becomes muddy and slippery. On the way, sometimes you also need to jump or hop on the big rocks. Depending on your pace, it could take 20 to 30 minutes to reach the top.
The view from the top of Gunung Karang is spectacular. It overlooks the mountainous range of forests in the Majalengka District. When you are there, you could enjoy the view of the river underneath and feel the serenity. It is so peaceful. There are some caves just below the peak, but they were closed by the time of the visit. And you need a local guide to go to the caves.
Outside Majalengka District
Ciboer Pass
If you like to see a terraced paddy field, Ciboer Pass is definitely for you. As soon as you enter Bantaragung Village of Sindangwangi Subdistrict–about 24 kilometers from Majalengka town–you will find a carpet of terraced paddy fields.
In the point which is called Ciboer Pass, if the mist doesn’t hang over, as far as your eyes can see is an expansive gorgeous terraced paddy field. However, as the sectors in rice fields have different harvesting times, you may not see the same color of the rice fields. Some are green, others are yellow, and the rest may look brown depending on when the paddies are just harvested.
In the Ciboer Pass, which is also a favorite spot to take photos, a narrow cobbled stone road that leads to a small stream has been constructed. By the stream, there is a small hut and a gazebo that allow you to peacefully enjoy the view.
A bigger asphalted road that connects the hamlets also lets you explore the entire neighboring hamlets on foot or by bicycle. Through the undulating road which is ups and down you can taste the genuine life in the countryside.
Curug Cipeuteuy
While you are in the Bantaragung Village, it is worth stopping by the waterfall in the neighborhood. Curug (waterfall) Cipeuteuy is located in the buffer area of Mt. Ciremai National Park. The site has been developed and taken care of by the local people that constructed the cemented path and steps to the waterfall. The area is not children-friendly considering the winding steps to the waterfall.
The location is indeed green and lush with vegetation of conifers and ferns. You feel the forest atmosphere as soon as you step into the area. The tall trees stand on each meter of the land. The sounds of the insects and birds along with the roaring falling water welcome you Curug Cipeuteuy.
There is a main waterfall with a deep pond underneath. Visitors who camp in the camping ground usually bathe in the smaller pond nearby. Unfortunately, they are using shampoo and soap that pollute the freshwater of waterfalls. There is a small warung (vendor) that will cater to your hunger and thirst with local snacks and hot drinks. The local management also offers camping grounds for those who want to sleep in the tents in the area of Curug Cipeuteuy.
Panyaweuyan Terrace
The must-see spot of Majalengka is Panyaweuyan Terrace which is located in the area of Mt. Ceremai National Park at Agrapura Subdistrict. The location of the terrace stretches over three villages, so it is expansive. From the town of Majalengka, it can be covered in about 45 minute-drive by car.
The best time to come is in the morning before sunrise. If the sky is not cloudy, you can catch the phenomenal view of the sunrise at the 1,300-meter altitude. You need to bring your thick jacket since it is freezing in the early morning. The entire terraced fields on Panyaweuyan are planted with shallots, yes, it is not paddy. The view from the highest spot is too good to be true, the surrounding mountain range, the terraced fields, and the clusters of residential areas in the distance are just magical. I would say the view from the top could look like the mountainous area of Switzerland.
If you come late to the area your car needs to struggle on the narrow road with the buses and cars of visitors who come to get the view from the top, so you should come early. December to February and May to July are the best time to visit Panyaweuyan Terrace to see the green shallots in the whole terrace.
How to Get to Majalengka and Around
The distance Jakarta-Majalengka is about 243 kilometers. There are several options to go there and around.
- By bus or minibus see www.jejakpiknik.com, www.citratrans.com, www.omababah.com, www.satutravel.com (the websites are in Bahasa Indonesia
- By private car from Jakarta, you can go via the toll roads (Tebet 2-Cikunir 2- Karawang Barat-Kertajati)
- By car rental in Majalengka (ticbus.com)
- By train getting out at Cirebon Station
- Motorcycle rental in Majalengka or Cirebon (www.rekomendasi.my.id)Private tour or group tour (Ascorp Tour and Travel)
The public bus stops at Rajagaluh or Cikijing Bus Terminal in Majalengka District. Depending on your budget, you can rent a car or motorcycle from there. If you take a private tour, the driver can pick you up either from the bus terminal or Cirebon Train station.
Where to Stay
The recommended area to stay is at the hotels or homestays on Jalan Abdul Halim and Jalan Ahmad Yani which is in the center of Majalengka town. There are several options for places to stay there.
If you have enough budget, you can stay at Horison Kertajati, the only four-star hotel in Majalengka District. It offers a good breakfast and is near the exit of the toll road.
Food
Majalengka is very rich in the food menu. As you are there, just try the richness of local food. For vegetarians, Majalengka is a paradise as you won’t have difficulty getting a vegetarian menu in any restaurant. The price of the food is also affordable. The recommended restaurant in the city is Sate Maranggi Kedai Abah Na’us and if you like to find a Sundanese ambiance try Saung Eurih.
Tickets
The entrance ticket to enter any tourist destination is Rp 5,000-10,000 for locals, car parking costs Rp 5,000.
Others
The whole area in Majalengka has a lot of contours, if you are not local, make sure you navigate well when driving in the area. During the heavy rainy season, some waterfalls are closed to the public for safety reasons. Make sure to bring cash as most places receive only cash. It’s a kind of sleepy town, just enjoy its calmness. The Tourist Information Center of Majalengka can provide more information about the area.
