Overview
Green Canyon, yes, make no mistake it’s not
America’s Grand Canyon, but it is Pangandaran’s Green Canyon on the
southern coast of West Java. Originallya called “Cukang Taneuh”-
the local Sundanese meaning for Soil Bridge- Green Canyon has a 3 meter
wide bridge made up of soil above the twin cliffs on both river banks.
This natural wonder is surely a spectacular scene that you will not find
anywhere else.
The name Green Canyon is believed to have been dubbed by a French
tourist who came to the location in 1993. It is said that the clear
green water of the river and the abundant green moss on the cliff had
given it its popular name. This little natural wonder is located at the
Kertayasa Village, in the Ciamis Regency, West Java Province, about 31 Km or 45 minutes’ drive from Pangandaran Beach.
As you arrive at the main entrance, which is the parking lot of
Green Canyon, you will see a row of wooden boats popularly called “Ketinting”
lining up by the river. Those are boats that will take you to Green
Canyon and costs IDR75.000 per person. The arrangement for renting the
boats is very organized: once you pay the fee you will receive a number.
You will then get into your boat once your number is called.
The ketinting will then take you on a ride down the
river, splitting the clear green water and creating small wave on both
sides. From the boat, you will see green forest trees along the banks,
and sometimes snakes or lizards jumping into the river, or come up to
surface.
As the boat slows down and makes its last turn, an astonishing
view jumps right in front of your eyes. Twin cliffs standing tall on
each side of the river, with stalactites and stalagmites overhead , and
crystal clear water below. You may think that this may be the Garden of
Eden.
Water pours down from each side of the cliffs creating a rumbling
sound of waterfalls. At low tide, you can walk under this once great
cave and marvel at the sight between the two high cliffs.
Since your clothes will surely be soaking wet by now, you may as
well dive into the inviting waters and feel its cooling freshness,
although the location is not too far from the sea. To swim against the
current, between these giant cliffs and under the canopies will be an
experience unlike any other. Most noticeable about Green Canyon is that
this place is kept very clean. There are no floating garbage on the
river or scattered snacks or cigarette wrapping.
Located not too far from Pangandaran, Green Canyon is a must for
those who plan to visit Pangandaran. “A piece of heaven on earth”, as
those who have been there describe it. A true Natural Wonder hiding
behind the thick bushes and trees of Pangandaran’s forests. If you think
you have never heard about this place, it is only because Green Canyon
is the best kept Secret of Pangandaran.
Get There
You must first fly or travel by car or train to Bandung. There are
direct international flights from Malaysia and
Singapore to Bandung. A
number of “City Trans” companies operate comfortable, sometimes
luxurious buses between Jakarta and Bandung.
From Bandung, the means to get to Pangandaran is by bus, or
rented car. If you use public transportation, from the Pangandaran
Terminal you can take a minibus headed to Cijulang Terminal. From the
Cijulang terminal, the trip continues on “Ojek” , popular bike taxies found almost everywhere in Indonesia.
To Do
Perhaps, among many things that are possible to do, all
will keep on doing is just shout: WOW! and stand silently as your eyes
gaze at the marvelous view. As you recover from this stunning
experience, grab your camera and start capturing every angle of this
landscape. It doesn’t matter if you only have a pocket or even cell
phone camera, because a great object beats a great tool. Swimming under
the stalactites and dripping waters obviously beats swimming in any
ordinary man-made swimming pool.
To Eat
The Parking Lot or the main entrance is the facility
center of Green Canyon. Here you can find a number of restaurants that
mainly serve traditional Sundanese foods and Sea Foods. There are also
some food carts that sell Bakso, Chicken porridge and other common carted foods. To learn more about traditional Sundanese cuisine you can refer to our West Java Specialties
To Buy
There are a lot of souvenir shops Located in the parking area.
T-Shirts or hats with pictures or writing of Green Canyon, key chains,
slippers and various other items are offered for bargaining.
Tips
• Don’t forget to bring change of clothes, because one way or another you will surely get wet
• Don’t forget to bring a Dry bag to protect your valuables such as cellular phone, cameras, etc.
• Cameras or Camcorders are definitely a must, because you rarely find spectacles like this.
• It is best to wear a strong grip, non-slip footwear, since you will be walking on slippery rocks.
• Don’t forget to bring some food and drinks, because the nearest facilities are at the main entrance.
• Do not litter, if you want to keep Green Canyon as magical as it is today, don’t spoil it by leaving garbage everywhere.
• Green canyon Opens everyday at 07.0 am, but on Friday , operations start at about 13.00 roughly after Friday prayers.
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