“This active volcano is where an ancient tale of heartbreaking love meets a spectacular geological phenomenon, allowing you to stand right at the rim of the crater and feel the steam erupting from the earth below.”
Gunung Tangkuban Parahu gets its name, which translates to Overturned Boat, from the local Sundanese folk legend of the hero Sangkuriang. The legend states that Sangkuriang failed to build a boat before dawn and kicked it over, which formed this volcano. The mountain remains an active volcano that is constantly smoldering, standing at an elevation of approximately 2,084 meters above sea level.
The unique feature of this volcano lies in its large main craters that visitors can approach closely. The most prominent crater is Kawah Ratu (Queen Crater), a massive basin where tourists can walk around the rim and inhale the gentle sulfur fumes rising from the ground. Visitors will experience the energy from the earth's core and admire the unique colors of the rocks and soil resulting from various minerals. There are also Kawah Upas (Vapor Crater) and Kawah Domas (Diamond Crater), where visitors can soak their feet in warm sulfuric pools.
The atmosphere surrounding the volcano is cool and comfortable year-round due to its high elevation, making it a perfect retreat for Bandung residents and tourists. Strolling around the main crater is the most popular activity, with local vendors selling souvenirs and local produce. Caution should be exercised regarding sulfur fumes during calm weather, especially near the crater rim. It is advisable to use a local guide if you plan to explore the trekking routes around the secondary craters.
This site is extremely popular among landscape photographers due to the picturesque view of the crater with smoke and mist rising into the background. It is also a favored destination for couples and families looking to experience a different kind of atmosphere away from the city.
How to Get There
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Private Car/Taxi: Travel from the city of Bandung takes approximately 1.5 - 2 hours. Head north towards Lembang and follow the signs to the National Park.
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Public Transportation (Angkot): Take a public minivan called an Angkot from Subang Terminal to the park entrance, and then hire a motorcycle taxi (Ojek) to the summit.
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Guided Tour: Book a One-Day Trip tour from Bandung, which usually includes transportation and entrance fees for convenience.
Travel Tips
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Best Time to Visit: The dry season (April – October) offers the clearest weather. Early morning (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM) is the least crowded and coolest time.
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Footwear/Attire: Wear comfortable walking shoes as the surface around the crater rim can be uneven. Bring a jacket or sweater, as the temperature at the summit is quite cool.
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Photography/Sightseeing: Prepare a face mask for when sulfur fumes are strong or when you want to get close to the crater for close-up photos.
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Local Culture: Bring cash in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for spending at local stalls and for local guides.
Admission Fee:
- Foreign Visitors: Adult Weekdays 200,000 IDR / Weekends 300,000 IDR
Opening Hours:
- General Daily Hours: Open daily from 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM