JP/18/RAFT3A
JP/18/RAFT3A
Cikandang River lures rafting enthusiasts
The Cikandang in Garut regency is among dozens of rivers in the
country popular with rafters. Located in a remote area, however,
the river is not as popular as the Citarik or Cicatih rivers,
also in West Java. However, the Cikandang offers many benefits
for water sports enthusiasts, especially rafters.
Cikandang River is still a pristine area, located far from
residential houses. Its water is clear and the view around the
river is fabulous. While rowing down the river, rafters can see
andesite and sloping riverbanks (andesite is a fine-grained,
extrusive igneous rock).
The most beautiful canyon along the Cikandang River is located
some two kilometers before Cijayana Beach, where the rafting
session ends. The canyon is huge and wide and as it is located on
the bend of the river, the water is relatively calm in certain
spots, providing rafters a good spot for a dip.
Besides the riverbanks, rafters can also see beautiful paddy
fields and forests along the river, whose water flows from the
upper river sourced in Mount Papandayan.
What makes Cikandang River special is its water level, which
is relatively constant throughout the year. During the dry
season, rafters can still find challenging rapids and drops.
Unlike other rivers, rapids and drops can be found in many
places along the river so you don't have to wait long for them.
Soon after cruising over calm water, you will quickly traverse
stones and boulders in fast currents fraught with danger, and
finally jump into calmer waters.
The grade of difficulty on the Cikandang River is classified
as a three to four, from a maximum of six (grade one is for
beginners and grade six is for advanced rafters). In some spots,
the currents are regular and slow, but in other spots they are
fast, irregular and dangerous.
There are also some whirlpools, which require special skill to
overcome. Rafters have to produce quick maneuvers and be ready in
pressing situations. If rafters lose their cool, their raft could
flip over, putting them in danger.
The challenging seven-hour adventure in Cikandang finishes
with some sight-seeing at the beautiful Cijayana Beach.
Although rafting along the Cikandang River is a challenging
adventure, its relative isolation has prevented many rafting
enthusiasts from enjoying the river. In order to increase
interest, rafting operators, including Amphibia Outdoor Provider,
provide extra activities for trips down the Cikandang River.
"There is a barbecue, campfire, acoustic music and sight-
seeing on a tea plantation," said Bonky from one of the rafting
operators. -- A'an Suryana