Spectacular Green Canyon is new stop on tourist trail

Spectacular Green Canyon is new stop on tourist trail

Text and photos by Sri Lestari

CIAMIS, West Java (JP): Fancy a vacation that will help you
briefly turn your back on the monetary crisis and also not leave
your pockets empty?

As a trip abroad is out of the question for most of us due to
the rampaging dollar, then why not explore one of the spectacular
views that we have here, literally in our backyard?

The adventurous should pack their bags and head to the site
called Green Canyon.

Located in Cijulang village, Ciamis regency, it is only half
an hour's drive from the Pangandaran coast. A relatively new
addition to the tourist trail, it is gaining in popularity as
among the most distinctive and most visited tourist destinations
in West Java.

The canyon, originally called Cukang Taneuh, is now almost
universally known by its English name because of the green hue of
the river water between the rocky canyon and the surroundings.

"The site was discovered by several tourists from the U.S,
France and Switzerland in 1990," said villager Ahmad, who rents
his boat to visitors. Since then, the cave, draped with stunning
stalagmites and stalactites, has become the most popular tourist
destination in the Ciamis area.

"During the Japanese occupation, it was used as a hiding place
and a military defense station," Ahmad said. "Also, it was once
utilized as a hiding place for guerrilla fighters during the war
of independence."

The Green Canyon is located on the upper reaches of Citaal
River. In the canyon itself is a huge cave covered with green
moss over its walls. Upon entering the canyon, visitors will be
amazed by the spectacular view of the dark green rocky cave.
There is a cool and relaxing breeze, and water seeping through
the walls fans out to form the exquisite sight of a curtain of
rain.

Among the most exciting experiences, and a must for all
visitors, is a dip in a natural pool. The sun's rays pierce
through heavy plant covering to create a dim light.

"Once I had a Dutch customer who was recommended to come to
this place by an acquaintance," Ahmad remembered. "He was so
thrilled to see such a beautiful view like the Green Canyon that
he tipped me Rp 150,000."

Chances are visitors will also bump into Agus, another local
who often hang out in the canyon. He enjoys showing off his
acrobatic skills by climbing to the highest rocks and diving into
the water.

"He is definitely a great swimmer and knows the area quite
well," commented a woman who hires out inner tubes.

Agus usually encourages visitors to join him. "Come on, let's
jump. Trust me you won't regret it. It's fun!" he shouts. But
most people are not brave enough, preferring to watch Agus do his
routine.

To reach the canyon, travelers should rent a boat, with
maximum capacity for five, for the fee of Rp 23,500. The ticket
counter opens from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Friday, when it
opens from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The trip to the Green Canyon takes
15 minutes.

A point to remember is that boats sometimes get backed up
during heavy visitor numbers on weekends and public holidays. An
early morning trip is recommended for the crowd-shy.

Finding accommodation is usually not a problem. Most places
are located along the beach in Pangandaran, and the range of
prices depends on the season and amenities.

On weekdays, the price range for a double room with shared
bathroom at smaller hotels is between Rp 15,000 and Rp 50,000; it
can cost more than Rp 150,000 for a three-star hotel. The price
can double during public holidays and weekends, when rooms are
often fully booked. It is advisable to book in advance if a trip
is planned for this time.

The Green Canyon is easily accessible by car. From Jakarta,
the land journey takes 10 hours, and it is about two hours less
from Yogyakarta. Those who prefer to use public transportation
can get a bus from Jakarta to Banjar, and continue the journey by
minibus to Cijulang.

Some buses have a direct route to Pangandaran, where minibuses
are available to the Green Canyon, or motorcycles for rent cost
only Rp 12,500 per day. Also, there are trains from Yogyakarta or
Bandung which stop in Banjar. For the cash-happy left among us,
there is even a flight from the West Java capital to Nusawiru
Airport, only 10 km from Green Canyon.