Taking the waters, and making a wish, at Guci hot springs

Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Tegal, Central Java

Guci in the regency of Tegal is known as a major tourist destination in Central Java for its mountainous landscape, cool air and natural hot springs believed to have healing and supernatural powers.

"The hot springs have become Guci's main attraction. Nearly all visitors come here to bathe in the pools, which contain very clear water," the manager of the tourist resort, Sugiharto, told The Jakarta Post in his office recently.

He said the difference between the Guci pools and those at other hot springs was their clear, odorless water.

"The natural water here contains less than 5 percent sulfur, which makes it fresh without any smell," said Sugiharto.

Locals and many of those who flock to the springs believe the water can cure medical conditions, such as eczema and high blood pressure. Sugiharto said many visitors had confirmed to him that they were cured of skin problems after taking the waters.

There are two pools in Guci, one in the open air measuring 3 x 10 meters with about 10 fountains, and the other located indoors with an entrance bearing the words Pengasihan (love charm) and Kasepuhan (psychic power).

As the names suggest, the latter pool is believed to bestow more than just good health on visitors.

"The exact origin of the belief is unknown, but by frequently taking a bath in the indoor pool, people wishing to get married will hopefully find their partners and those interested to become psychics with healing or paranormal abilities may be aided," Sugiharto said.

Ati, a 24-year-old local villager, said that even the outdoor pool was believed to help in the search for Mr. or Ms. Right.

"On the eve of Kliwon Friday (the fifth day of the Javanese five-day week), many pretty girls bathe in the open-air pool till midnight," she told the Post.

She added that she suspected some of the women were prostitutes looking for clients.

"I just want to keep myself warm while in this cool area, and I feel fresh like I do after a massage," said Sumarno, 45, who traveled from Bandung, West Java, to try the hot springs.

"Who knows I'll get my match when I get home," said Sunarti, 31, from Jakarta with a smile.

Men, women and children of all ages are generally found in the pools. The regency administration has strived over the last three years to keep the tourist site in good order to boost its potential.

"We have built asphalted paths around this tourist center, though they're still rather narrow. Hotels and inns of various classes are available here," Tegal regent Soediharto said.

Guci every year contributes around Rp 700 million in regional revenue.

"This income is fairly big and has exceeded the target set of about Rp 500 million. We'll strive to further increase it, especially for financing the widening of pathways," he added.

For a ticket price of Rp 3,000 per person, one can freely enjoy the fresh natural environment and open pool of Guci. Those wishing to have some privacy can stay at one of the hotels equipped with a natural warm water pool.

Located only about 20 kilometers northeast of the regency capital, Guci is also accessible from Semarang, the capital of Central Java, taking only three to four hours' drive.