Tangkuban Perahu neglected

Tangkuban Perahu neglected

From Republika

Some guests of ours from Holland wanted to see the crater of
Tangkuban Perahu very much. It seems to be a wellknown place
there, listed on a priority list of "must-see" tourist sites.
However, we were terribly disappointed when we got there. The
place was not signposted, so we had to hire a guide.

We wanted to find our own way, but were told that the place
was hard to find and that we might get lost. There were several
roads branching out, all without any road signs.

I remember when we were on a similar sightseeing trip in
Rotorua, New Zealand, the panorama of the crater area was
unbroken. We were not worried about getting lost since there were
enough road signs to guide us. How nice it would be if it could
have been the same at Tangkuban Perahu.

But since there were no signs, the few tourists who got there
had a very rough time. We had to pay another Rp.5,000 -- without
getting a ticket -- to climb down to the crater. The guide wanted
Rp.20,000 but settled for Rp.10,000 after haggling. We were
followed by two young souvenir sellers who supported our
ladyfriend down the slope. Once down, we had to buy their wares.
They got abusive when they noticed our reluctance to buy their
stuff, and then angry.

AS an Indonesian, I was proud at first of their "helpful
nature" and their ability to communicate in our guests' language.
After their performance, our guests left with a bad taste in
their mouth.

The same goes for the guide we used, he was paid Rp.10,000 as
agreed and a tip of Rp.1,000, but we got sour looks.

I have their pictures, should the respective authority be
interested. I hope that the West Java tourist sector will do
something about the situation. Please look after nature's beauty
properly.

FITRIA HANDIARTO

Tangerang, West Java