The Little Niagara tourist site Curug Malela reopens after three-week closure due to landslide

BANDUNG BARAT - Operational status of the Curug Malela tourist attraction in Kampung Manglid, Desa Cicadas, Kecamatan Rongga, Kabupaten Bandung Barat (KBB), West Java, will reopen on Saturday (23/5/2026). The attraction, known as ‘The Little Niagara’, had been closed for more than three weeks following a landslide. ‘Yes, for the Curug Malela tourist site we have reopened. So visitors can visit there now,’ said Asep Dendih, head of the Bandung Barat Tourism and Culture Office (Dinas Pariwisata dan Kebudayaan KBB), when contacted on Friday (22/5/2026). He said the reopening was based on evaluations and considerations by the Bandung Barat Disaster Management Agency (BPBD). The agency had cleared the landslide debris that previously blocked the access road and reinforced access to the site. ‘Based on technical evaluation, the recreational area is currently deemed safe, conducive and suitable for visitors,’ Asep said. He also outlined planned repairs to the Curug Malela site damaged by the landslide. However, repairs will be adjusted to budget availability. ‘God willing, there will be repairs. They are planned to be submitted in the revised APBD (regional budget),’ Asep said. He urged visitors to maintain cleanliness, follow safety signs at the site, and heed management instructions for safety during holidays at the rural Bandung Barat attraction. Leo Marwan, manager of Curug Malela, added that at least six landslide points damaged the road and facilities. However, all landslide debris have now been evacuated and repairs completed so visitors can return. ‘In addition to the road, one makeshift stall floated away, one stall damaged, and one toilet destroyed. But now the road is passable and visitors can once again enjoy Curug Malela,’ Leo said. During the closure of over three weeks, many visitors attempted to reach Curug Malela; they were turned away due to danger. ‘But we directed them to return home because it was still dangerous. Now, please visit as it is safe, but still be careful,’ he added. Leo Marwan noted that the remote site in Bandung Barat typically attracts hundreds of visitors during holidays, with visitors from Bandung Raya and other regions. ‘When it’s busy, it can reach up to 200 people a day; sometimes even from Jakarta. Even now, some people are still visiting even though it is temporarily closed,’ he said.