Tourism with a massage at Pancuran Tiga resort
Tourism with a massage at Pancuran Tiga resort
By Agus Maryono
PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): Pancuran Tiga (better known as
Pancuran Telu, or three fountains) is located in the vicinity of
the tourist resort of Baturraden, about 14 kilometers north of
Banyumas, the regency's capital in Central Java.
As the name suggests, the resort offers three parallel
fountains as its main attraction. The fountains deliver sulfur-
rich waters from warm subterranean springs (about 50 degrees
Celsius). From there, the waters trickle to a pool measuring 3
meters by 6 meters surrounded by walls of natural rocks.
The pool contains the fountain water and is graced by a
beautiful natural view. While the air is cool, the water in the
pool is warm.
Every day, especially on Sundays and holidays, the resort is
crowded with tourists from practically all over the world.
The most popular leisure activity is bathing in the pool of
sulfur-rich warm water. If you want to bathe but don't like the
crowds around the pool, you can shower in one of the four
bathrooms.
Many people believe that bathing in the sulfur-rich water
freshens the body and relieves the nerves.
"When I have a headache and stress out and my body aches, I
usually come and take a bath here and immediately get well," said
Suparno, 34, a visitor from Purwokerto, who visits the facility
at least three times a month.
Yuni, 22, a tourist from Surakarta confirmed the healing
effects of the Pancuran Tiga fountains. She said she felt
revitalized after soaking in the pool.
"It's true," said Yuni, who was on her first visit to the
fountains. "I feel light and fresh after I dip myself into the
pool."
The visitor is only required to pay an admission fee of Rp
750. Bathing in the pool is free of charge.
Massage
Besides bathing in the warm pool, visitors can also enjoy a
massage offered by one female and four male masseurs. The massage
is done poolside.
"It's a 'reflection message' on the arms and legs only," said
Edi, 39, one of the masseurs at the Pancuran Tiga pool.
Edi charged between Rp 5,000 and Rp 10,000 per person. "For
normal fatigue, the fare is between Rp 5,000 and Rp 7,000. For
specific complaints, it costs Rp 10,000 because it takes more
time and caution," he said.
He serves up to seven customers a day, but on busy days,
Sundays and holidays, he attends up to 10 visitors. Each massage
takes about one hour.
Solidarity among the masseurs is highly regarded. None will
monopolize customers.
"Everyone of us needs money to survive and mutual
understanding is important," said Riswanto, 35, a masseur.
Women can have a massage by the only woman masseuse.
According to Edi, the masseurs do not pay any tax or levies to
the management.
Darwis of the promotion section of the Banyumas Tourism Agency
told The Jakarta Post that the number of tourists visiting
Pancuran Tiga is stable from year to year.
The most busy days are around the Idul Fitri holiday when the
number of visitors soars 500 percent. Data at the office shows
that 4,000 people visit the resort every month. The admission
ticket costs Rp 750 and is raised to Rp 1,500 during Idul Fitri.
In October last year 3,762 tourists visited the area, and
there were 42,000 visitors in seven days during Lebaran, the data
shows.
Darwis said Pancuran Tiga is popular among foreign tourists,
especially those from the Netherlands.
"Baturraden boasts a great number of buildings from Dutch
colonial times. Dutch tourists come here to see their ancestors'
legacy," he said.
The management spares special hours for foreign tourists,
usually from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. before local tourists arrive. "It's
because they (foreign tourists) like bathing naked," said Darwis.
The tourist site needs renovation, Darwis admitted. He said he
has repeatedly proposed renovations but there has been no
response from the local administration.