Devil Steeps in Salak Mountain

Everyone knows that Bogor Botanical Garden is a tourist destination, and so is its traditional food which is served in various tastes and places. Cultural trip to historic sites is also a smart alternative way to enjoy Bogor. So, what else this town could offer you?

Bogor is beautiful in itself with its charming nature. Geographically, Bogor has various ecotourism objects. Bogor, which is surrounded by some mountains, makes us possible to enjoy camping, hiking, or enjoying waterfalls.Here are some ecotourism objects I’d like to share.

Salak Mountain is appealing on its peak, its steeps and its downhill areas. It’s all yours to choose. This brief notes might be useful in giving the description before you put Salak Mountain in your list. These places are easily reached from Cibatok, Leuwiliang.Subdistrict

Ciparay Hot Spring

On the land below Salak Mountain, there is a hot spring which is put into some pipes and showers. This hot spring is named after the name of the village, Ciparay. Visitors might want to take a shower after river bathing. It feels very good and refreshing. People also believe that this hot water is able to cure some skin deseases.

Waterfalls

A few minutes walk from Ciparay hot spring, there are some amazing waterfalls. The most famous and the easiest to access is Cigamea waterfall. Visitors are required to walk for 300 meters from the parking lot.Cigamea offers you with the twin waterfalls. The water is a little bit cold but most visitors do not mind of bathing in the pool under the waterfall.

Other than Cigamea, Bogor also has Seribu (a Thousand) waterfall, which is of higher location. It takes extra energy to reach the place as it is located farther to the forest, about 45 minutes walk distance. There are a lot turning points and ups and downs on the path way. But it’s paid off. It is a huge beautiful waterfall. On some occasions, the steam of the water covers us even when we are not too close to the waterfall. This steam looks exactly like fog.

Camping Grounds

There are some camping grounds on Salak Mountain, one of those is on both sides to Seribu waterfall. It is very comfortable, even for family camping. This place has a small stream that provides you with water for drinking and cooking and there is also a toilet nearby. Even when you do not cook, a lot of food stalls are ready to serve you all night long.

Ratu (Queen) Crater

If you are an adventurous person, Ratu crater is the perfect place for you. It is located on the back of Salak Mountain. There are two ways to reach this site: from the spot close to Seribu waterfall and from Pasir Reungit (Mosquito Sand) which is on higher altitude. The later is easier than the first. Here, you will find some streams on your way up. However, if you prefer a more extreme way, then the first track suits you because it is muddy on some spots, with the thorn bush and no streams at all.

Salak Peak

Salak Mountainhas seven summits, but the most wanted for hikers is PuncakSalak I. You may start the trip to the top having 2,211 meters of altitude could be started from some locations. The most frequently chosen is Pasir Reungit (Bogor), Girimulya village, and Cangkuang forest in Cidahu (Sukabumi). It is very interesting and challenging at the same time.Here you will find similar path to what you might have been familiar with, the steep in Mount Gede which is called the Evil Steep. I think I’ll call it the Devil Steep.

Unlike in Mount Gede where there is a rope provided by the management, in Salak Mountain you will only find a plastic rope tied to a used banner. It obviously is made by the climbers on unspecified time. On the higher place you will find another steep. When you reach the top of this mount and if you are lucky enough, you will run into an endangered species bird Java Eagle on the tree or flying across the blue sky.  

Note: This post has been published in Hitam Putih Bogor, a bilingual compilation book. It can be purchased online.