Summary
The Ciletuh Geopark is a picturesque valley situated in West Java, abundant with magnificent waterfalls and various captivating sights.
This region is a UNESCO-designated global geopark, showcasing some of the most impressive waterfalls in Indonesia, even though it remains relatively unknown to many international travelers.
We spent several days exploring this area and were pleased with our decision! The location is somewhat secluded; nevertheless, it is well worth the journey if you appreciate waterfalls and undiscovered treasures.
This travel guide offers insights on how to visit Ciletuh, recommendations for accommodations, and highlights what to see during your stay!
How To Get To Ciletuh Geopark
The Ciletuh Geopark is positioned in the southwestern corner of the West Java province.
It is distanced from major urban centers, thus requiring a considerable road trip to reach it. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours from Sukabumi, 4 hours from Jakarta, or 6 hours from Bandung.
We made our journey from Bandung and subsequently headed to Jakarta. Regardless of your starting point, the roads are predominantly in proficient condition leading up to the geopark.
We arranged for a private driver from Bandung for transportation to the geopark in his van; however, traveling via motorbike is a viable and more economical option.
Cimarinjung – one of the most notable waterfalls within Ciletuh.
Best Things To Do & See At Ciletuh Geopark
• Curug Puncak Manik Waterfall
This waterfall was our initial stop in the Ciletuh region, and it is likely to be along your route into the geopark.
The hike spans approximately 45 to 60 minutes each way, featuring a steep descent; however, improvements are underway to enhance the path’s manageability. Upon reaching the stream, you will need to cross and head left, which was ankle to knee deep during our visit.
This twin waterfall measures 100 meters in height. Throughout our trek, we observed a rare hawk, a giant centipede, and other fascinating fauna. A local individual guided us and assisted in capturing photographs, for which we provided a gratuity of 50k Rupiah.
Close-up view of the falls, with a local guide for scale.
• Curug Awang Waterfall
This waterfall is another nearby attraction to Puncak Manik. While it is not as tall, it cascades gracefully over a wide cliff. The viewing platform is a 5-minute walk away, with an additional 10 minutes necessary to reach the top, or a further 5 to 10 minutes to descend to the bottom.
When we visited, this waterfall was drying up, which was disappointing; nonetheless, it undoubtedly would be spectacular with a more substantial water flow.
• Curug Tengah Waterfall
This distinctively shaped waterfall can be accessed from the same area as Curug Awang. During April, the waterfall was substantial and impressive.
The walk to view the falls takes about 10 minutes; however, accessing the bottom lacks a straightforward path, likely necessitating an additional 30 minutes.
We opted to remain at the top to capture drone photographs instead.
• Curug Cikaso Waterfall
This enchanting turquoise waterfall is located about a 1.5-hour drive from the primary Ciletuh area. The journey is undoubtedly rewarding.
To access the falls, a brief and easy 10-minute hike along a cobblestone pathway through picturesque rice terraces is required. Additionally, boat rides along the stream were available; however, we determined that they would add little value given the higher cost.
The optimal photography time for this waterfall is during the onset of the dry season. If visited during the peak of the rainy season, the water may appear heavy and brown, obscuring the beautiful turquoise hue.
Ideal lighting conditions occur early in the morning or late in the evening. Swimming is permitted here, and we discovered small fish and crabs near the waterfall—quite a delight!
The unique green color of the waterfall at Curug Cikaso.
• Curug Cigangsa Waterfall
This expansive waterfall is enveloped by rice terraces, located an hour’s drive from the main Ciletuh area, in the same direction as Cikaso waterfall, making it feasible to visit both attractions consecutively.
Upon arrival, it is merely a 2-minute walk to the waterfall; however, an additional 5 to 10 minutes will be required to approach it closely.
This waterfall tends to dry up after May, thus diminishing its visual appeal; it was nearly dry during our visit in April.
• Main Beach
The primary beach at Ciletuh may not be extraordinary; nevertheless, it is worth witnessing. Although classified as a ‘white sand beach’ on Google Maps, it actually features brown or black sand, accompanied by scenic views and captivating sunsets.
From the beach, the Cimarinjung waterfall can be spotted in the distance.
Local residents frequent this area for dirt biking and paragliding, which appeared enjoyable; however, we noted considerable litter on the beach during our visit.
• Curug Cimarinjung Waterfall
This visually striking waterfall is centrally located within Ciletuh, with access achieved in under 5 minutes of hiking on a predominantly paved trail. Even in late April, the water flow was robust.
You can approach quite closely, but caution is advised due to the slippery rocks near the falls. This waterfall was among my favorites in the region.
Two-step waterfall at Curug Cimarinjung.
• Curug Cikanteh Waterfall
Cikanteh is one of the largest waterfalls in Indonesia and is decidedly the most remarkable waterfall within Ciletuh.
Although locals may claim that a guide is mandatory for the hike, it is not at all necessary. The hike takes only 10 or 15 minutes, with the path being clear and unremarkable, aside from crossing a bamboo bridge.
However, a guide may be beneficial if one wishes to ascend to the waterfall’s second level, which involves a short yet steep hike that is not well-marked. Most visitors take in the waterfall’s view from the base; however, the close-up experience from above is certainly worthwhile as it is exceptionally impressive.
Locals may request a donation, which serves as the entrance fee. We provided a 10k donation and compensated a guide 50k for taking numerous photographs and facilitating our trip to the top.
The best lighting conditions for photography at Cikanteh occur when it is shaded in the early morning or sunlit in the afternoon. We were fortunate enough to catch a rainbow here during the late afternoon!
• Curug Sodong Waterfall
This waterfall is conveniently located adjacent to the parking lot for Cikanteh, making it visible without the need for hiking. It is a twin waterfall that appears larger than depicted in photographs, though it experiences a significant reduction in flow during the dry season.
• Puncak Darma Viewpoint
This viewpoint sits atop the cliffs of Ciletuh, reachable within a 5 to 10-minute drive from the valley floor.
It is a splendid vantage point to view the sunset! A bamboo ‘boat’ is available for posing for pictures, providing breathtaking views of the Ciletuh valley, cliffs, and the entire bay.
• Curug Dogdog Waterfall
This waterfall, an additional attraction, can be briefly visited while traveling towards Puncak Darma. It presents a delightful three-tiered waterfall, with a mere 5-minute walk required to reach it.
• Gunung Tumpeng Hill
This peak features a notably pointed summit amid the Ciletuh hills, overlooking the Indian Ocean.
It is nestled within a remote rubber plantation, necessitating travel across uneven rocky paths to gain access.
I considered venturing to the edge of the peak; however, due to wearing sandals and confronting steep cliffs on either side, I decided against the risk.
The trail is slippery, and the cliffs may appear deceptively safe due to overgrowth, yet a fall from this height could be fatal. Proceed with caution if you choose to undertake the ascent.
Gunung Tumpeng.
• Curug Panganten Waterfall
This prominent waterfall is located in the hills above the Ciletuh valley. Unfortunately, we overlooked this site during our trip due to its slightly remote nature, and uncertainty regarding road conditions.
The waterfall appears stunning in the pictures I have seen, with another waterfall, Curug Cibelener, nearby.
Where To Stay At Ciletuh
Here are several accommodation options in the Ciletuh Geopark, all situated within the valley, conveniently close to waterfalls and other attractions:
- RedDoorz @ Geopark Ciletuh Sukabumi – Basic yet comfortable air-conditioned rooms. This was our accommodation choice during our visit to the park.
- Dua Bidadari Villa – A midrange hotel conveniently located adjacent to the Cikanteh waterfall. Hotel guests can enjoy views and sounds of the waterfall. It also offers family-sized rooms and complimentary breakfast.
- Ciletuh Hills Lodge & Cafe – Luxurious accommodations featuring spectacular balcony views of the waterfalls.
- RedDoorz near Ciletuh Sukabumi – Another budget-friendly option from RedDoorz. We do not have experience with this particular establishment; however, it offers an attractive price point.
Vibrant hues at Curug Cikaso.
Other Tips For Ciletuh
- ATM: Several ATMs are available in the valley, though we did not test their functionality.
- Electricity: Despite being in a remote area of Java, the region enjoys 24/7 electricity, alleviating concerns regarding outages.
- Entrance Fees: Many waterfalls within the Ciletuh Geopark require a nominal entrance or parking fee upon visitation, typically ranging from 5k to 10k Rupiah per person. Access to the park itself is free of charge.
- Mosquitoes: While dining at local restaurants, we did observe mosquitoes but successfully avoided bites. According to this Lancet study from 2018, there may be malaria risk in this area, so it is wise to utilize mosquito repellent continually. We opted not to take prophylactics.
- Cell Service: We enjoyed decent 3G and 4G data coverage with Telkomsel throughout the valley.
- Restaurants: We dined regularly at Geopark Ciletuh Cafe & Resto, where the food was satisfying and reasonably priced.
- WiFi: Our budget accommodation lacked WiFi; however, higher-end hotels should offer this amenity.
How Long To Stay
We spent 3 days in Ciletuh, which provided ample time to experience all the park’s highlights.
Should you choose to extend your stay, additional intriguing sights may also be discovered. This region remains largely unexplored, with most international visitors opting for East Java instead.
Best Time To Visit
Given that the principal attraction of Ciletuh is its waterfalls, it is advisable to visit when they are at their most visually striking.
We traveled in late April, which was nearing the dry season. The waterfalls were reasonably impressive but were already beginning to dry out. Conversely, visiting in December or January may present excessive rainfall.
Based on our experience, the ideal times for a visit would be February, March, or early April, offering notably robust waterfalls without excessive muddiness from flooding.
Rice terraces at Curug Cimarinjung.
Thanks for visiting!
We trust that this travel guide for the Ciletuh Geopark in West Java was informative.
Explore additional travel guides for Indonesia, along with a list of the most stunning waterfalls in Indonesia!
