Cianjur – Tea Plantations and Hot Springs in the Puncak Highlands
Cianjur Regency lies in the central-southern part of West Java province, stretching from the Puncak highlands to the Indian Ocean coast. The regional capital, Cianjur town, is the source of some of Indonesia's finest-quality rice – Cianjur rice is famous nationwide. The region's north is characterised by the cool tea plantations and volcanic highlands of the Puncak Pass, while the south holds an untouched ocean coastline.
Attractions and Activities
Puncak Pass is one of Java's most scenic highland routes, where terraced tea plantations unfold across misty hillsides. Cipanas hot springs offer natural thermal bathing in a volcanic setting at the foot of Gunung Gede-Pangrango National Park. Within the national park, the Gunung Gede (2,958 m) summit trek is recommended for experienced hikers – both montane rainforest and alpine meadow are stunning. On the southern coast, Jayanti Beach and the bays of Cidaun are unspoilt surfing paradises. Cianjur valley rice fields offer a golden panorama at harvest time.
Culture and Cuisine
Sundanese culture is exceptionally strong here – Cianjur is the centre of Tembang Sunda (classical Sundanese melodies). The cuisine is built on Sundanese freshness: nasi liwet Cianjur (spiced steamed rice with dried salted fish and tangy vegetables) is the emblematic dish. Tauco (fermented soy paste), hayam bakakak (whole roast chicken), and manisan cianjur (candied fruits) are all local specialities.
Public Safety
Cianjur is a safe region. You can move around the town and highland resorts freely at night. Traffic on Puncak Pass is very heavy at weekends (Jakarta day-trippers) – avoid Friday and Sunday peak hours. Use a local guide and park permit for the Gunung Gede trek. On the southern coast, ocean currents are strong – swim only at designated spots. The region is earthquake-prone (a severe quake struck in 2022) – follow local warnings. Medical care is available in Cianjur town; Bandung is approximately 2 hours away.
Practical Information
From Jakarta via Puncak Pass, approximately 2–3 hours (traffic-dependent at weekends). From Bandung, approximately 2 hours. The best time to visit is April to October. Accommodation ranges widely: from Puncak villas to Cipanas thermal hotels to Cianjur town guesthouses.