Kuningan – Mount Ciremai and Sundanese Highlands in West Java
Kuningan Regency lies in the eastern part of West Java province, between Mount Ciremai and Darma Reservoir. Its capital is Kuningan town. The region is home to West Java’s highest peak, Mount Ciremai (3,078 m).
Attractions and Activities
Ciremai National Park (Taman Nasional Gunung Ciremai) guards the roof of West Java: two main trails lead to the volcano’s summit (from Linggarjati and Palutungan gates), taking 2 days. Darma Reservoir (Waduk Darma) is a scenic lake among green hills – boating, fishing. Talaga Remis is a natural forested lake at the foot of Ciremai. Cigugur cultural village is home to the Sundanese Sunda Wiwitan tradition-preserving community – the Seren Taun harvest festival takes place here.
Culture and Cuisine
Kuningan is a Sundanese-cultured region: angklung musical tradition and pencak silat martial art are alive. The Linggarjati Agreement museum (1947, an important site in Indonesia’s independence history) can be visited. Cuisine is Sundanese: nasi timbel (rice steamed in banana leaf), pepes ikan (spiced fish parcel), karedok (raw vegetable salad with peanut sauce).
Public Safety
Kuningan is a safe region. Good fitness and proper equipment are needed for the Ciremai trek. Medical care: basic hospital in Kuningan town; Cirebon (approx. 1 hour) has more advanced facilities.
Practical Information
From Cirebon Penggung Airport (limited flights) or Cirebon train station, approximately 1 hour south-east by car. From Bandung, approximately 3 hours. The best time to visit is April to October. Accommodation: hotels and guesthouses in Kuningan town.