Mount Gede Pangrango National Park, in the rainforests of West Java, is a lush mountainous region that is a must-visit for nature-lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Officially listed as part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, the Mount Gede Pangrango National Park is vital for the conservation of the flora and fauna that inhabits the previous rainforests.
Home to an astounding array of wildlife, including the majestic Javan Hawk-Eagle, gibbons, leaf monkeys, wild cattle known as Banteng, and the elusive Javan Leopard, West Java is a treasure trove of unique biodiversity. You’ll also find an abundance of ferns, pitcher plants, and the giant Rafflesia rochussenii – which is famous for producing the world’s largest individual flower.
Even so, the real star attractions of the 150 km² national park are the two volcanoes, Mount Gede and Mount Pangrango, that tower 3000 meters above the misty rainforests below. From the peaks of the volcanoes, you can cool down in the alpine breeze while taking in the spectacular views around you. The two volcanoes are connected by the steep-sloped Kandang Badak path, which itself is over 2000 meters in altitude; and provides some of the most exciting hiking opportunities in the hemisphere.
If you’d prefer a more relaxed visit to the national park, there’s also waterfalls, hot springs, and lakeside areas set aside for picnics and recreational family activities, as well lots of beginner-friendly hiking trails. So don’t worry if you don’t fancy hiking up through the rainforests and scaling the summits of the volcanoes!
The national park, and Indonesia’s nearby capital city of Jakarta, are the ideal holiday destinations for adventurous couples and solo travelers, as well as families and group tours.
How To Get To Mount Gede Pangrango National Park
The easiest way to visit Mount Gede Pangrango National Park is to fly into Indonesia’s capital city, Jakarta. Jakarta is an important regional travel hub and has excellent connections to the wider world. You can fly into the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, the main airport in Jakarta, from any number of cities, including London, Los Angeles, Singapore, Sydney, and Tokyo, to name just a few.
Once you arrive in Jakarta, there are several ways that you can get to the Mount Gede Pangrango National Park.
You can rent a car, and drive yourself to the national park. The drive from Jakarta takes about 2 hours and along the way you’ll be able to appreciate the astounding tropical landscapes of West Java.
Alternatively, you can take public transport. The most convenient option is to take the train from Jakarta to Bogor, and then catch a bus to the town of Cibodas, just outside the national park.
Finally, you can join a group tour and allow the guide to handle all the details of the trip for you. This is a good choice if you’re traveling as a family or don’t want to worry about navigating your way through the jungle roads to the national park.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Mount Gede Pangrango National Park
West Java is located in the equatorial tropics which means there are only two seasons each year – the rainy season and the dry season. And when they say it’s ‘rainy’ in the tropical rainforests, they really mean it! The rainy season is between November and March each year and during this time it rains heavily on an almost daily basis – and when it’s not rainy, it’s misty and the ground is muddy and wet.
This means that the best time to visit West Java is during the dry season, between May and September. The weather is hot, dry, and sunny, with temperatures hovering around the 30 Degree Celsius mark at noon. This is fantastic weather for sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling in the oceans, and is the ideal time to visit the national park. Just remember to bring plenty of bottled water to keep yourself hydrated when you go hiking or sightseeing.
What Is There To Do at Mount Gede Pangrango National Park?
There’s lots to see and do, in and around the Mount Gede Pangrango National Park. But before we explore the possibilities, there’s a couple of things to mention:
● Permits – You need to obtain a hiking permit at the park entrance before you’re allowed to explore the mountain trails.
● Guides – Although it’s not essential, it’s highly advisable to hire a local guide or porter to show you around the hiking trails and help you carry supplies like water and food.
● Trails – There’s a wide range of hiking trails in the park – so there’s something for all abilities and fitness levels.
Multiple Hiking Trails to Discover in the Mount Gede Pangrango National Park
There’s countless trails that criss-cross the huge national park, but a few of the most popular routes include:
Curug Sawer Sukabumi Trail – Moderately Difficult
This short, 2.4 km out-and-back trail sets off near Sukabumi and takes about 90 minutes to complete. The trail is ideal for novice hikers, the highlight of which is the walk through the canopy of the rainforest on the Situ Gunung Suspension Bridge.
There’s lots of great photo opportunities and you’ll be able to get a close-up look at the pristine jungle on either side of the path. There are a couple of steep descents on the trail though, so it’s a good idea to wear a sturdy pair of boots to protect your ankles from getting sprained.
Mount Pangrango Ascent Trail – Hard
This 18.5 km trail offers hikers a challenging route up and down the slopes of Mount Pangrango. It usually takes around 10 to 12 hours to complete with plenty of tough hiking along the route. But as you scale the dormant volcano you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views as you wind up the slopes above the jungles below.
Most hikers on the Mount Pangrango trail camp overnight before setting off for the summit early on the following morning. It’s definitely advisable to hire a local guide for this route. Your guide will not only help you to carry supplies, such as food, water, and camping gear, but they’ll also ensure that you don’t get lost in the jungles.
Visit the Jakarta Bogor Botanical Gardens, Nangka Waterfall, and the Mulyaharja Rice Fields.
This delightful day-trip, departing from Jakarta, takes you to explore the beautiful Bogor botanical gardens. Afterwards, you’ll visit a traditional Indonesian puppet maker’s workshop, the stunning Nangka Waterfall, and the Mulyahra rice fields. When it’s time for lunch, you’ll feast on authentic Sundanese cuisine before hopping back on the air-conditioned vehicle to continue your adventures.
There are multiple pick-up and drop-off points provided in Jakarta and free bottled water throughout the day. Your English speaking guide will always be on hand to point out interesting sights and explain all about the history of the area along the way.
You can find out more, or book your place on the tour, here.
Visit Tangkuban Volcano, Ciater Hot Springs, A Traditional Fruit Market and a Tea Plantation.
This full-day group tour will give you a magical taste of some of the highlights of the area surrounding Jakarta. You’ll stop off on the smoldering slopes of the active Tangkuban Perahu volcano, visit a bustling local fruit market and stop off at the Ciater Hot Springs for a dip in the geothermal waters.
After a delicious Indonesian lunch, you’ll take a tour around a traditional tea plantation and learn how the tea is produced. And lastly, after an action-packed day, you’ll be driven back to Jakarta in an air-conditioned vehicle to be dropped off at your hotel. The tour includes free bottled water throughout the day, Indonesian food at lunch, and all your entrance fees.
You can book your ticket for the tour, or find out more, here.
Stay at the Palace Hotel & Resort Cipanas
If you’d like to stay in a top-of-the-range, family-friendly hotel within easy reach of the Mount Gede Pangrango National Park, then the Palace Hotel & Resort is just what you’re looking for. Situated in Cipanas, just 10 minutes drive from the park entrance, the hotel has a 24 hour concierge desk, an excellent selection of suites, room service, and free WiFi throughout.
The Palace Hotel & Resort also boasts superb facilities; with a large outdoor pool, a sauna, gym, several on-site restaurants, a bar, karaoke, and a children’s activities area. Conveniently situated in Cipanas, with unparalleled views of Mount Gede, the Palace Hotel & Resort provides top of the range luxury at a surprisingly affordable price.
You can reserve your room or find out more about the Palace Hotel & Resort, here.
