East Parahyangan
Discover East Parahyangan
As the name implies, East Parahyangan is the eastern continuation of the mountain region of Parahyangan, which is centred around the city of Bandung. The volcanic mountain region of East Parahyangan includes the regencies of Tasikmalaya, Ciamis, Kuningan, Majalengka (the mountainous part), and Pangandaran, as well as the independent cities of Tasikmalaya and Banjar. From about the 7th to the 15th century, the region was part of the Galuh Kingdom, a Hindu kingdom of which the capital is believed to have been in Kawali, near Ciamis. After the fall of the Galuh Kingdom and its neighbour the Sunda Kingdom (based in Bogor Raya), the region came under the control of the sultanate of Cirebon and the Mataram Sultanate from Central Java. Soon after, the colonial powers from Europe came to Java, and the Dutch East India Company (VOC) settled in Batavia (Jakarta). By the early 18th century also the entire Parahyangan region was under Dutch control.
What to Experience in East Parahyangan
Famous Beaches
Taste of East Parahyangan...
The traditional food from the region, Sundanese food, is ubiquitous, and can be found everywhere from major hotels to roadside food stalls. The food is characterised by fresh (often raw) vegetables, sambal terasi (chili sauce with shrimp paste), and fried tofu and tempeh. In traditional Sundanese restaurants, it is common to sit on a bamboo mat on the floor, and eat with your hands. A small bowl of water is provided to clean your hands before eating. Some typical types of food specifically in East Parahyangan include nasi tutug oncom (rice mixed with fermented soy bean tailings) in Tasikmalaya and the galendo snack (made of coconut milk) in Ciamis. Of course, fresh fish and seafood can be found along the Indian Ocean coast, with the largest fish market being in Pangandaran. Along the beaches of Pangandaran and Batu Karas you can find alcoholic beverages. In the remainder of the region cafés that sell alcoholic drinks are less common, but usually you can buy Bintang beer at least in the hotels and resorts. Be aware that there are several active volcanoes in the area. Make sure to be informed about the latest situation on eruptions and volcanic activity from the Indonesian authorities when you want to climb a volcano. Along the south coast there is a risk of tsunamis. There is a tsunami warning system and there are tsunami escape routes. When you arrive, have a look at the signs so you know where to go in case of a warning. Keep also in mind that traffic is busy and chaotic.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe new Kertajati International Airport (KJT) is intended to be the main airport of the region. There is one small airport in the region with scheduled flights. Nusawiru Airport (CJN) near the town of Cijulang is along the road from Pangandaran to Batu Karas on the south coast. It is served by scheduled flights from Halim Airport in East Jakarta operated by Susi Air. The nearest larger airport is in Bandung (BDO), with flights from major cities throughout Indonesia as well as Singapore and Malaysia. Especially to get to the northern part of East Parahyangan (such as Majalengka) it is also a good option to fly to Jakarta's major Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, as the tolled motorways allow for a quick journey. There is one operational railway in East Parahyangan, that runs from west to east centrally through the region....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
The larger towns and cities are interconnected by a network of buses. Within the city of Tasikmalaya as well as the other larger towns it is easy to get around using a dense network of angkot (public minivans). To and within more remote areas of the region, public transport is more limited. During weekends and holidays, traffic congestion is common on the roads to tourist destinations, such as the beach of Pangandaran. While there are some taxi companies in Tasikmalaya, in other parts of the region this is more limited. However, in all towns and villages you can rent an ojek (motorcycle taxi), which are usually available at all major street corners. Other transport options in some places include becak (bicycle rickshaws), and delman (horse carriages). There are various active volcanoes in the region. The most well-known volcano is Mount Ciremai, that forms the centre of the Mount Ciremai National Park.
Where to Stay
Be aware that there are several active volcanoes in the area. Make sure to be informed about the latest situation on eruptions and volcanic activity from the Indonesian authorities when you want to climb a volcano. Along the south coast there is a risk of tsunamis. There is a tsunami warning system and there are tsunami escape routes. When you arrive, have a look at the signs so you know where to go in case of a warning. Keep also in mind that traffic is busy and chaotic. If you are not used to driving in Indonesia, it is better to use public transport or to hire a car with a driver rather than attempting to drive by yourself.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Be aware that there are several active volcanoes in the area. Make sure to be informed about the latest situation on eruptions and volcanic activity from the Indonesian authorities when you want to climb a volcano. Along the south coast there is a risk of tsunamis. There is a tsunami warning system and there are tsunami escape routes. When you arrive, have a look at the signs so you know where to go in case of a warning. Keep also in mind that traffic is busy and chaotic. If you are not used to driving in Indonesia, it is better to use public transport or to hire a car with a driver rather than attempting to drive by yourself.