Two hundred kilometers drive from
Jakarta, the dusty roads dried out by the scorching sun will suddenly
bring you into dramatic greenery where mountains feel close, suggesting
heaven may not be too far from the city hell. Welcome to Garut, the sign
placed on two columns resembling a gate says. And after that, brace
yourself for endless panoramic views of mountains that seem to
astonishingly encircle the region popularly known as the Switzerland of
Java. This area’s magnificent beauty has been widely recognized around
the world since colonial times. Even legend Charlie Chaplin visited
Garut twice to embrace the serene beauty of the region, which is guarded
by three mountains — Papandayan, Guntur and Cikuray. The comedian first
came here in 1927, then came back in 1935, staying at Grand Hotel
Ngamplang in Cilawu region, a nice hilly resort around 3.4-kilometer
from the city center. No one knows what brought Chaplin twice to the
area, which lies about 60 kilometers southwest of Bandung, the capital
of West Java.
But as soon as you touch down in Garut,
you will know there are a myriad of great spots to visit near the small
town. Green street signs indicating interesting sites which surely
cannot be missed while in town can easily be found. But before that, why
not just enjoy nature’s free treat and feel the fresh breeze blowing
through the never-ending paddy fields on either side of the roads. You
can just pull up your car and make a sweet stop, to embrace the glorious
greenery beneath the far blue mountain, a view you will recall from
children’s drawings, while sipping a coconut ice drink from ubiquitous
street vendors. Enjoying this luxurious moment down by the road, people
may think: Who needs Bali when you have Garut near you?
#AyoKaGarut #WisataLokal #Jabar