Legendary Tangkuban Perahu

Located in Lembang, this place is only within 30 minutes drive from Bandung (when the traffic is light). Tangkuban Prahu is actually a volcanic mountain. The shape resembles an upturned boat, hence, the name. (Tangkuban Prahu in Sundanese means, more or less, upturned boat) There is a legend involved in the creation of this mountain.

It is said that long time ago, there was a couple very much in love. They had a son called Sangkuriang. For some reason, the husband couldn’t walk around in his true form, so he was forced to assume the form of a dog. Sangkuriang loved the dog very much. One day, Dayang Sumbi, Sangkuriang’s mother, felt like eating a deer’s heart. Sangkuriang tried to hunt for a deer, in vain. In desperation, he killed the dog and took the dog’s heart to his mother. Dayang Sumbi, finally realizing that the dog had died, became extremely angry. He hit Sangkuriang, causing a wound on his forehead. Sangkuriang then fled, living somewhere else. Years had passed and Sangkuriang had grown into a fine young lad. Dayang Sumbi was as beautiful as ever. Sangkuriang met Dayang Sumbi then fell in love, not realizing that she was actually his mother. Dayang Sumbi shared the same affection, until she noticed the scar on Sangkuriang’s forehead. Convinced that she had found her lost son, Dayang Sumbi refused Sangkuriang’s marriage proposal. Sangkuriang persisted, so Dayang Sumbi asked him to build a big ship during the night. She thought Sangkuriang wouldn’t be able to finish this task. She was wrong—dawn was near, and the ship was almost complete. Dayang Sumbi then tricked the roosters to crow earlier, so Sangkuriang would think that the time was up. Sangkuriang was fooled. In bitter anger he kicked the ship aside. The ship then turned into a mountain.

Getting There

You can use public transportation from Bandung to this site, take a taxi, or rent a car. Renting a car is advisable, that way you can reach the top of the mountain without having to use much of your energy.

Where to Stay

Inns and hotels in Bandung. If you plan to spend the night at Lembang, however, various inns and hotels are also available.

Moving Around

If you’re in the mood to do some exercise, you can walk till you reach the top. If not, just drive until you reach the summit and enjoy the scenery.

Dining Guide

Snacks and light food can be found here. Do not expect haute cuisine, though. Or you can eat at numerous restaurants down below, in Lembang.

Souvenir Tips

• Dolls, bags, and hats in synthetic fur. They look cute and great to wear, too.

• Carved stones and onyx.

• Pieces of sulphur, for medication purpose.

• Jewelries and small trinkets.

• Don’t forget to bargain!

Other Things to See or Do

• Have a picnic while enjoying the scenery.
• Watch the bubbling volcano (Tangkuban Prahu is an active volcano, but it’s still safe for visitors).

• Take a walk to Kawah Upas. The white crater offers a spectacular sight.

Travel Tips

• The smell of sulphur is quite strong, so those of you who cannot stand it should bring a handkerchief or similar things to cover their noses.

• Be firm in refusing an unwanted peddlar. Some peddlars and merchants can be quite pushy.

• Bring a jacket or sweater. The temperature in this place is quite cool.

• Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers.