What is Tangkuban Perahu (Bandung Volcano)?

Tangkuban Perahu is one of the active volcanic mountains in Lembang, West Java, Indonesia. Tangkuban Perahu peak is situated at a height of 2,084 meters (6,837 feet). The last eruption by Tangkuban Perahu took place in 2013. The eruption mostly consisted of lava and sulfur.

Tangkuban Perahu is managed by the Department of Forestry. The average temperature in Tangkuban Perahu is 17 degrees celcius in the afternoon and could reach an average of 2 degrees Celsius at night. One of the main attraction point of Tangkuban Perahu is its lush forest.

Tangkuban Perahu is closely linked to the legend of Sangkuriang. In the story, Sangkuriang fell in love with his own mother, Dayang Sumbi. Dayang Sumbi came up with an idea to stop Sangkuriang’s intention of marrying her, Dayang Sumbi posed a requirement that Sangkuriang must build a boat in one night. When Sangkuriang failed to complete the boat in one night, he got angry and kicked the boat till it capsized. This boat then became Tangkuban Perahu.

Tangkuban Perahu is an active volcano, continuously monitored by the Directorate of Volcanology of Indonesia. A number of craters in Tangkuban Perahu shows that this mountain is still active, seen by the sulfur and hot water in the base of the volcano. Interestingly, although Tangkuban Perahu is categorized as an active volcano, this status does not deter tourists from visiting this site. On the contrary, a lot of local and foreign tourists visit Tangkuban Perahu to get a glimpse of its well known beauty. The tourist attractions that you can visit in the Tangkuban Perahu area are Ratu Crater, Upas Crater, Domas Crater and Jurig Crater.

What is so attractive about Tangkuban Perahu?

Tangkuban Perahu is an adrenaline pumping tourist destination. The natural beauty found in this site is unique. Walking through the forests in the Tangkuban Perahu area and feeling the atmosphere of being near a volcano will get your adrenaline pumping.

Tangkuban Perahu is also a wonderful family holiday destination. Being able to take a photograph near a volcano is a rare opportunity and this memory will last a life time. Guides are also available to assist and support you.

How to go to Tangkuban Perahu?

Tangkuban Perahu can be reached from Bandung by heading north (toward Subang). It is approximately 20 km from the down town area of Bandung. The route to reach Tangkuban Perahu is via the Pasteur toll gate, passing through Jl. Dr. Djunjunan – Pasirkaliki – Sukajadi – Setiabudi – Lembang until reaching Tangkuban Perahu.

An alternative route is via the Padalarang toll gate (via Cipularang), heading toward Cimahi and then turning left at Jl. Kolonel Masturi, going along the road (passing Cisarua and Parongpong Sub-district, West Bandung), at the three section road at Jl. Raya Lembang, turn left and follow the road passing the Police Mobile Brigade Headquarters, upon passing the Tahu Tauhid sign turn left and within another 200 meters, you should have reached the Tangkuban Perahu gate (left side of the road).