Cukang Taneuh or Green Canyon is a tourist destination in West Java which is located in Kertayasa Village, Cijulang District, Pangandaran Regency ± 31 km from Pangandaran Marlin Roundabout. This Green Canyon was formed from soil erosion due to the flow of the Cijulang river for millions of years which penetrated caves with stunning stalactites and stalagmites and is flanked by two hills with rocks and thick trees presenting unique and challenging natural attractions.
To reach this place, we have to rent a boat from Ciseureuh pier, the journey takes approximately 30-45 minutes with a distance of about 3 km to get to Green Canyon. Ticket prices and boat rentals to get to the location are around IDR 225,000 for a maximum of 5 passengers and operate every day from 07.30 WIB to 16.00 WIB and for Friday it operates from 13.00 WIB. This tourist destination is adjacent to the tourist attraction Batukaras Beach and Nusawiru Airport. with coordinates 7 43′ 47.96″ S, 108 26 53.12 E.
Along the way, our eyes will be spoiled by the shade of the trees and the green color of the river water. At the mouth of the cave there is the Palatar waterfall so the atmosphere at this tourist attraction feels so cool. Activities that can be done include rock climbing, swimming, boating while fishing.
The name Green Canyon (Green Canyon) is said to have been popularized by a tourist from France named Bill Jhon in 1993. This refers to the Grand Canyon tourist attraction in Colorado, United States, which may have the same exoticism or beauty as the Pangandaran Grenn Canyon in Indonesia. The locals call it Cukang Taneuh. In Sundanese, cukang means bridge and taneuh means land, which means a bridge made of earth. This is because above the valleys and ravines of the Green Canyon there are bridges made of land that are used by local farmers to get to their gardens.
Boat to Green Canyon
At the Green Canyon tourist destination, we can trace the flow of the Cijulang River which penetrates caves decorated with stunning stalactites. The clear water is turquoise green, and it is flanked by two hills with rocks and lush trees forming an exotic and challenging natural painting to explore.
To reach the Green Canyon we have to rent a paddle boat from the Ciseureuh pier. The trip is about 3 km and takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
There are quite a number of boats that can take you to explore this tourist attraction. Each boat is equipped with a guide who will accompany you on the trip. The fare is IDR 200,000 per boat with a capacity of 5-6 people.
Along the way we will be in a steep wall basin on either side of the river flow. The canyon walls present a beauty of its own. In addition, at the top several times visitors will pass stalactites which are still dripping with groundwater. After a few hundred meters of swimming, you will see several small waterfalls on either side which are so charming. As soon as you see rapids with a narrow channel that is difficult for boats to pass, it means you have arrived. That’s the Palatar waterfall at the mouth of the Green Canyon.
Body Rafting Green Canyon Pangandaran
If tourists want to continue the journey, they can do it with body rafting. Body rafting is an activity of swimming with the flow of water using a float. The river water that flows into the green canyon cave is so clear and has a fairly swift current. If you want to be more challenging, tourists can swim from the headwaters with rapids and stronger currents.
For those who can’t swim, there’s no need to worry, the trip is completely guaranteed to be safe as long as you follow the correct safety procedures. The guide will guide you until you are completely ready. Those who do not like swimming, can crawl on the edge of the rock. For photography enthusiasts, of course there will be many interesting spots to take. If you continue swimming, visitors will arrive at the end of the road, where there is a cave inhabited by many bats.
The flow of this river is quite long, so that visitors can swim to their heart’s content while following the flow of the waterfall. In addition to the beautiful scenery above the surface of the water, Green Canyon is also a paradise for those who like diving.
The stunning view of the hollows in the water is ready to be explored and enjoyed, complete with a variety of fish swimming to and fro at the bottom of the depths.
For those who like to challenge adrenaline, can jump from a height to the depths of the depths.
Tips for Visiting Green Canyon Pangandaran
For those who want to visit the Green Canyon Pangandaran there are some tips taken from Kompas Travel, namely:
1. Path to Green Canyon Pangandaran
To go to the Green Canyon is not difficult. If you depart from Jakarta, you can use the route Bandung – Tasikmalaya – Ciamis – Pangandaran – Cijulang. This path is commonly used. From Bandung is about 180 Km. If you are going to stay overnight in Pangandaran, use this route. From Pangandaran city, upon arrival at the Pangandaran Beach red light go forward a little then turn right towards Pangandaran Market (don’t enter the Pangandaran beach gate). From Pangandaran market then turn right until you see the Cijulang sign and Nusa Wiru airport, then turn left.
Continue straight towards Parigi. At the Cijulang roundabout, turn left, there is a sign for Cijulang, Nusawiru Airport, then turn right. The benchmark is Tirta Bahari Restaurant. From there, approximately 50 meters you will arrive at the Green Canyon.
If you want to be adventurous, use the southern route, which passes through the City of Tasikmalaya – Cipatujah – Cikalong – Cimanuk – Cijulang. The distance is approximately 60 km. This path is fun because along the way you will be treated to beautiful views.
2. Perfect Time To Green Canyon
Green Canyon’s popularity makes it always full of tourists. Consequently, tourists have to queue to get a boat. For that, try not to come on weekends, because on weekends the number of visitors is quite a lot. However, if indeed your vacation time is only on weekends, come earlier. For information, Green Canyon is open from 07.30 to 16.00 WIB. By arriving early, you won’t be standing in line for too long.
So that you can really enjoy the adventure in Green Canyon it is also advisable not to come during the rainy season. Because it is very likely that Green Canyon will be closed due to increased water discharge and brown water. The best time is during the dry season, because the river water will be clear green and calmer.
Our advice too, contact the tour package provider to ensure that you can have a fun adventure.
3. Prepare Cash
Another tip, before going to Green Canyon, prepare enough cash because there are no banks or ATMs. To enjoy the excitement at Green Canyon, the fee required is to rent a boat and an entrance ticket of IDR 200,000 for a maximum of six people.
For this reason, it’s best if you bring a group when you come here so you can work together and the cost of renting a boat can be lighter. If you want to swim then you are charged extra.
4. Prepare a Change of Clothes
Because you will get wet, prepare a change of clothes sufficiently. If you carry a camera, try to use a waterproof camera. No need to bring your own life jacket, because the guide has provided it.
5. Lodging at Green Canyon Pangandaran
After enjoying the excitement of Green Canyon, there are several choices of places to stay. You can find lodging in Pangandaran which is approximately one hour away. But, if you are very tired, you can also stay at the Batukaras Beach area which is approximately 15 minutes away.