Thursday, March 28, 2024 | 19:47 WIB

Cheerful & creepy scenes around Camp Papandayan

Papandayan 3
Sunrise in Bukit Salada Camping Grounds, with a prime view every dawn. (Pramita Hendra/IO)

According to history, the Dead Forest was created during the great Papandayan eruption hundreds of years ago. Without warning, the Mountain spewed lava and ashes on 11-12 August 1772, laying waste to swathes of forests and burying no less than 42 villages during the nightmarish two days. 

Read: Sandalwood Festival Stimulates Tourism in Sumba

A lot of time has passed since then. Mount Papandayan did not erupted so massively until 2002, with a series of small quakes recorded up until 2011. So far, it is quite safe to visit. Here’s hoping that it stays quiet! 

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Mount Papandayan, with its relatively mild slope, is quite suitable for beginner-level climbers. (Pramita Hendra/IO)

In any case, the mountain slope is not hard to reach. From the town of Garut, drive towards Cijulang (in the same direction that you’d take if you’re going to Santolo beach). Go straight ahead at the Cisurupan T-junction. Near the District Office of Cisurupan (about 30 km from Garut town proper), you’ll find the Papandayan path right next to the Great Mosque of Cisurupan. You can’t miss it – the big board saying “Welcome to Mount Papandayan” is clearly there! 

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