Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Mount. Gede Pangrango-The Rich Diversity of Mountain Forest

mount gede pangrango
Gunung Gede and Pangrango are the first five parks that had distinction of launching Indonesias National Park Program. Located on Bogor, Cianjur and Sukabumi districts with cover area around 15,196 ha. It is the most accessible mountain to climb from Jakarta. By only 2 hours drive south of Jakarta and 5 " 6 hours trekking, you will find a tranquil rainforest, self guided trail and a spectacular view of West Java from the peak.

The national park consists of twin volcanoes: Gede 2958 m above sea level (asl) and Pangrango 3019 asl. The two summits are connected by a high saddle known as Kandang Badak, 2400 m asl. The mountain slopes are very steep and are cut info rapidly flowing stream, which carve deep valleys and long ridges.

For those fortunate enough to stand on the summit of Mount Gede in clear conditions the view is spectacular. Some people, including, it is said, Raffles, have claimed to be able to see the Java Sea to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south. Occasionally climbers with very good eyesight or maybe imagination " have sighted Sumatra on the west! Mount Pangrango is less scenery, but more rich in flora than Mount Gede.
mount gede pangrangoGetting There

Visitors usually enter the park by one of four gates :
  • Cibodas Gate (Cianjur) is the main entrance and the site of the park Headquarters. It is located about 100 km from Jakarta/2.5 hour drive; 89 km from Bandung/2 hour drive.
  • Gunung Putri Gate (Cianjur) is close to Cibodas and can be reached via Cipanas and Pacet.
  • Selabintana Gate (Sukabumi) is 60 km from Bogor/1.5 hour drive, and 90 km from Bandung/2hourdrive.
  • Situgunung Gate (Sukabumi) is 15 km from Selabintana in the direction of Bogor.
  • Except from Situgunung, Mount Gede and Pangrango summits may be reached on clearly marked trails.
Where to Stay

Accomodation in the park is in simple guesthouses. The park also provides some camping grounds, including one at the Alun-alun Suryakencana, a flat area near the top of Gunung Gede. There are many hotels, villas and bungalows in the Puncak Pass-Cipanas area. This area is quite close to the Headquarters of the park.

Among the mountains in West Java, the twin volcanoes Gede-Pangrango are very famous for hiking and mountain climbing. There are 4 trails to go up to the summits of of the mountains; two trails are from Cibodas, one from Gunung Putri and another one from Selabintana, Sukabumi. Climbing the mountains and watching the sunrise from the top or the crater wall of Gunung Gede are the most exciting attractions for visitors.

Moving Around

You can go around Selabintana Park and Cibodas Park, if you didnt have a plan to climb or hike.

Dining Guide


Before start hiking or climbing, be sure that you already eat, or you can bring some food and drink from your place. Otherwise, you can buy some food and non alcohol drink on the nearest supermarkets for your supply during your activities on mountain.

Souvenir Tips

Among the mountains in West Java, the twin volcanoes Gede-Pangrango are very famous for hiking and mountain climbing. There are 4 trails to go up to the summits of of the mountains; two trails are from Cibodas, one from Gunung Putri and another one from Selabintana, Sukabumi. Climbing the mountains and watching the sunrise from the top or the crater wall of Gunung Gede are the most exciting attractions for visitors.

Travel Tips


Permit :
All visitors must buy a ticket when entering the park. Recreational visit tickets can be obtained from ticket hatches at each of the four gates. In addition, mountain climbing permits are required:
When living the main trail from Cibodas gate to Cibeureum Waterfall in order to climb to the hot water stream/Air panas.
When turning off the trail to Cibeureum waterfall of Selabintana, Selabintana Gate, Beyond Bobojong camping ground upon entering the National Park proper from Gunung Putri Gate.
Should you wish to climb the mountains you must obtain the permit either at the National Park Headquarters, Cibodas or at Selabintana Resort Office.
Register at the National Park Office:
- Monday-Thursday 07.30 - 14.30
- Friday 07.30 - 11.00
- Saturday 07.30 - 13.30

Tools & Equipment
  • Minimum hiking gear : hiking or climbing shoes, warm clothes, sleeping bag (if staying on the mountain overnight), raincoat, waterproof clothing, flashlight and medical kit.
  • Carry enough food and drink (non-alcoholic).
  • Do not climb alone, preferably there should be at least three people in your party and preferably you should be guided by someone with knowledge of the trail.

Conservation Tips during climbing

  • Take nothing but picture : have respect for untouched nature by trying not to cut through thick foliage of places where animals may be living.
  • Leave nothing but footprint: Pack in pack out. All garbage should be brought back to civilization and disposed property.
  • Kill noting but time: Hikers and campers should never molest of otherwise disrupt the natural flow of things in the woods. Stay relatively quiet and you are likely to see animals and birds at work and at play.
  • Try and stick to established trails when hiking. Hike in a single file to minimize the chance of widening a trail.
  • Use biodegradable soap and wash away from water resources such lakes and streams. Dispose of waste water in a shallow hole dug with a trowel.
  • Build only one small fire, if permitted, and use only existing fire pits.

mount gede pangrango map