Say hello to see crater and Rainbow Mountain Papandayan

KOMPAS.COM-For those who have never set foot on the ridge slopes of Mount Papandayan, would be amazed what a mountain located on the south side of Garut regency, West Java, this.

Apparent condition of the slopes and some point-altitude mountain peak 2665 m above sea level as it has just eroded. Expanse of rock fragments, ranging from the smallest to large chunks of stuff strewn path towards the summit trail to the campsite and Pondok Seladah.

Not much different from the tourist sites and historical heritage Situ Cangkuang Temple. These relics of the 16th century like a scattered without attention. Although the temple is visible
clean, because there are still people around who diligently sweep and maintain the cultural pilgrimage to the tomb of Mohammed Arif Grandmother (in the temple area), Situ Cangkuang which should make it beautiful tourist sites, it seemed less manicured.

Siltation problems due to mud and weeds and lotus thrives on it is visible. In fact, there are some land there is already clear land for farming shallow by most residents in Cangkuang.

However, the two tourist sites that are being initiated by the Government of Garut Regency as the main destination Garut tourist map, it can still be enjoyed, both coolness and beauty. Cold crept in when the body began to tread the path to the crater Papandayan, so enjoyment is not forgotten.

Seeing the stones strewn along the path to the crater Papandayan, cursory as it is impossible to traveled and enjoyed. Precisely with treading the path that does not like it's walking paths, a lot of sensation. At least, if not too strong to the top three or two at altitude 2200 m and 2,300 m, can already be witnessed the emergence of a number of new point sources of sulfur and small craters. That's what emerged from the remnants of the grandeur Papandayan after landslides and erupted in late 2002.

"Before the landslide partially erupted that made these hills, craters large size. Then, all of which landslides are stones from the mountain walls that cover the crater and the location of points of sulfur. Well, after nearly two years of the avalanche of new craters appeared and the point of sulfur, but size is not large. Despite the current small, a dozen in number. In fact, there is a point of sulfur and craters that emerged from the ruins of a stone wall. Not too visible, but wait and listen later there must be small roar and smoke, "said Ade Nadin (51), tour guides who are also natives in Papandayan.

Wanawisata Mountain region is located in District Papandayan Cisurupan, is located 28 km south of Garut. This mountain is one of the hiking and camping destination for those who like outdoor activities.

Although the route from the village and Kramatwangi Sinarjaya not smooth, but still can enjoy views of the stones scattered about the color is slightly golden. Footsteps rather terambat because the steep rocks would be relieved when it was up to some point where it can be seen the beauty of a small crater lake that is still bubbling gray, named Balagadama.

It must be remembered, enjoyed the crater that is still bubbling with a temperature of 400 degrees Celsius it should also remain cautious. Especially up close. Because, there are a number of pathways around the crater that Danah aka unstable terrain can suddenly ambles. Therefore, when they want manikmati sulfur and beauty of the location of the crater is better to use guide services, so that no wrong way.

To use the services of a guide is not too expensive, especially if the entourage. The cost is Rp 50,000 per person each way, while for groups of between Rp 250,000 - Rp 300,000. With a guide, the trip can be arranged so that up to the top of the snow (because the surface is filled with ashes eruption) and meadow flower edelweiss.

"You could see from the crater near the point of sulfur and, as this Balagadama. But, to be strong hold breath just wrote. Because, there are often strong winds that change direction. It blew the smoke from the point of sulfur. Create a strong smell does not take cover nose. The important thing is still carrying water if later the coughing, "explains the guide.

While living ruins of a wall mount, but still worth Papandayan enjoyed. No need to hurry to reach the top, seeing the edelweiss. Walking with the usual pace, only took about two hours. With a break here and there and portraits, can be three hours. The results, look Garut from one side of the peak. Late afternoon, come down from there peak. If the rains had just ended, there are additional attractions, namely the emergence of a rainbow encircling the top of the mountain Cikuray.