Sukabumi
Introduction
Nestled within the southern foothills of Mount Gede in West Java, Sukabumi offers a landscape defined by its proximity to nature. You will find yourself in a landlocked city surrounded by the regency of the same name.
Located south of the national capital, Jakarta, the area provides a distinct atmosphere away from the bustling center.
Before you go
Prepare for your journey to Sukabumi by understanding its geographical context in the southwest of West Java. Situated south of the Mount Gede volcano and the Mount Gede Pangrango National Park, the region is defined by a history deeply connected to colonial-era plantations of coffee, tea, and rubber.
The area offers diverse landscapes, ranging from the inland city of Sukabumi to the coastal atmosphere of Pelabuhan Ratu. You can explore the surrounding regency, which encompasses a vast territory in the province.
Getting there
You can reach Sukabumi by road or rail from several nearby hubs. If you are traveling by car, the city sits along National Road 3, also known as the Southern Java Route. From Jakarta, you can navigate the Jagorawi-Bocimi toll road to Parungkuda before heading south to the Cibadak district to join the main route. Traveling from Bandung involves a drive through Cianjur. If you prefer public transportation, frequent buses connect Sukabumi to various terminals in Jakarta and to Pelabuhan Ratu on the Indian Ocean coast. From Bogor, you can take a Colt minibus specifically serving the route between the two cities.
Rail travel offers another way to reach the city center via the 2 Sukabumi railway station. You can board the Pangrango train from Bogor Paledang station or the Siliwangi train from Cianjur. For those arriving from major cities in Central Java, such as Semarang, Solo, and Yogyakarta, long-distance bus services are available to bring you to the region.
Getting around
You can navigate Sukabumi's urban areas and natural sites by foot, motorcycle, or via an angkot. These public minivans follow fixed routes throughout the city and surrounding regions, though they do not operate on a set schedule or have designated stops. To board, you simply raise your hand, and to disembark, you can shout "Kiri!" to signal the driver to pull over on the left side of the road. Since routes vary, it is helpful to ask a local which angkot to take and how to identify your desired stop.
Depending on your destination, other transportation options include ojek (motorcycle taxis) and delman (horse carriages), which are primarily located around Merdeka Square. Note that certain locations in the region are only easily accessible by car.
Where to stay
If you need to stay overnight in Sukabumi town, you can find budget accommodations located near the bus terminal. You can ask locals or nearby ojek drivers to transport you to these locations. While the nights in Sukabumi can be quite cold, rooms with basic fans are available for your stay.
For a different experience, you can retreat to the surrounding mountains to find private villa accommodations featuring traditional Sundanese and Balinese decor. These settings offer a resort-like ambience overlooking Mount Gede and lush paddy fields.
Food & drink
Experience a culinary scene rooted in Sundanese traditions while sampling local favorites like Bangket, Pavinder cake, Martabak Bandung, and nutmeg candy. You can also enjoy Sukabumi Chinese cuisine, such as Mie goreng, or try various types of mochi, including versions filled with Nutella, Ovaltine, or Greentea.
Alcoholic beverages are not easily accessible in the area, and you are prohibited from drinking in public. You can find these drinks in certain bars, cafes, and modern hotels within the city.
What to see and do
Explore the scenic landscapes of Mount Gede Pangrango National Park, where you can take in panoramic views of tea farms with the city as your backdrop. In the plantation areas near Pondok Halimun, you can jog through rows of tea, tomato, and chili pepper crops or relax at a local cafe to enjoy the fresh mountain breeze. Nature lovers can also visit the Sawer Waterfall or cross the long suspension bridge located within the Situ Gunung conservation area.
To experience the local culture, head to Merdeka Square on Perintis Kemerdekaan road. This central gathering spot is an ideal place to mingle with residents and learn about the area while they participate in sports and community activities. You can also visit several local landmarks, including the Bale' Barudak Gallery, Gedung Juang '45, Maltaaaf Studio, Museum Islam Prabu Siliwangi, Museum Pegadaian Sukabumi, and Museum Tionghoa Soekaboemi.
Three days in Sukabumi
Day one, you begin your journey from Jakarta toward the scenic landscapes of West Java. You travel along the National Road to reach Sukabumi, where you can prepare for an excursion into the natural beauty of the region.
Day two, you explore the area situated within Mount Gede Pangrango National Park. You immerse yourself in the surroundings of Mount Gede and Mount Pangrango as you experience the local terrain.
Day three, you head toward the coast to see the Indian Ocean near Pelabuhan Ratu. This stretch of the Southern Java Route offers a different perspective of the landscape before your journey concludes.