There is an object tourism in Bandung which has a unique folklore, that is a son who wants to marry his own mother. This folk tale tells of Dayang Sumbi who had a son named Sangkuriang. For some reason, Sangkuriang wander and had not seen his mother for long time. Dayang Sumbi likes to mediate and likes eating fruit and vegetable. Her habits make she still looks young although she is old. One day, Sangkuriang meet his mother inadvertently and they do not recognize each other. Dayang Sumbi and Sangkuriang is eventually fall in love with each other. Dayang Sumbi finally realized that the boy was his son after seeing the scar in Sangkuriang head. However, Sangkuriang still wanted Dayang Sumbi to be his wife. Dayang Sumbi thought that it is not possible, she requested that Sangkuriang made boat and lake in one night as a condition to ask for her hand. In the over imaginations, Sangkuriang almost can meet the demand Dayang Sumbi. Before the dawn came, Dayang Sumbi spread the white cloth that can reflect the light. The resemble of morning light was seen from the east and Sangkuriang failed to meet Dayang Sumbi demand. Sangkuriang feel so angry and kicked the boat that has been made thus it is reversed. Ships that have been reversed then becomes a mountain that is often called Tangkuban Perahu Mount. The name of Tangkuban Perahu is derived from the Sundanese language (local language of resident Bandung) which means the inverted boat.
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Tangkuban Perahu from far (this image belongs to Feureau)
image source: https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berkas:TangkubanPerahu.jpg |
The unique story made Tangkuban Perahu tourism became better known by many people. However, no one can prove the truth of the story. The object tourism of Tangkuban Perahu is located in Province of West Java (Indonesia), located around 20 kilometers towards north from downtown of Bandung. Tangkuban Perahu mountain has a height of 2,084 meters. Temperatures in this mountains is cold enough, the average is 170 C during the day and 20 C at night. Visitors who visit Tangkuban Perahu will be feel an adventure to go along the footpath made of volcanic rock. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and cool mountain air during the trip from the Queen to the Domas crater. Tangkuban Perahu mount has several hot springs, even the visitors can buy and boil the eggs in the hot springs which is located in Domas crater. There are many sellers souvenir, mostly the basic materials souvenir made from wood batik handicrafts and sulfur. Food and beverage seller are also commonly found in this place. Unfortunately, the price of food and drink in this place is very expensive (double the normal price).
The object tourism of Tangkuban Perahu is open every day from 7 am to 5 pm. In the rainy season, the peak of Mountain will be covered with fog and the roads become slippery. Thus, the best time to visit this place is during the dry season (May to November). Facilities owned by this tourism are tour guide, souvenir shop, toilets, stalls, and mosques. ATM machines are very rare here, so be sure to bring enough cash. The price of admission to area is IDR 17,000 (USD 1.7) for Indonesian tourists and IDR 75,000 (USD 7) for foreign tourists. This location can be reached using public transport or private vehicles. The trip was best in the morning to avoid traffic jams.
