Tropical Beauty of Alun-Alun Surya Kencana as an Awesome Holiday Destination

Alun-Alun Surya Kencana is a name already known by nature lovers, especially the climbers. Alun-Alun Surya Kencana is a place that became one of the reasons for many people to climb to Mount Gede. Alun-Alun Surya Kencana is so favored by the climbers. In this place, climbers will be treated to a vast meadow and filled with edelweiss flowers (Anaphalis Javanica). This place is the largest edelweiss field in Indonesia.

Alun-Alun Surya Kencana is located near the peak of Mount Gede, West Java Province, Indonesia. Mount Gede is located adjacent to Mount Pangrango. Both mountains are located in the Gunung Gede-Pangrango National Park zone.

Alun-Alun Surya Kencana (image taken from hellobogor.com)

Tropical Beauty of Alun-Alun Surya Kencana

Edelweiss Paradise

The tropical beauty of Alun-Alun Surya kencana as an awesome holiday destination is something that must be visited by someone who expects a vacation experience in a tropical climate.

Alun-Alun Surya Kencana is a utilization zone in Gunung Gede-Pangrango National Park. This place is a savanna land area of 50 hectares. This savanna consists of about 80% grassland and edelweiss plants about 20%.

Alun-Alun Surya Kencana is at an altitude of 2,750 m above sea level. Its beauty, majesty, and mythology make Alun-Alun Surya Kencana be a famous destination for mountain climbers in Indonesia.

Fog in Alun-Alun Surya Kencana (image taken from sabigaju.com)

Edelweiss that grows everywhere and fog that occasionally dropped presents a misty atmosphere that increasingly makes the scene in Alun-Alun Surya Kencana look even more special. Such a beautiful nature show.

Wild edelweiss flowers, green hills that enclose the valleys, blue skies and moving clouds, and the sounds of tropical forest variety make this place be a small paradise. An edelweiss paradise.

In the middle of the savanna, clear water flows like a small river. This small river is an oasis for climbers. On the side of this small river even out of the water and form a small pond. This water is commonly used by climbers to drink and cook.

Camping in Alun-Alun Surya Kencana (image taken from travelanggi.wordpress.com)

Alun-Alun Surya Kencana has become a favorite camping location for climbers. Camping amongst the edelweiss flower gives a different sensation for climbers.

Night in Alun-Alun Surya Kencana (image taken from sabigaju.com)

At night, climbers can see millions of stars in the sky. Even the falling star can be seen by climbers if the sky is not cloudy.

Not far from Alun-Alun Surya Kencana, the peak of Mount Gede which is located at an altitude of 2,958 m above sea level will be climbed within 30 minutes from this place.

Suggestions

Become as a legal climber by registering to the authorized institution to get the number and license of climbing (SIMAKSI). Registration process takes a long time, then prepare this about a month before the climb. In addition, there is a limit to the number of climbers quota that can make the climb in a day. The number of climbers on the weekend will usually be more than on other days.
Climb through the legal tracks. For beginners, bring a legal guide to accompany, not a scalper.
Climbers should prepare equipment according to safety standards. Such as mountain shoes, carrier, jacket, tent, and some other equipment. Some climbing services provide tents, guides, and porter.
Do not pick edelweiss. Edelweiss is a rare flower that is protected by law in Indonesia. In addition, there will be an inspection by the officers.
Do not litter. Bring a bag to keep the trash. Bring the bag when it goes down the mountain.
Set up a tent in the west because it is close to the water source.
Bring a camera or even a tripod and filter. There will be a lot of natural beauty that can be captured by the camera.
The edelweiss flower blooms perfectly from June to August. So, come in the right time.
Report yourself at the guard post, before and after the ascent.

How to Go to Alun-Alun Surya Kencana

The route to Alun-Alun Surya Kencana can be reached through 3 official tracks: Cibodas, Gunung Putri, and Selabintana in Sukabumi. But the most popular track is through Cibodas, near the Botanical Gardens of Cibodas.

First, for climbers who want a shorter track, climbers can choose a route via Gunung Putri. Travel time is only about 4-5 hours. And go directly to the destination, Alun-Alun Surya Kencana. This is much shorter than the route via Cibodas which takes about 10-12 hours.

Second, If the climber decides to choose via Cibodas, then climbers can report themselves to climb in Balai Besar of Gede-Pangrango National Park, then start the climb. Climbers can entrust the vehicle to the vehicle care services available around the area of Cibodas. For climbers using public transport from Jakarta or Bandung, climbers can stop at the fork in Cibodas (Paragajen), then continue the journey using public transportation (angkot) that is there to bring to the climbing track.

Third, the track via Selabintana or Pondok Halimun is a track that is not recommended. This track is regarded as the hardest track than the other two tracks.

Route to Alun-Alun Surya Kencana (image taken from elfitraazliyanti.com)

If climbers decide to choose Gunung Putri or Selabintana tracks, climbers will still report themselves at Balai Besar of Gede-Pangrango National Park in Cibodas. After that, head for each climbing track.

If climbers want to go through Gunung Putri from Jakarta or Bandung, climbers can head to the climbing track located west of the State Palace, Cipanas.

When climbers are inside forest areas, climbers can find "the giant tree" rasamala, "the insect hunter" nephentes, various types of orchids, and even some unknown plant species, such as glowing mushrooms.