The vast expanse of tea gardens, the towering pine forests, and the cool air sometimes accompanied by fog make Lembang, Bandung, a must-see destination.
All of its natural landscapes are like living paintings that can be seen directly by the naked eye with admiration.
But who would have thought, behind its charming scenery, Lembang has off-road trails that are ready to test your guts and make your heart pound.
Are you ready for an adventure in a Four Wheel Drive (4WD) car across muddy ground and steep climbs that are certainly addictive? If so, get ready because this will be an unforgettable experience.
Feel the Thrill of Wild Adventure in the Heart of Nature
The 4WD car roared as if it couldn't wait to conquer the terrain. The wheels bite into the wet ground, breaking up puddles and cutting through narrow lanes amidst the lush pine forest.
On the other hand, a light mist hangs shyly between the tall trunks, creating a magical atmosphere that contrasts with the rough pounding from underneath the vehicle.
This is an off-road experience that will turn your vacation into an adventure full of surprises. Bodies shake, dust dances in the air, and shrieks of excitement break out every time the car makes a slight bounce on a hill or puddle.
There's a wild sensation like a small explosion that will make you nervous. But remember, this off-road is only for those of you who are brave enough and are ready to have fun when splashed with mud from the puddle.
Lembang Offroad Trail that Keeps the Heart Racing
Off-road in Lembang is the right choice for you curious souls who want to know what it feels like to almost roll over on an incline, or bounce a little when passing through a puddle. Here are the extreme trails that are ready to make you addicted.
Cikole - Sukawana
The Cikole-Sukawana trail will pass through a pine forest that feels calm and romantic. But, that won't last long because the narrow and winding path will bring its own excitement that you won't expect.
Like a surprise, the Cikole-Sukawana route not only presents excitement through winding roads, but also mud-filled roads, sharp descents, and rocky roads into a complete package that you must experience.
Gunung Putri - Jayagiri
Gunung Putri-Jayagiri is also known as the bunker route. This is because there is a Dutch bunker located in Gunung Putri.
Getting into the adrenaline rush of the trail, prepare yourself for 2-3 hours to experience the steep bends, rocky paths, and extreme climbs that play a significant role in this trail.
Not quite there, you will also be invited to experience the sensation of going down a slope with a slope that definitely makes you scream in fear, but still fun.
Tea Garden - Waterfall
If you prefer a more leisurely offroad, the tea garden trail to waterfalls such as Waterfall 44 and Klanceng Putih Waterfall could be the right choice.
These trails are not as extreme as the previous two, but still have muddy trails with mesmerizing views.
How much does Lembang Offroad Adventure cost?
The price of offroading in Lembang is quite varied, depending on the route chosen, the duration of the trip, the number of participants, and the additional facilities desired.
Short Offroad Package (1-2 hours):
Suitable for beginners or those who want to experience the thrill of offroading without the need for a full day on extreme trails.
The price for this package ranges from IDR 500,000 to IDR 750,000 per car and the route usually includes light pine forest trails or red dirt trails with tolerable bumps.
Half Day Package (3-4 hours):
If you're looking for a more intense experience and more time to experience offroading, the 3-4 hour half day package would be a great choice.
Ranging in price from Rp750,000 to Rp1,000,000 per car, some half-day routes usually pass through a combination of paths, ranging from tea gardens, pine forests, to sharp climbs and descents that make adrenaline rise and fall.
Offroad Package + Other Additional Activities:
If offroading alone is not enough to enjoy a moment with friends or family, you can choose an offroad package with other activities such as paintball, camping, outbound, flying fox or BBQ while camping in the middle of the forest.
Prices for such packages usually start from Rp1,500,000 to Rp2,000,000 per car, depending on the contents and facilities.
Dry Season or Rainy Season, When is the Right Time to Offroad Lembang?
The dry season is suitable for beginners or those of you who just want to start trying to enjoy offroad.
In the dry season, the roads or offroad routes will be friendlier, the scenery brighter, and the risk of slipping is negligible.
But make no mistake, although it sounds less challenging, the reality is that offroading in the dry season will make for unforgettable fun.
The rainy season is more suitable for true offroad enthusiasts. Mud will be everywhere, tires are at risk of slipping, and every corner could bring a thrilling surprise.
Anti-shock Tips Before Joining Offroad
Before jumping into the offroad terrain, it is better to prepare mentally and physically so that you are not surprised to face the Lembang offroad route which can change due to weather conditions. Here are tips that you must consider before the adventure:
Wear Comfortable Clothes
Forget heavy jeans or crisp white clothes that can change color in five minutes.
To enjoy offroading, just wear light pants, a light t-shirt or jacket that dries quickly, and choose dark colors so that mud stains are not too noticeable.
Equally important, the footwear used should also be shoes. Avoid using flip-flops to reduce the risk of injury that can occur when adventuring on a car on an erratic winding track.
Bring Only the Essential Items
Offroad conditions are very unpredictable, so carry only the essentials such as wallet, cell phone, ID card and maybe a power bank in a small bag or dry bag.
Avoid carrying unnecessary electronics such as laptops or cameras. This is to avoid mud that can splash everywhere.
Prepare Mentally
Offroading is not a walk in the park. The car can tilt suddenly, and the vibration is sometimes like riding an extreme ride in an amusement park. You can be shocked, you can laugh, you can also reflexively hold on tight.
Most importantly, never panic. Feel every moment of shock, engine noise, and laughter of your friends because that's where the fun lies.
Follow the Guide's Directions
Offroad guides aren't just in charge of driving the car. They know the intricacies of the terrain, know when to take a stand, and know the spots that could be traps.
If you're told to stay put, stay put. If there is a problem and you are instructed to get off the car, get off the car.
Don't feel like you know better than your guide, because they're already familiar with the offroad trails.
Check the Weather Before Departure
Weather can change everything. Dry trails can turn into puddles overnight. Rain adds both challenges and risks.
So make sure you check the weather forecast before heading out. If the sky looks gloomy, prepare a raincoat, waterproof jacket, and protective plastic for electronics.
Bring a Powerbank
Because even though the signal in the middle of the forest can be intermittent, the battery can still run out. And you don't want to lose the moment when your friend screams hysterically when the car almost flips over, right?
To anticipate this, always bring a power bank either to keep a memento, or to anticipate a sudden cell phone battery run out when an emergency occurs.
How to Enjoy Offroad in Lembang
The locations to enjoy offroad in Lembang are scattered around Cikole, Jayagiri, to the tea garden area and pine forest. This distance can be reached 1-1.5 hours from the city center of Bandung by car.
For those using public transportation, you can take a city bus or angkot majoring in Bandung-Lembang, then get off around Jalan Raya Lembang or Colonel Masturi which is close to the offroad base camp.
From Jalan Raya Lembang or Colonel Masturi, the journey can be continued using an online motorcycle taxi or walking to the offroad departure point.
To make it more comfortable, before coming to the location, you should book an offroad package online in advance. This is to avoid full offroad packages during the weekend or holiday season.
Offroad Lembang: A Gutsy Adventure Worth a Try
Offroad in Lembang is not just a tourist destination, but it is a vehicle that challenges yourself. Letting your body and mind explore new things so you can find a braver version of yourself.
In every rumble of the wheels, in every splash of mud, and in every hysterical scream on steep climbs, there is a freedom that cannot be bought.
Sometimes, the best adventures aren't the ones that are luxurious or full of amenities. But the ones that get your heart racing, your feet dirty, and your heart laughing out loud.
Have a try. Don't forget to shout all you want.
