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Quick Getaway from the Hectic Capital (Day 2)

 

The next morning, after a quite thorough search on my browser, we decided to go to Curug Nangka (Nangka Waterfall), which is around 45 minutes (with traffic) from the town of Bogor. Aside from being amazed at its beautiful pictures, we decided to head to this waterfall because the area had three types of waterfalls we could admire. FYI, the word curug means waterfall in Sundanese.

The waterfalls are all actually connected to one another with the highest one seeing its water rush down to create another waterfall all the way down to Curug Nangka. Each waterfall, however, had a different trek with different difficulty levels. The easiest one was Curug Daun (Daun Waterfall), the semi-difficult one was Curug Nangka (Nangka Waterfall), and the super duper difficult path was the one leading to Curug Kawung (Kawung Waterfall).

Quick Getaway from the Hectic Capital (Day 2)
The sign leading to each waterfall

Being an extremely unfit person (I rarely exercise), I decided not to try my luck by going to the super duper difficult Curug Kawung because the locals said the trek could take up to an hour of hopping and pushing through the strong river current.

After asking the locals for some information about which waterfall would be just right for an adventurer who rarely exercises, we decided to venture the path towards Curug Daun first. Curug Daun literally means “leaf waterfall” because it is shaped like a leaf. The journey, though easy, was actually quite exhausting, especially for those who don't like to hike. But for me, the thought of finally experiencing something new got my motor running and my adrenaline pumping. 

Quick Getaway from the Hectic Capital (Day 2)

Quick Getaway from the Hectic Capital (Day 2)
The path to Curug Daun

After about a 15 minute walk, we finally got to our first waterfall destination. And boy was it a blast! Curug Daun had two levels with the top one being a place where locals or tourists can swim and splash around.

  

Quick Getaway from the Hectic Capital (Day 2)

Quick Getaway from the Hectic Capital (Day 2)
Curug Daun

After taking some snapshots, dipping my feet in the stream and watching the entertaining view of the locals swimming and having fun, we decided to try the next level: Curug Nangka.

To get there, we had to go all the way back down to the area where the signs leading to the waterfalls were. We then had to travel down a path that was quite steep and slippery until we reached the stream.

When we reached the stream I thought, 'oh, that wasn't so bad. I wonder why this is considered the second hardest waterfall to get to?'

And then I looked to my left and finally understood why this path was more isolated and off the beaten track. We literally had to hop and push through the rushing stream and sometimes jump from stone to stone, rock to rock, in order to get to Curug Nangka.

Quick Getaway from the Hectic Capital (Day 2)
The path to Curug Nangka

I was wearing flip flops which actually fell off twice during our quest for nature so there were times I had to almost run, while trying not to fall or slip, to get my sandal back before the rushing water carried my sandal far far away.

Quick Getaway from the Hectic Capital (Day 2)

Did I fall? Of course little ol' clumsy me fell! But you know what? After around 20 minutes of journeying through the rushing stream and hopping off rocks and stones, the trip was totally worth it!

 

Quick Getaway from the Hectic Capital (Day 2)

Quick Getaway from the Hectic Capital (Day 2)
Curug Nangka

 The cool air, crisp water and soothing sound of the waterfall was so enticing I regretted not bringing a bathing suit. If I could, I would have played in the crystal clear pool the whole day. Unfortunately, it was late in the afternoon and we had to start our journey back to reality.

After letting the tranquil yet strong rushing sound of the waterfall warm our souls, we finally decided to head back to Jakarta. However, we made a quick stopover at the Highland Park Resort, which is a quite popular 'glamping' resort. I just wanted to see what all the fuss was about and this place was just five minutes away from the Curug Nangka area.

Unfortunately, when we got there, it was already after 5 p.m. and we couldn't go on a full tour of the resort's adorable tents and rooms. We did, however, manage to take a glimpse of some of the resorts rooms and then rested while sipping on a cup of coffee at the resort's restaurant, which overlooked its water park and mountains. This resort is actually the perfect place for a family outing or a group of friends who just want to hang out amid the beauty of nature.

Quick Getaway from the Hectic Capital (Day 2)

Quick Getaway from the Hectic Capital (Day 2)

Quick Getaway from the Hectic Capital (Day 2)

Quick Getaway from the Hectic Capital (Day 2)

Quick Getaway from the Hectic Capital (Day 2)
Some of the park's tents/ rooms

Quick Getaway from the Hectic Capital (Day 2)
View from the restaurant

And finally, after relaxing our minds and souls and getting our energy back after the long trek at the waterfalls, we decided to drive back home to Jakarta.

Despite the horrible traffic (take note: don't travel during long weekends), this trip was totally worth taking. Who knew such treasures were hidden near Jakarta.

Aside from being time efficient, the natural wonders located near the capital, which are often forgotten due to other, perhaps, more tempting or promoted locations, are absolutely mind boggling and surely an experience I will never forget for the rest of my life. 

Written by Rafika Soegarda