Thursday, September 6, 2012

Travelogue: Green Canyon (Cukang Taneuh)

Originally named Cukang Taneuh in Sundanese (a local language) but then French tourist feels it has Green Canyon-vibe so that's how it start known as Green Canyon. 10 minutes away from Batu Karas.  Green Canyon is actually Cijulang river stream passing through the cave filled with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

Day 2, me and my family decided to go to Green Canyon and doing body rafting. In the hotel I am staying gave information where should I have body rafting. They arrange us to meet with people who actually found the body rafting track, he explain what we will do and what we need to do and wear for body rafting. It is Baraja (body rafting provider) own by Mr. Rachmat. It cost me around IDR 250.000 (US$ 26,5) to have body rafting which already include a set body protector, snack and lunch. 

My group consist of 12 people, my family and other guest. Mr. Rachmat send two people to be our guide of the day: Mr. Jarot and Mr. Someone (I forgot his name). They picked us up in our hotel by pick up and then we pick up other guest. We stopped by in Baraja Office to get ourself equipped, we get a life vest, helmet and a mountain sandal (they forgot ass-protector :D). Before we headed to our starting point, our guide ask us to keep unnecessary things in their office (which is safe) and only bring stuff that we want to bring such as camera. They will bring it for us using waterproof bag so basically we didn't bring anything just ourself. They will take the picture for us only if you bring yourself a Go Pro. They started to give instructions like to always swim in our pack and to keep our mouth from bad things. It consider natural and some magical things could happen (local believe). 

It is better to come for body rafting in dry season, because in rainy season the water will turn brown because of massive water volume. It's better to do it also in the morning even if the water is so cool.

Briefing and Praying

After our guide made sure everything was ready, we headed the starting point using pick up. It takes 30 - 40 minutes through narrow and rocky hills and a little walk downhill takes about 10 minutes. I made up my mind and "Byuuuuurrrrrr" I went in the water and it's so COLD! Dang! I hate cold.








This is me dying from cold and craving for some heat. No works!




It needs a lot of effort and a very good physic. I didn't recommend this for someone who easily get sick like me. The only way in is the starting point and the only way out is Green Canyon. It takes 3 - 4 hours by body rafting. Make sure you feed up yourself. 

The water stream is pretty decent at the first time I went in to the water. You can lay back, swim or any free style you like. Despite in cold water I am in an awe of the beautiful scenery, I've been to several places and Green Canyon is way more beautiful. Along the river you will see natural forest, caves, rocks, stalagmites, stalactites. You need to be careful when across rapid water stream but you don't have to worry your guide will help you. They help me a lot everytime I get swept away the rapid water stream. You will tracking through some big rocks to avoid rapid water stream. 


 
 Half to Third-Fourth journey you will have a stop and enjoy some snack while make yourself a little bit warm. After some snack you will continue swim to the Green Canyon. Don't miss to try to jump from Batu Payung, a 7-meter-high big rock. Many people have the courage to do that but not me, I am pretty coward lol but I try to jump from a 5-meter-high big rock accompanied by the guide. Green Canyon is our finish point. You will need to take a boat to go back to Baraja office and then to have lunch.

So far, Green Canyon is the most memorable and exciting adventure. The beauty and how the nature mesmerized me it just so beautiful. Despite I hate the cold, I love to be there.

A little crowded out there!

.Cheers.

::Credit Pictures: Belong to my uncle camera. Don't ever try to steal without permission::


No comments:

Post a Comment