When your mind feels burdened and you need refreshing recreation, visiting a village while admiring vast rice fields and experiencing the warmth of local hospitality sounds like an enticing choice. Right, Sobat Pesona? Luckily, #InIndonesia there are plenty of tourist villages offering such exciting experiences. One of them is Desa Wisata Cibuntu, which we’ll explore today! Experience Indonesia in 360
For those who haven't heard, Desa Wisata Cibuntu is located in Pasawahan Subdistrict, Kuningan Regency, West Java. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Cirebon City. This tourist village isn’t just known for its natural beauty but also for its many achievements. It ranked fifth in the ASEAN Best Homestay Village category in 2016 and was the second-best village in the prestigious Community-Based Tourism (CBT) awards in 2017, hosted by Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.
These impressive accolades were achieved through the collective efforts of local residents and the regional government, adhering to the Sapta Pesona principles. Sapta Pesona is a local concept emphasizing seven aspects to provide comfort for visitors: safety, orderliness, cleanliness, freshness, beauty, friendliness, and memorable experiences.
Let’s dive into the exciting activities awaiting you at Desa Wisata Cibuntu through this village exploration journey, #InIndonesia!
1. Morning Walk with Fresh Air at the Foot of Mount Ciremai
To enter the village, visitors need to pay an entrance fee of IDR 5,000 per person and parking fees of IDR 12,000 for motorbikes or IDR 15,000 for cars. Affordable, considering the enriching experience you’ll get here! Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by lush scenery with the majestic backdrop of Mount Ciremai. Take in the breathtaking landscapes and enjoy fresh mountain air while jogging or cycling.
The clean air, combined with the green fields, hills, and trees surrounding Mount Ciremai, is the perfect remedy for urban fatigue. Plus, the views here make for excellent additions to your Instagram feed!
2. Refresh at Gongseng Waterfall
Given its location at the foot of Mount Ciremai, you can already imagine how refreshing this waterfall is! Gongseng Waterfall is one of the must-visit attractions in Desa Wisata Cibuntu. Towering 20-25 meters high, the waterfall creates a natural pool below, ideal for swimming or splashing around.
Surrounded by pristine nature and tall cliffs, this scenic spot is a must-see. It’s just a 5-minute trek from the parking area!
3. Explore Cultural Heritage Sites Rich in History
Another fascinating activity in Desa Wisata Cibuntu is visiting ancient cultural heritage sites. You’ll find Situs Bujal Dayeuh, an archaeological site with a stone coffin burial discovered in 1967 containing a hand axe. Additionally, there are items like a red axe and pottery fragments from Situs Saurip Kidul, unearthed in 1972. Exploring these destinations feels like stepping into a time machine!
4. Looking for Something Different? Visit Kampung Domba!
Still within Desa Wisata Cibuntu, Kampung Domba (Sheep Village) offers another exciting attraction. It’s home to over 60 sheep and goat pens.
Perfect for educational tours with kids, visitors can interact with and feed the animals here.
5. Love Extreme Activities? Try Cibuntu Offroad Adventures!
Desa Wisata Cibuntu isn’t just a serene village for relaxing—it also offers Wisata Offroad Cibuntu (WOC) for thrill-seekers! Choose from two offroad packages: a 4-km trek for IDR 250,000 per jeep or a 6-km trek for IDR 350,000 per jeep. The route traverses a 4-hectare rubber plantation.
You can also explore the rubber plantation on an ATV, which costs IDR 30,000 for 20 minutes. During durian season (December-January), the offroad experience includes a durian tour as well!
6. Shop for Souvenirs and Learn Something New at Cibuntu Creative Center!
A trip isn’t complete without hunting for unique souvenirs, right? Desa Wisata Cibuntu’s Creative Economy Center (Pusat Ekraf Cibuntu) sells various creative products, from bamboo flutes and angklung to clayware like pots, teapots, and cooking utensils. You’ll also find wooden miniatures of trucks, planes, and cars.
Interestingly, you can also witness the crafting process, offering a chance to learn something new!
7. Camp Under the Stars at Pagergunung Campsite
Who can resist a starry night sky? At Pagergunung Campsite, enjoy an enchanting camping experience. Packages start at IDR 300,000 per person for a 2-day, 1-night stay, including three meals.
While camping, you can also enjoy facilities like swimming pools, archery, and picturesque picnic areas. Don’t miss a cup of Cibunar Linggajati Coffee, a specialty coffee grown at an altitude of 800–1,200 meters above sea level.
For those who prefer to blend with the locals, Desa Wisata Cibuntu offers 60 CHSE-standardized homestays. The rates are reasonable, starting at IDR 200,000 per night.
More Nearby Attractions:
Telaga Biru Cicerem:
A crystal-clear freshwater lake perfect for photos and relaxation.
Kebun Raya Kuningan
A sprawling botanical garden with thematic zones.
Waduk Darma
A serene reservoir with scenic photo spots and leisure activities.
With all these options, Desa Wisata Cibuntu is an unforgettable destination for rejuvenation and adventure. So, when will you visit? Stay tuned for more amazing village explorations with SPADA (Special from Tourist Villages)!