Unforgettable Natural Tourism Sensation at Green Canyon Ciamis, Indonesia
Hearing his name, for a moment our imagination will be carried away to America. At first glance, the name 'Green Canyon' does remind us of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, United States. But this natural tourist attraction is native to Indonesia.
Located in Kertayasa village, Cijulang district – Ciamis this tourist attraction offers the beauty of natural masterpieces for hundreds of years. Its position is approximately 130 km from downtown Ciamis and about 31 km from Pangandaran. Not far from the location, there is Batukaras beach and Nusawiru Airport.
The original name of this beautiful natural tourist site is Cukang Taneuh, which means earth bridge. The origin of this name most likely comes from the natural bridge that formed over this valley. The residents take advantage of the natural bridge to cross the ravine, to their gardens. In 1993, a tourist from France was moved to popularize it as the 'Green Canyon'. This name seems to come from the green glow of the moss that covers the cliff walls which are the main source of the beauty of Green Canyon.
Green Canyon itself is formed from the flow of the Cijulang river that crosses a cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The flow of this river also passes through two hills with lush trees and beautiful rocks. The water along the Cijulang river to the Green Canyon is greenish.
This green color comes from plankton or microscopic organisms similar to algae that live in this unspoiled river water. In the rainy season, the water will look slightly brownish green. The beauty of the reflection of the greenish sunlight shining on the natural stone walls and the sidelines of the lush forest plants soothes our eyes as we pass along the side of the river.
To get to the location, we can start the journey from Ciseureuh Pier. By using a rented boat that is often found there, we walk along the river for 3 km, or more or less for about half an hour. The beautiful forest canopy adorns our journey to the boat stop at the mouth of the Cukang Taneuh cave.
If we are lucky, we can see aquatic animals, including monitor lizards swimming for fish. From here the river narrows and makes it difficult for boats to pass. The next sights that we can meet include mini waterfalls on the left and right of the river and the beauty of stalactites that hang with sparkling water drops from their ends. The beauty of the Creator's creation along the way is very difficult to describe in words.
From the mouth of the cave, the journey can be continued by swimming. The end of this cave is located approximately 100 meters with water depths ranging from 0.5 to 3 meters. To maintain safety while continuing the journey, visitors are required to use life jackets.
Those who cannot swim can still enjoy the trip because they will be accompanied by an experienced guide in addition to using a buoy. Those thirsty for a challenge can try climbing uphill cliffs and try jumping into the water from a height of about 5 meters. The place to jump is known to people as Batu Payung, because of its rounded shape like a mushroom.