Telaga Bodas, a Lake with High Sulfur Content

 

Telaga Bodas Garut is a crater lake located at an elevation of 1,512 meters above sea level on Mount Talaga Bodas, located in Sukamenak Village, Wanaraja District, Garut Regency, West Java, Indonesia.

Talaga Bodas is a mountain tourist attraction consisting of a lake formed in a volcanic crater. The name "Bodas" comes from the white color of the 2-kilometer-diameter lake. This is due to the sulfur content of the lake's water, which forms from the crater.

The Talaga Bodas Crater Natural Park (TWA) covers an area of ​​23.85 hectares and sits at an elevation of 1,512 meters above sea level. This natural park features a crater that forms a lake with white water, directly adjacent to the forest and beautiful, verdant mountains.

To reach Talaga Bodas, visitors can only access the Talaga Bodas crater parking area by vehicle. Afterward, visitors can walk for about 1 kilometer or rent a motorbike. For a more immersive experience, the beautiful scenery and dense forest make walking more comfortable than riding a vehicle. While trekking and light hiking, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the hills surrounding the tourist area. The atmosphere is fresh and cool, typical of natural mountain scenery. Once you reach the crater, all your fatigue is rewarded with its captivating beauty.

The lake contains water with a natural sulfur content. The crater is still active, but it has no hazardous volcanic impacts. However, the lake water should not be used for drinking or swimming due to its high sulfur content. A separate pool is provided at the lake's edge, with a sulfur content lower than that of the lake water.

Facilities in the parking area (welcome gate, ticket booth, barracks point, arts and culture stage, prayer room/mosque, two restrooms, parking, 40 food stalls), information center, guest house, and ticket collection point) are available. Facilities at Talaga Bodas include three shelters, two gazebos, a public restroom, and facilities at the soaking pool area: a shelter, a pedestrian bridge, a gazebo, changing rooms, a public restroom, three soaking pools, and one shower/shower pool.

The entrance fee (HTM) for the Talaga Bodas Garut tourist attraction is relatively affordable and includes insurance, at only Rp 7,000 per person (weekdays) and Rp 9,500 (weekends), for local visitors. Meanwhile, international visitors only have to pay Rp 15,000 (weekdays) and Rp 20,000 per person (weekends). In addition to paying the entrance fee, visitors are also charged an additional vehicle parking fee. Prices are subject to change at any time. To make it easier to find the location of the Talaga Bodas Crater, it has been marked on Google Maps.

 

 

 

 

Mandeh Area, a Paradise in the West of Indonesia

 The Mandeh area is located in Koto XI Tarusan District, Pesisir Selatan Regency, West Sumatra Province, Indonesia. From Padang City, it is approximately 63 km south. 

 

The beaches in this area boast stretches of soft white sand and crystal clear water. From the shore, visitors can also see a series of small islands across the sea. While not as numerous as in Raja Ampat, their beauty is no less. 

While the Mandeh area is most beautiful from the shoreline, this tourist destination boasts a secret observation post. From this observation post, visitors can see a different perspective of the Mandeh area from above. Visitors can more freely gaze at the open sea with its beautiful gradations of water colors.

This observation post is located on a small hill located at the edge of the Mandeh area. The hill is approximately 70 meters above sea level. This viewing spot is also known as Puncak Mandeh, the best place to enjoy the panoramic views of the Mandeh area's natural landscape. This hill covers only 0.3 hectares, not a huge area, but it's enough to accommodate visitors who want to enjoy the beauty of Mandeh from above. 

Visitors can also try several attractions, one of which is the donut boat ride. Visitors can ride a donut-shaped float and be pulled by a boat. Fishing boats can also be rented in the Mandeh area to explore the surrounding islands. Equally exciting is diving and snorkeling in the Mandeh area. 

The underwater scenery is pristine and well-maintained. Numerous accommodations are available in the Mandeh area, offering an alternative overnight stay. Complete facilities and a convenient location close to the island ensure a comfortable stay. Restrooms are available in the Mandeh area, ensuring easy access to the bathroom.  

The restrooms are guaranteed to be clean. After exploring the Mandeh area, you'll likely feel hungry. Don't worry, there are food stalls in the area offering a variety of food and drinks, along with comfortable seating. 

If you want to enjoy the beauty of Mandeh and try out the various rides, visitors should arrive early in the morning to avoid the heat. This will also give them more time to explore the surrounding islands. There's no entrance fee, meaning it's free. Visitors only pay when they participate in the various exciting activities offered there. The location of this area is marked on Google Maps.