The Tranquil and Thrilling River
The Citumang River near Pangandaran with its clear blue water, runs
through green thick forests deep in the Cijulang area along the south coast of
West Java. Its banks are decorated with beautiful boulders withbranches of
trees and bushes picturesquely bending over the river. As the water flows on,
it enters an astonishing cave. Here, tranquility greets visitors warmly. The
only sounds heard are the sweet harmonny of nature: music created by
gurgling water and the soft whispers of the wind as it makes its way through
the trees, accompanied by the many unique sounds of hidden animals.
This river of tranquility is located at the Bojong Village, in the
Ciamis Region, about 15Km west of Pangandaran. The name Citumang is given by
the locals who believe that a certain crocodile with a broken leg once lived in
this river. The crocodile’s name was “Si Tumang”, while “Ci” means : river.
Hence the name Citumang given to the river.
As you walk among the high cliffs, the rush of the river can already
be heard. Passing the cliffs, the stunning beauty of the river is unveiled. Its
clear blue water slowly invites you to jump in. When you walk further up
stream, you will find a waterfall with a huge tree that has dangling roots like
ropes that you can hang on to. This is a perfect place to follow your adrenalin
rush: imagine yourself as Tarzan, swinging from its roots to jump down into the
river.
Further upstream, you will find a rare natural wonder. The water from
the river drops down and disappears into the earth to reappear downstream, just
like a natural plumbing system. The place is located at the tip of a cave
called Taringgul cave, and the flow of the river down into the earth is called
“Sanghyang Tikoro” or translated means “the God of the Throat”.
The river’s characteristic and relatively fast current makes it a
perfect place for special activities like body rafting and watertubing. Instead
of using inflatable boats or kayak, body rafting literally uses the body
(obviously, wearing safety equipment such as helmet and life vest) to navigate
through the river.
Equally thrilling, watertubing is a special type of river rafting that
uses inflatable donut shaped “tubes” instead of boats or kayaks. Here,
‘rafters’ and ‘tubers’ will get the chance to enjoy the splendor of the
Citumang River at its finest, both in its tranquility and equally thrilling
side of the river.
Citumang River is also a perfect place to bring your kids and family.
Here, you can teach them the values of nature, the importance of the
environment, and a place where to spend quality time, not only with each other,
but also with the surroundings. As city activities become more stressing with
each passing day, wash your stress away by soaking your weary head in the cool,
clear, fresh mountain water. Close your eyes and just let all your burdens flow
downstream. A trip to the Citumang River is the closest you can get to
finding an F5 button in your life, so while you’re there, just hit it! Refresh!
Picture Source : Google
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