GREEN CANYON

GREEN CANYON

Your Guide to Vacation AMAZING INDONESIA ( holiday travel guide )

Green Canyon, yes, make no mistake it’s not America’s Grand Canyon, but it is Pangandaran’s Green Canyon on the southern coast of West Java.  Originallya called “Cukang Taneuh”- the local Sundanese meaning for Soil Bridge- Green Canyon has a 3 meter wide bridge made up of soil above the twin cliffs on both river banks. This natural wonder is surely a spectacular scene that you will not find anywhere else.

The name Green Canyon is believed to have been dubbed by a French tourist who came to the location in 1993. It is said that the clear green water of the river and the abundant green moss on the cliff had given it its popular name. This little natural wonder is located at the Kertayasa Village, in the Ciamis Regency, West Java  Province, about 31 Km or 45 minutes’ drive from Pangandaran Beach.

As you arrive at the main entrance, which is the parking lot of Green Canyon, you will see a row of wooden boats popularly called “Ketinting” lining up by the river. Those are boats that will take you to Green Canyon and costs IDR75.000 per person. The arrangement for renting the boats is very organized: once you pay the fee you will receive a number. You will then get into your boat once your number is called.

The ketinting will then take you on a ride down the river, splitting the clear green water and creating small wave on both sides. From the boat, you will see green forest trees along the banks, and sometimes snakes or lizards jumping into the river, or come up to surface.

As the boat slows down and makes its last turn, an astonishing view jumps right in front of your eyes. Twin cliffs standing tall on each side of the river, with stalactites and stalagmites overhead , and crystal clear water below. You may think that this may be the Garden of Eden.

Water pours down from each side of the cliffs creating a rumbling sound of waterfalls. At low tide, you can walk under this once great cave and marvel at the sight between the two high cliffs.

Since your clothes will surely be soaking wet by now, you may as well dive into the inviting waters and feel its cooling freshness, although the location is not too far from the sea. To swim against the current, between these giant cliffs and under the canopies will be an experience unlike any other. Most noticeable about Green Canyon is that this place is kept very clean. There are no floating garbage on the river or scattered snacks or cigarette wrapping.

Located not too far from Pangandaran, Green Canyon is a must for those who plan to visit Pangandaran. “A piece of heaven on earth”, as those who have been there describe it. A true Natural Wonder  hiding behind the thick bushes and trees of Pangandaran’s forests. If you think you have never heard about this place, it is only because Green Canyon is the best kept Secret of Pangandaran.

To Do

Perhaps, among many things that are possible to do, all will keep on doing is just shout:  WOW! and stand silently as your eyes gaze at the marvelous view.  As you recover from this stunning experience, grab your camera and start capturing every angle of this landscape. It doesn’t matter if you only have a pocket or even cell phone camera, because a great object beats a great tool. Swimming under the stalactites and dripping waters obviously beats swimming in any ordinary man-made swimming pool.

To Eat

The Parking Lot or the main entrance is the facility center of Green Canyon. Here you can find a number of restaurants that mainly serve traditional Sundanese foods and Sea Foods. There are also some food carts that sell Bakso, Chicken porridge and other common carted foods. To learn more about traditional Sundanese cuisine you can refer to our West Java Specialties

To Buy

There are a lot of souvenir shops Located in the parking area. T-Shirts or hats with pictures or writing of Green Canyon, key chains, slippers and various other items are offered for bargaining.

Get There

You must first fly or travel by car or train to Bandung. There are direct international flights from Malaysia and Singapore to Bandung.  A number of “City Trans” companies operate comfortable, sometimes luxurious buses between Jakarta and Bandung.


From Bandung, the means to get to Pangandaran is by bus, or rented car. If you use public transportation, from the Pangandaran Terminal you can take a minibus headed to Cijulang Terminal. From the Cijulang terminal, the trip continues on “Ojek” ,  popular bike taxies found almost everywhere in Indonesia. 

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