Going Green on the Slopes of Gunung Salak

This particular may sound as though I’m producing This particular up, yet did you know This particular’s possible to spend a weekend far by Jakarta, up inside hills of the Sundanese countryside, without having to get in a car or languish for hours in bumper-to-bumper traffic? All which’s needed is usually a bit of planning. yet first, let me tell you about the magical place, along with then I’ll get on to the secret of how to get there.

inside foothills of the dormant volcano Gunung Salak, along with not far by the town of Sukabumi, is usually a tiny place called Cicurug. There, a few kilometres into the hills is usually a farm called Portibi. yet Portibi isn’t just any old farm; This particular’s an organic farm, the fruition of a dream of a young Californian that has a love for Indonesia. You may well ask: how did a bule by California end up on the side of a volcano in West Java? The farm is usually a joint venture between Jocean Bowler, by central California, along with his original Indonesian host family. After arriving in Indonesia inside early 2000s, Jocean along with his hosts decided to set up Portibi in 2004 on a clove farm which wasn’t being used to its full potential on 15 hectares of hillside. Putting aside his master’s thesis on land use in Indonesia, Jocean realized he had a more important mission. With an emphasis on living in harmony with the environment along with taking no more away than is usually given back, Jocean set about building a farm which would likely preserve the flavours, endemic natural beauty, along with local craftsmanship which Indonesia is usually in danger of losing in its rush towards modernity. He created a hideaway far by the city using inspiration by Sunda’s past, complimented that has a few touches of modern technology to make This particular all work.

Picking your own organic produce at Portibi Farms

Today, Lodges Ekologika at Portibi Farm is usually still a work in progress. Although the main living areas are complete, including a sumptuous dining room, large kitchen, a Pacifist Cannibal Lounge, only three hectares are currently cultivated. The farm has accommodation for up to 30 people in a dispersed collection of bungalows along with cabins made with largely recycled timber by older buildings. Some of the cabins are traditional Sundanese rice barns, taken apart along with reassembled on the farm. All are lit by solar power; solar cells soak up the sun’s rays during the day, along with then spill the light back through light bulbs at night. yet nature has its limits: if you leave the lights on too long, they run out of juice. A well-stocked bar is usually conveniently located inside lounge, which is usually the place to hang out. This particular also contains a collection of board games, books, music largely by the 1970s along with 80s, along that has a guitar for anyone with an urge to strum.

Included inside cost of a stay at Portibi are three wholesome meals a day, all of which strive to make Great use of the farm’s organic produce. yet never fear, Jocean still likes a Great steak or fillet of fish. An excellent cook, Jocean along with his well-trained team throw together the most delightful natural along with tasty dishes using influences by around the globe. along with there’s an excellent wine list if you’d like to wash This particular down with something special, like a full-bodied Italian red. They may be organic pioneers, yet they like to live well at Portibi.

One of the must-dos while at Portibi is usually to go on a stroll around the property. Visit the workers along with maybe learn about what they grow along with lend them a hand planting, or collecting a basket of rocket leaves or parsley for the evening meal. You can also gather all the greens you can pick to take home.

Don’t forget to take inside nature which surrounds you—the insects, the birds, the sounds, the smells. yet beware of the caterpillars; beautiful creatures they may be, yet they can leave you with the itchiest of rashes. You won’t be able to miss the butterflies here, which are striking along with reason enough to visit Portibi; tropical varieties as large as your hand flit by plant to plant. If you’re truly keen on the farming side of things, Portibi is usually also a member of the WWOOFing organization, which stands for Willing Workers Opportunities on Organic Farms. WWOOFers can spend three weeks or more on the farm with free accommodation along with food if they contribute by doing a decent day’s work every day.

Accommodation at Portibi

If you feel a little more adventurous, there’s a great jungle trek up into the Halimun National Park which lies above on the slopes of Gunung Salak. The trek leads to the Citaman waterfall along with rock pool where, if you fancy, you can jump in for a cool swim. The trek takes 1.5 hours to the waterfall. If you are into more strenuous treks, or even expeditions to the summit of Gunung Salak (a Great 5-hour climb), these can also be arranged that has a little advanced planning.

along with at This particular point the secret bit. Believe This particular or not, Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), the Indonesian railway company, has revitalized a track up into the hills by Bogor. The train goes to Sukabumi along with then onwards all the way to Cianjur. This particular’s about one hour’s ride by Bogor to Cicurug, the nearest station to the farm along with, if the weather is usually clear, can provide stunning views of the peaks of Gunung Salak along with Gede. The three trains a day are in high demand, especially at the weekend, so This particular’s crucial to book online in advance. The train by Jakarta to Bogor is usually straightforward, yet then you’ll have to walk about 400 metres by the main station to an adjacent smaller station by where the trains for Sukabumi leave.

So, what are you waiting for at This particular point which the secret’s out? Go green in Portibi!

Just call the farm on (0266) 257 7115, or email info@portibi.com to make a reservation, along with then book the train, called the Pangrango, on KAI’s website, at www.tiketkai.com.