Going Green on the Slopes of Gunung Salak

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

from the foothills of the dormant volcano Gunung Salak, along with not far via the town of Sukabumi, will be a smaller place called Cicurug. There, a few kilometres into the hills will be a farm called Portibi. nevertheless Portibi isn’t just any old farm; the item’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 via California end up on the side of a volcano in West Java? The farm will be a joint venture between Jocean Bowler, via central California, along with his original Indonesian host family. After arriving in Indonesia from the early 2000s, Jocean along with his hosts decided to set up Portibi in 2004 on a clove farm that will 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 will be given back, Jocean set about building a farm that will could preserve the flavours, endemic natural beauty, along with local craftsmanship that will Indonesia will be in danger of losing in its rush towards modernity. He created a hideaway far via the city using inspiration via Sunda’s past, complimented that has a few touches of modern technology to make the item all work.

Picking your own organic produce at Portibi Farms

Today, Lodges Ekologika at Portibi Farm will be 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 via 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. nevertheless nature has its limits: if you leave the lights on too long, they run out of juice. A well-stocked bar will be conveniently located from the lounge, which will be the place to hang out. the item also contains a collection of board games, books, music largely via the 1970s along with 80s, along that has a guitar for anyone with an urge to strum.

Included from the 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. nevertheless 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 via around the earth. along with there’s an excellent wine list if you’d like to wash the item down with something special, like a full-bodied Italian red. They may be organic pioneers, nevertheless they like to live well at Portibi.

One of the must-dos while at Portibi will be 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 from the nature that will surrounds you—the insects, the birds, the sounds, the smells. nevertheless beware of the caterpillars; beautiful creatures they may be, nevertheless 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 via plant to plant. If you’re truly keen on the farming side of things, Portibi will be 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 that will 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 specific point the secret bit. Believe the item or not, Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), the Indonesian railway company, has revitalized a track up into the hills via Bogor. The train goes to Sukabumi along with then onwards all the way to Cianjur. the item’s about one hour’s ride via Bogor to Cicurug, the nearest station to the farm along with, if the weather will be 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 the item’s crucial to book online in advance. The train via Jakarta to Bogor will be straightforward, nevertheless then you’ll have to walk about 400 metres via the main station to an adjacent smaller station via where the trains for Sukabumi leave.

So, what are you waiting for at This specific point that will 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.