The Gede and Pangrango are two volcanic peaks forming the Gede-Pangrango National Park in the West Java province. Being exactly between Jakarta and Bandung, is easily reached by road from both. However, don't try to do this on weekends' peak-hours when hords of Jakartans escape from the metropolis to enjoy a bit of cool air (the area is referred to as "the Puncak" (peak), the most popular pic-nic spot in the province). On weekdays however the area is pleasant enough to visit.

You can enjoy walk or horse-trips in some  tea-plantations set among greenish hills, have a look at the panorama from the Puncak pass at more than 1000mt of altitude, or do some trekking. Staying in Cibodas is one of the best options, if you like a quiet and secluded place. From here it's just a short stroll to the Park entrance, and there's a beautiful botanical garden.

This is also the best place to stay if you are planning to climb the Gede Peak (though it's also possible from the side of Sukabumi). You should  register at the Park office a few hours before ascending and it's better to hire a guide (you can ask around in the village and gueshouses).

The trek was tough, as it took 6 full hours for ascending and no less than 4-5 hours for the retourn. It's better to leave at about 22.00 pm in order to arrive before the dawn (around 6.00 am), or even start early and sleep along the trail if you have a tent. The path goes through the forest, well signed at the beginning, then you pass some hot springs and arrive in the middle of the two peaks. From that point your guide will choose the best trails, often unsigned. Some traits involve some rock-climbing too, so it would be better to wear some trekking-gloves.

Being the top at some 3.100 mt or so, it means that it's very windy and freezing cold. Your guide will probably bring a gas-..., though it will be not enough.

The view from there it's magnificient. You have the deep-forested Pangrango volcano on one side, then the enormous Gede-caldera, still emitting potentially venephical fumes. If the atmosphere it's clear, you have a 360 degrees view all around, sometimes even up to the sea to the south... well worthing the effort. Back again, you can enjoy a few pleasant resting days in Cibodas.