Kawah Rengganis - lunch - Ciwidey Tea Plantation

 Bandung - After an exhilarating morning exploring Kawah Putih and crossing the suspension bridge, my next stop was Kawah Rengganis, a natural hot spring area known for its soothing geothermal pools and rustic, untouched charm. 

Unlike many commercialised hot springs, Kawah Rengganis retains a more natural, kampung-like atmosphere—steaming vents rise from the ground, sulfuric pools bubble gently, and stone pathways lead visitors through the lush greenery.

What makes Kawah Rengganis particularly special is how the place brings people together. When I arrived, I saw groups of young and old Indonesians gathered around the shallow hot pools, soaking their feet while chatting and laughing. 

Some were sitting on rocks, letting the warm water soothe their muscles, while others stood at the edge, dipping their feet carefully to test the temperature before settling in. The steam rising from the water created a soft haze, giving the entire scene a calming, almost serene feel.

My ticket included entrance to this hot spring area, so I took my time walking around the pools and soaking in the atmosphere. The water, warmed by geothermal activity beneath the earth, was comfortably hot (only wash my hands), and the sulfur is said to have natural healing benefits. Whether or not that’s true, the relaxation alone made it worth the visit.

A Hearty Sundanese Lunch

After spending some time enjoying Kawah Rengganis, my driver whisked me off for lunch at a nearby Sundanese eatery. The setting was simple but welcoming, surrounded by bamboo structures and traditional décor. I ordered nasi liwet with BBQ chicken, a comforting dish of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, served with smoky, tender grilled chicken. To wash it down, I treated myself to a fresh coconut drink, its natural sweetness and icy chill providing perfect relief from the heat of the hot spring.

The meal ended on a lovely note with a serving of tea from the plantation, which was earthy, smooth, and aromatic. Knowing the tea came directly from the fields I was about to visit made it even more special.

Exploring the Ciwidey Tea Plantations

Our final stop for the day was the vast Ciwidey tea plantation, an iconic landscape of rolling green hills blanketed with neatly trimmed tea shrubs. As the car drove deeper into the plantation, the scenery opened up into endless rows of vibrant green—an ocean of tea leaves that swayed gently with the mountain breeze.

The driver explained that the plantation was originally established by the Dutch during colonial times. Today, it is owned and managed by the Indonesian government, continuing its long tradition of producing high-quality tea. I learned that it was now tea plucking season, and some of the shrubs had been completely stripped of their tender young leaves. But the cycle is quick and within just three months, the bushes will regenerate fully, ready to be harvested again.

Walking through the plantation gave me a renewed appreciation for the entire tea-making process: the labour, the careful tending, and the centuries of tradition behind each cup. It was the perfect calm ending to a day filled with adventure, natural beauty, and cultural discovery.