Curup - A Town With a Feast of Flora

This post has been updated on October 10th, 2018   

Foggy Peak of Mount Kaba

Curup is a small cool hill town in Bengkulu province famous for its beautiful mountain scenery and coffee growing areas. Coffees from Curup are famous for their rich, full bodied coffees with "earthy flavors". It is located in Rejang Lebong district, in the foothills of Bukit Barisan, 80 km (49.7 miles) from the city of Bengkulu  or halfway between the city of Bengkulu and Lubuk Linggau. It has a population of 28,173 inhabitants (97% are Moslems) with a population density of 7,132 inhabitants per square kilometer (census population 2010). In many areas both Curup and Rejang Lebong district, broad green valleys separate the mountains. Thick forests cover much of the Curup's land. Curup can be reached by numerous connections to/from Bengkulu and Lubuk Linggau.

Curup is a cool base for visits to the attractions of the surrounding mountains, including volcanic Gunung Kaba, 19km (11.8 miles) east of town, which has two large smoldering craters surrounded by thick rainforest. It has also many fine traditional stilted wooden houses of the Rejang people. The hot springs and waterfalls can be found in the villages around Curup.

It’s difficult to change money in Curup, so bring enough rupiah to see you through. But it is possible to get a cash advance on Visa or MasterCard from the BCA bank (Jl. Merdeka 151). In most parts of Bengkulu province, the rainy season falls between October and April. Rain tends to come in sudden tropical downpours, but it can also rain nonstop for a whole day (peaking from December to January), so come prepared.

Local Transport

The common Indonesian means of transport such as angkot (public city transport), ojek  (motorcycle riders who take passengers), and becak (pedicab) are available in many places in Curup. Most angkots serve a standard route, picking up and dropping off people anywhere along the route, angkot fare is Rp. 4,000 (about US$ 0.26) per person. You can find Ojeks at Curup bus station, traditional markets, and around crossroads. An ojek can take you around the town, or can take you where no other public transport exists. The base rate for an ojek is Rp. 5,000 (about US$ 0.33) per person for a short distance. Becaks (pedicab) serve a short distance only and they can be found at around the back streets, becak fare is Rp. 5,000 – Rp.7,000 (about US$ 0.33 - 0.46). It is wise to ask someone, such as your hotel employee or the locals, about the normal fare before you get on any local transport, otherwise see how much the other passengers pay and offer the exact fare.

Packing Tips For Your Hiking Trip (Oct & Apr) 

Mt. Kaba Trekking 

• Luggage and bags: Locks for your luggage to protect your important item & travel documents from theft. It’s better to be safe than sorry. 
• Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: In most part of Sumatra, the wet season falls from October to April, the wettest months are January and February that can make travel more difficult. The weather is still hot and more humid in the coastal areas, but at higher elevations tend to be cooler. On January to February rains can come in sudden tropical downpours, and or it can also rain nonstop for a whole day. Bring plenty of socks to wear while wearing shoes, folding umbrella, a light waterproof rain jacket (heavy plastic raincoat might be too warm for the humid tropics), long pants and/or jeans, shorts, T-shirts, flip flops. 
• Toiletries and Medical Supplies: First Aid Kit, anti Malarial tablets, analgesic pills, Antihistamine pills for any allergic reactions, toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper for the eventual emergency, and anti-bacterial gel for use afterwards.
• Photo Equipment: Bring extra batteries and SD cards, in case you go someplace where you can’t buy replacement stocks. Zip locks bags for use in protecting your camera equipment, travel documents, etc. It’s good to bring a transformer or adapter if your devices don’t play nice with the local electricity.
• Camping/Outdoor Gear: Flashlight, mosquito repellent, pack at least two bottles of water per day.

Curup is also famous for its coffee growing area

 Photos by: Adriansyah Putera, Jeff Clairmont and Peter Kimball

Kabawetan Tea Plantation and Hill Resort

Cool and quiet lush hillsides of Kabawetan

Last updated April 28th, 2018

    Getting off the beaten path and exploring Kepahiang’s green resorts. Feeling the cool air off green topography at the quiet lush hillsides of Kabawetan region. Kabawetan occupies green ridges on the slopes of Bukit Barisan mountain range, offers panoramic views and scenic walks. The walk through Kabawetan tea plantation is pleasant and safe, but conditions on the trail are basic – there are simple shelters, but some are almost abandoned. It is located 6 km (3.7 miles) from the city of Kepahiang. 

    Kabawetan can be visited as a day trip from Bengkulu city since the provincial capital is only two hours away. Hiring a car and driver (the average rates start from Rp. 350,000 or about US$ 25.29 per day, which exclude fuel) is an easy way to explore Kabawetan and its remote sights.  Allow yourself at least half a day to enjoy Kabawetan tea plantation and hill resort. This is one of the most fertile regions in Sumatra and also well worth a visit. Admission free; open from 7 am to 5 pm. 

    There aren't any real restaurants around Kabawetan hill resort and most visitors end up having meals and drinks in warung (simple food stall), so come prepared!

More Photos

Green hillsides of Kabawetan

Kabawetan scenic walk

Rice paddies near Kabawetan

Photos by Adriansyah Putera and Loparedo

Kepahiang, an Ocean of Green Topography

Lapangan Santoso - Kepahiang

Last updated: February 2nd 2017

Kepahiang, a cool relaxed district, with its capital of the same name under Hidayattullah Sjahid administration. It covers an area of 665 sq km (257 sq mi) and has a population of 125,011 people, about 183 people per sq km, and 97% of Kepahiang people are Moslems (population census 2010). Time zone: Western Indonesia Time (UTC+7). Bukit Barisan mountain range is Kepahiang’s backbone which runs most of the length of Kepahiang territory. Most people of Kepahiang who live in the shadow of Bukit Barisan mountain range are farmers and traders. There are some fine examples of traditional Rejang Kepahiang architecture in the villages around Kepahiang. Most of the houses are more than 50 years old, most are in good condition.

Kepahiang has an ocean of green topography that dominates every extensive view, and fills the land of Rejang Kepahiang with marvelous flora and fauna. Rafflesia arnoldii, the largest flower on the planet, and Amorphophallus titanium (locally known as Kibut) the tallest flower on the planet, can be found in some parts of nature conservation in Kepahiang district. Thick rain forests host many kinds of birds and monkeys that swing in the tree tops. It is great to walk around the fertile rice paddies in the green countryside around Kepahiang. Don’t miss lake Suro, Kabawetan tea plantation and hill resort which offer panoramic views and scenic walks. Many of tourist attractions in Kepahiang are off the beaten track, but while they will take some extra time to get to, they are well worth searching out.

Kepahiang also offers awesome jungle treks

Please come prepared! In Kepahiang, the rainy season usually falls between October and April. Rain tends to come in sudden tropical downpours, but it can also rain nonstop for a whole day (peaking from January to February).

Kepahiang can be reached by numerous connections to/from Bengkulu (Rp. 25,000), Curup, Lubuk Linggau and Palembang.

LOCAL TRANSPORT

Becak

The common Indonesian means of transport such as angkot (public city transport), ojek (motorcycle riders who take passengers), and becak (pedicab) are available in many places in Kepahiang. Most angkots serve a standard route, picking up and dropping off people anywhere along the route, angkot fare starts from Rp. 4,000 per person (applied April 2016). You can find ojeks at the Kepahiang market or around the crossroads. An ojek can take you around the town, or can take you where no other public transport exists. The base rate for an ojek is Rp. 4,000 per person for a short distance. Becaks (pedicab) serve a short distance only and they can be found at around the back streets, becak fare is Rp. 3,000 – Rp.6,000.

Beware local transport rip off. One of the most common ways of getting ripped off involves taking local transportation. To avoid getting ripped off by angkot drivers or ojek guys, it is wise to ask someone such as your hotel employee or the locals, about the normal fare before you get on any local transport, otherwise see how much the other passengers pay and offer the exact fare.

Packing Tips For Your Kepahiang Hiking Trip (Rainy season Oct - Apr) 

• Luggage and bags: Locks for your luggage to protect your important item & travel documents from theft. It’s better to be safe than sorry. 
• Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: In most part of Sumatra, the wet season falls from October to April, the wettest months are January and February that can make travel more difficult. The weather is still hot and more humid in the coastal areas, but at higher elevations tend to be cooler. On January to February rains can come in sudden tropical downpours, and or it can also rain nonstop for a whole day. Bring plenty of socks to wear while wearing shoes, folding umbrella, a light waterproof rain jacket (heavy plastic raincoat might be too warm for the humid tropics), long pants and/or jeans, shorts, T-shirts, flip flops.
• Toiletries and Medical Supplies: First Aid Kit, anti Malarial tablets, analgesic pills, Antihistamine pills for any allergic reactions, toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper for the eventual emergency, and anti-bacterial gel for use afterwards.
• Photo Equipment: Bring extra batteries and SD cards, in case you go someplace where you can’t buy replacement stocks. Zip locks bags for use in protecting your camera equipment, travel documents, etc. It’s good to bring a transformer or adapter if your devices don’t play nice with the local electricity.
• Camping/Outdoor Gear: Flashlight, mosquito repellent, pack at least two bottles of water per day.

Related posts:

Kabawetan Tea Plantation and Hill Resort

Lake Suro Offers Scenic Places to Paddle and Explore

Tips for Traveling on Rainy Sumatra Days

Driving Safely on Rainy Sumatra Days

More photos from Kepahiang: 

Lake Suro at sunset

Seeing Rafflesia arnoldii

Fresh fruit stalls in Tebat Monok - Kepahiang

Amorphophallus titanium (locally known as Kibut) the tallest flower on the planet

Photos by: Adriansyah Putera, Shirley Adriansyah

Lake Dendam Tak Sudah

Lake Dendam Tak Sudah - Bengkulu

Last updated: February 2nd 2017

This small lake is located within the Dendam Tak Sudah nature preserve around 8 km (5 miles) of the Bengkulu city center. Dendam Tak Sudah nature preserve covers an area of 5.8 sq km, at an altitude of 15 m. The lake is surrounded by views of both Bukit Barisan mountains and countryside. It is home for rare water orchid called “Vanda Hookeriana” which also known as pencil orchid, and other unique floras. When those plants are blooming, the lakesides would be more awesome views.

Refreshing & nutritious young coconut 

It is a good place to relax, the air is pleasantly cool. It is possible to ask a local fisherman for boating the surroundings of the lake. Also, don’t miss another pleasure, get some jagung bakar (roasted corn) and kelapa muda (young coconut), the fresh juice drunk straight from a young coconut, bought at roadside around the beach. Drink the water and then scoop out the flesh. So far, the lake has not been Bengkulu’s main attraction for foreign travelers.

Getting there

To get to the lake take a yellow, green or red angkot (public city transport) to Terminal Panorama for Rp. 4,000 (about US$ 0.30) then red one C3 to the lake Dendam. You should tell the driver where you’re going before get on. And you should have exact change for the fare (Rp. 4,000) regardless of the distance and anything the drivers may tell you.

Location: Jalan Danau, Dusun Besar, Bengkulu. Click here to find the location on Google Maps!
Cons: not enough parking space and inconvenient for independent travelers.

A good place to relax