Situ Patenggang Bandung

Nestled among rolling tea plantations and misty highlands, Situ Patenggang Bandung, also known as Situ Patengan, is one of Ciwidey's most scenic destinations. Its emerald-green lake, cool mountain air, and peaceful atmosphere make it a favorite escape from the city. Beyond the beautiful views, the lake also has a fascinating geological history and a legendary love story that have made it one of Bandung's most iconic attractions.

Situ Patenggang - a serene lake surrounded by lush tea plantations - Photo courtesy of D. Mulyadi

Fun Activities in Situ Patenggang Bandung

Are you ready for a fun-filled day at Situ Patengan? This stunning lake offers a variety of activities to help you relax and enjoy the outdoors.

As you take in the breathtaking views of Situ Patenggang, don't forget to snap some photos. Its scenic beauty has long been a favorite among photographers, especially in the early morning when a thin mist drifts across the lake's surface.

Another favorite activity is having a picnic by Situ Patenggang. The cool weather and fresh air make it an enjoyable place to relax. Although there are no picnic tables, you can bring a large picnic mat and find a nice spot along the lakeshore. If you don't want to pack your own food, nearby vendors sell light meals such as grilled corn and instant noodles.

If you're looking for more adventure, rent a boat to explore the lake or visit Pulau Asmara in the middle of the lake. For a more active experience, try exploring the lake by pedal boat.

If you're a camping enthusiast, you'll enjoy the peaceful camping area. The beautiful scenery and tranquil atmosphere make it a perfect place to unwind. However, it can get chilly, especially at night, so don't forget to bring a warm jacket.

So what are you waiting for? Come and experience the magic of Situ Patengan for yourself!

The Legend of Situ Patenggang Bandung

In Sundanese, situ means "lake." The names Patengan and Patenggang are derived from the Sundanese phrase pateang-teang, meaning "looking for each other." The name is based on a well-known Sundanese legend about the love story of Ki Santang and Dewi Rengganis (dewi means "goddess" in Sundanese). As the legend has been passed down orally through generations, several versions of the story have emerged.

In the first version, the story tells of the love between Raden Kian Santang, the son of Prabu Siliwangi—the king of the Pajajaran Kingdom in the fifteenth century—and Dewi Rengganis, a goddess. They were separated by unforeseen circumstances, but their love remained so strong that they continued searching for one another until they were reunited at Batu Cinta (Love Stone) in Situ Patengan.

The second version provides more background on Dewi Rengganis and how the couple became separated. In this story, Ki Santang was the son of Prabu Siliwangi and was married to Dewi Rengganis, a commoner. They were deeply in love, but war broke out, forcing Ki Santang to leave for the battlefield while his wife remained in the palace. The war lasted for a long time, preventing him from returning home. With little news of her husband's whereabouts, Dewi Rengganis waited patiently until one day she decided to meditate in the forest and pray for his safe return.

Eventually, Ki Santang returned home, only to discover that his wife was no longer at the palace. After learning that she had gone to the forest, he immediately set out to find her. Meanwhile, when Dewi Rengganis heard that her husband was on his way home, she hurried back to the palace. As they rushed to reunite, they repeatedly missed one another until they finally met at Batu Cinta (Love Stone).

Both versions share the same happy ending. According to the legend, they celebrated their reunion after Dewi Rengganis asked Ki Santang to build a lake and a boat in the area, which later became known as Situ Patenggang, or Situ Patengan. The legend says the boat eventually became a small island in the middle of the lake. Because the island resembles a heart, it became known as Pulau Asmara (Amour Island in English). The island is also called Pulau Sasaka, which means "sacred" in Sundanese.

According to these two versions of the legend, couples who visit Batu Cinta (Love Stone) and circle Pulau Asmara (Amour Island) will enjoy everlasting love.

Batu Cinta on the shore of Situ Patenggang, where, according to legend, two lovers were reunited.

The third version offers a different explanation for the origin of the name Situ Patenggang. According to this version, from time to time, the ancestors stretched a thread across the lake to drain it, a practice known as ngabedah situ. They did this to clean the lake or search for something within it, which is believed to be the origin of the name Patengan. The Sundanese phrase for stretching a thread is bola dipanteng, which eventually evolved into Patengan.

Early morning at Situ Patenggang Bandung, where fishermen were busy casting their nets. Photo courtesy of D. Mulyadi.

New in Situ Patenggang Bandung: Glamping Lake Side Rancabali

Today, there are two main attractions around Situ Patenggang Bandung. One is Situ Patenggang, which we've covered on this page, while the other is Glamping Lakeside Rancabali, a newer attraction.

Glamping Lakeside Rancabali is a luxury camping resort and restaurant on the opposite side of Situ Patenggang. It is easy to recognize thanks to its iconic boat-shaped restaurant. Although the two attractions have separate entrances, you can rent a boat at Situ Patenggang to reach Glamping Lakeside.

Read more about Glamping Lake Side Rancabali ...

Where is Situ Patenggang Bandung?

Tap/click the map to get directions to Situ Patenggang Bandung.

Opening Hours:

08.00-16.00

Tickets:

Domestic: Rp.25,000
Foreigner: Rp.185,000

Pedal Boat: Rp.40,000
Motor Boat: Rp.20,000/person or Rp.150,000/boat

Situ Patenggang, also known as Situ Patengan, is a beautiful lake in Ciwidey, Bandung. The GPS coordinates are 7°10'00.5"S, 107°21'27.2"E (-7.166803, 107.357544). Thanks to the Soroja Toll Road, the travel time from Bandung to Ciwidey is now much shorter. The toll road begins at Km 132 of the Purbaleunyi (Purwakarta–Bandung–Cileunyi) Toll Road. To reach Situ Patenggang, simply follow the Soroja Toll Road to its end, then follow the road signs to Ciwidey and continue to Situ Patengan.

Although the distance from downtown Bandung (Alun-Alun Bandung) is only 48 kilometers, the journey typically takes about two hours. This is because the road becomes narrow and winding after the toll road ends. There is no direct public transportation to Situ Patenggang, so rather than spending time figuring out the public transportation routes, I'd recommend renting a car with a driver for the day. You can also use ride-hailing services such as Grab or GoCar, but make sure to arrange your return trip in advance, as finding a ride back can be difficult. Renting a car also gives you the flexibility to visit several attractions in Ciwidey in a single day.

Most visitors spend one to two hours at Situ Patenggang as part of a day trip to Ciwidey. For example, many visitors tour Kawah Putih before continuing to Situ Patenggang.

Situ Patenggang Bandung is a popular family destination in West Java because of its beautiful scenery and its proximity to Bandung. As a result, it can become very crowded on Sundays and national holidays, especially during the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Visitors arrive by tour buses, private cars, and motorcycles. Traffic congestion is common, as the provincial road is relatively narrow and parking space is limited.

As the facilities at Glamping Lakeside Rancabali are more extensive, many visitors now choose to spend more time there. It overlooks the same lake, where you can enjoy the scenery from the iconic phinisi-shaped restaurant or the floating cafés. Another nearby attraction is Kawah Rengganis (Rengganis Crater), which is also known for its suspension bridge.

Do you know that Situ Patenggang is only 7 kilometers away from Kawah Putih? Both are located in Ciwidey, with one being the most beautiful lake in Sunda and the other the best crater in Sunda.