Traditional villages can still be found in Garut, located 200 km away from Jakarta. This area's magnificent beauty has been widely recognized around the world since colonial times. Ika Krismantari

Two hundred kilometers' drive from Jakarta, the dusty roads dried out by the scorching sun bring you to dramatic greenery where mountains feel close, suggesting heaven may not be too far away.

Welcome to Garut, the sign says. And after that, brace yourself for endless views of mountains that seem to encircle the region popularly known as the Switzerland of Java.

This area's magnificent beauty has been widely recognized around the world since colonial times.

Even the legendary Charlie Chaplin visited Garut twice to embrace the serene beauty of the region, which is guarded by three mountains - Papandayan, Guntur and Cikuray.

No one knows what brought Chaplin to the area, which lies about 60 km southwest of Bandung, the capital of West Java.

But as soon as you touch down in Garut, you will know there is plenty to see.

Green street signs indicating interesting sites can easily be found in town.

But before that, why not just enjoy nature's free treat and feel the fresh breeze blowing through the never-ending paddy fields on either side of the roads.

You can just pull up your car and make a sweet stop, sipping a coconut ice drink from ubiquitous street vendors.

After feeling recharged, you can hop to your next destination, Cipanas, a resort area offering hot springs from the mountain.

The area, located in the northwest of the city at the foot of Mount Guntur is packed with a number of villas and hotels.

However, make sure you book a room in advance before arriving in Cipanas, as this place is jammed with visitors coming from Jakarta for the weekend.

If you want privacy and some place quieter, you can head north to more peaceful resorts in Samarang.

You can stay either at Mulih K' Desa or Kampung Sampireun, two lovely and exclusive resorts that offer back-to-nature accommodation.

Mulih K' Desa is a resort where each room, which resembles a hut, is separated by paddy fields.

The design, as well as the food and service, come with a traditional touch. Food is served on tin plates while hot tea comes in a batik-style thermos brought by waiters in traditional outfits.

Kampung Sampireun isn't too different from Mulih K' Desa as it is also run by the same management.

But the most striking difference is that paddy fields in Mulih K' Desa have given way to a small lake in Kampung Sampireun. So every visitor must use little canoes to get around within the resort.

Kampung Sampireun is famous among honeymooners. It also offers first class spa treatment for couples and romantic dinner packages.

Well, after resting to your heart's content, it's time to explore the city.

You can visit Cangkuang Temple, the only Hindu temple ever found in West Java. The temple is located on a small island in the middle of Cangkuang Lake. One must ride a bamboo raft to reach the site.

The island where the 8th century temple rests is filled with trees of all sizes, providing welcome shade for visitors.

Unlike other Javanese temples characterized by grand architecture, Cangkuang Temple is more modest with only one structure still standing. But the most interesting part is visitors can find the grave of Muslim leader Arief Muhammad near the temple. Arief was a king from an East Java kingdom who came to the place to proselytize for Islam.

Once your thirst for history has been quenched, it's time to go on a journey to Kampung Naga, a Sundanese traditional village located about 25 km from Garut. The village offers incredible beauty especially once you've conquered the 500 stairs to explore a wooden and thatched complex cramped between paddy fields and the Ciwulan River.

Make sure you sample the local famous delicacy called dodol, a sweet made from coconut milk, sticky rice and palm sugar. Souvenir and gift shops have even introduced chocodol, which is simply a chocolate dodol, a new invention is supposed to appeal to the younger generations.

So if you're looking for a great place that offers you great scenery and different experience not too far from Jakarta, Garut is your answer.

Asia News Network