Fascinating Facts About Mount Kakapa, Also Known as Mount Payung Baleendah
Mount Kakapa sits on the western side of the Bukit Barisan Baleendah mountain range. This mountain is situated near a small lake known as Situ Sipatahunan. Locals also call it Mount Payung Baleendah.
Location and Geography Mount Kakapa
Geographically, Mount Kakapa lies approximately 11 kilometers south of Bandung’s city center. Administratively, it belongs to Kampung Cipancur, Desa Baleendah, Kecamatan Baleendah, Kabupaten Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. According to the Indonesian Topographic Map (Rupa Bumi Indonesia) published by the Geospatial Information Agency (Badan Informasi Geospasial – BIG), Mount Kakapa rises to 780 meters above sea level (masl).
1. Easy Access to the Hiking Trail
Reaching Mount Kakapa is quite simple because of its proximity to Bandung and its well-maintained roads. Hikers can travel south via Jalan Mohammad Toha or Jalan Buahbatu toward Bojongsoang and then proceed to Baleendah. A key landmark along the way is the Baleendah Roundabout, where the Tugu Juang Siliwangi monument stands.
From the monument, travelers continue along Jalan Laswi Baleendah and turn onto Jalan Situ Sipatahunan until they arrive at a large gate welcoming visitors to “Taman Wisata Situ Sipatahunan Baleendah Bandung.” The hiking trail begins less than a kilometer from this gate.
2. Multiple Hiking Routes
The trek to Mount Kakapa’s peak remains relatively easy. Hikers can select between two main routes: one from Situ Sipatahunan and another from Pangipukan in Kampung Cipancur. The route from Situ Sipatahunan covers approximately 900 meters, while the Pangipukan route is even shorter, requiring only a 200-meter walk to reach the summit.
For convenience, hikers should start from Situ Sipatahunan, where they can park their vehicles. If no official parking attendants are available, they can leave their vehicles at nearby food stalls and inform the locals before beginning the trek.
3. Scenic Waterfall Along the Trail
As hikers take the Situ Sipatahunan route, they pass through the original Leuwi Sipatahunan area, where they can stop by a small waterfall called Curug Luhur and a deep river pool known as Leuwi Dulang.
Both Curug Luhur and Leuwi Dulang offer crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush greenery. These scenic spots serve as excellent locations for photography before continuing the hike. Near Curug Luhur, hikers can still see a small abandoned tourist facility measuring approximately 3×4 meters.
4. Residential Areas Around the Mountain
As hikers move beyond Leuwi Dulang, the landscape gradually shifts from dense foliage to an open area with a well-defined trail. Along the way, they will see several small settlements and livestock enclosures. These settlements, part of Kampung Cipancur, are sometimes called Kampung Gunung Kakapa or Pangipukan.
Eventually, hikers will reach a clearing with a small wooden shelter resembling a security post. A narrow footpath from the side of this structure leads to the peak, which is just 200 meters away and takes about five minutes to reach.
5. A Large Tiger Statue at the Summit
One of the most intriguing features at Mount Kakapa’s summit is a large tiger statue facing south. The Indonesian military engineering battalion Yon Zipur installed this statue, which many refer to as the “Sipura Tiger” (derived from Zipur).
Local residents believe the statue signifies that Mount Kakapa remains public land rather than private property. Historically, Yon Zipur owned this area before the Bandung Regency government took over its management.
6. The Origins of the Name “Kakapa”
Mount Kakapa’s name holds historical significance because the term “kakapa” is rarely used in modern Sundanese. In Sundanese, “kakapa” refers to a padded support placed on a horse’s back to prevent chafing when carrying heavy loads.
However, the connection between this term and the mountain’s name remains unclear. According to an elder from Kampung Cipancur, the name “Gunung Kakapa” gradually changed to “Gunung Payung” in the 1990s. The new name, meaning “umbrella mountain,” symbolizes protection for local communities and highlights the importance of environmental conservation.
Stunning Views from the Summit
From Mount Kakapa’s peak, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of Bandung and its surrounding mountain ranges. To the north, visitors can see Mount Burangrang, Mount Tangkuban Parahu, the Lembang Fault, Mount Bukittunggul, Mount Palasari, and Mount Manglayang. Meanwhile, to the south, they can spot Mount Gajahngamuk, Mount Gadog, Mount Koromong, Mount Tikukur, and Mount Cadasgantung. Additionally, the beautiful Situ Sipatahunan lake is visible from the peak.
Geological and Cultural Significance
Like many mountains in West Java, Mount Kakapa has a volcanic origin. The geological formations in the Baleendah area consist largely of volcanic deposits from ancient eruptions. Its proximity to Situ Sipatahunan, a historically significant lake, shows its role in shaping the region’s natural landscape.
Culturally, mountains in West Java often carry mystical and historical importance. Many of them feature legends, folklore, and spiritual practices. Mount Kakapa’s tiger statue and its evolving name reflect how local communities intertwine history, belief systems, and environmental awareness.
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References Mount Kakapa:
- Badan Informasi Geospasial (BIG). (2024). Rupa Bumi Indonesia: Peta Topografi Wilayah Bandung.
- Pemerintah Kabupaten Bandung. (2024). Sejarah dan Geografi Wilayah Baleendah.
- Bandung Heritage Society. (2023). Myths and Folklore of Bandung’s Mountains.
- Geological Research Center of Indonesia. (2024). Volcanic Formations in West Java and Their Impact on Local Ecosystems.
