Thousands of Tourists Flood Mount Papandayan Ahead of Year-End

The Christmas and New Year holidays have always been a favorite moment for travelers to "escape" briefly from their routines. In West Java, one destination that has once again become a favorite is the Papandayan Mountain Nature Tourism Park in Garut.

This mountain, characterized by an active crater, not only offers dramatic panoramas but also a complete natural tourism experience, from Light Hiking to relaxed camping.

Since the middle of the Christmas holiday week, tourist flow to Papandayan Mountain has shown an increasing trend. Thousands of visitors have come from various regions, especially from Jakarta, Bandung, and local tourists from Garut.

They seek the cool mountain atmosphere, the iconic volcanic crater views, and the natural spots that are increasingly popular among young travelers.

According to the Operational Manager of the Papandayan Mountain Nature Tourism Park, Amin Kaban, the surge in visitors has been noticeable since several days before the weekend.

"For today specifically, the number is likely above two thousand," said Papandayan Mountain Nature Tourism Park Operational Manager Amin Kaban in the Papandayan Mountain area, Garut, Saturday, December 27, 2025.

This figure shows a significant increase compared to normal days, which usually see under a thousand visitors per day. Amin explained that this upward trend started to be felt on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, coinciding with the start of the joint leave and school holidays.

Papandayan Mountain indeed has an irresistible appeal. The post-eruption crater with billowing sulfur smoke, the photogenic expanse of the Dead Forest, and hiking trails relatively friendly for beginner climbers make it a suitable destination for various types of travelers. Many tourists also choose to stay overnight by camping, enjoying the mountain night atmosphere and the starry sky.

Besides nature exploration, the area also offers supporting facilities that make the holiday experience more comfortable. These include the natural hot springs pool, a favorite for relaxation, well-organized camping areas, and trekking paths equipped with signs and safety measures.

"The visitors who come, according to him, are diverse, hailing from various regions like Jakarta and surrounding cities, then Bandung, including local tourists from Garut, aiming to visit the crater area, the Dead Forest, or camp, swim in the natural warm water pool, and enjoy other facilities," he explained.

Despite the surge, Amin stated that this year's increase still hasn't reached the level of the previous Year-End Holiday period.

"There has indeed been an increase in visits, although there is an increase, it is not as significant as last year," he said.

However, the management anticipates that the number of tourists could still potentially rise closer to the New Year. Therefore, anticipatory measures have been taken early. Security has been tightened, from the entrance to the tourist area, parking lots, to hiking trails and camping grounds.

"Everything is guarded by our security 24 hours," he said.

Not only relying on internal security, the Papandayan Mountain Nature Tourism Park area also receives support from the police, military elements, and local government agencies. The goal is singular: to ensure tourists' holidays proceed safely, comfortably, and without disturbance.

From the tourists' perspective, this surge in visitors is palpable right from the entrance. Hendi, a local tourist from Garut, admitted he chose Papandayan Mountain as a holiday destination due to its proximity and the complete natural experience it offers.

However, he didn't expect the crowd to be noticeable since the main gate.

"Earlier when trying to enter, we had to queue first, they said up there (the vehicle parking area) was full. The number of visitors is extraordinary," said Hendi.

This phenomenon shows that nature-based Experiential Tourism remains a top choice for travelers, especially the Younger Generation seeking a different atmosphere without traveling too far. Papandayan Mountain is not just a holiday spot, but also a space for rest, exploration, and reconnecting with nature.

With the continuously increasing visitation trend, Papandayan Mountain reaffirms its position as one of West Java's premier natural tourism destinations, especially during long holiday moments. For travelers planning to visit, thorough planning and arriving early are key to enjoying the natural beauty without being disrupted by visitor density.