Hidden in a mystic forest near Bandung city lies Lembah Tengkorak or Danau Urugan (Skull Valley or Urugan Lake). Its daunting name belies its nature – a serene mountain lake nestled between two mountains, akin to the Amazon River slicing through the Brazilian rainforest, not a macabre sight of skulls and bones.
Origins of Skull Valley
Skull Valley’s formation, nestled in a forest, traces back to a landslide from Mount Pangparang depositing white rocks. These rocks serve as the source from which water emerges, ultimately giving rise to the lake. However, Despite exhaustive research, the origins of the name ‘Lembah Tengkorak’ (Skull Valley) for this lake remain elusive due to scant literature or oral sources.
How to Reach Skull Valley or Urugan Lake
To reach Lembah Tengkorak or Danau Urugan, you can use private transportation. If you’re coming from the east of Bandung, you can take the route via Alun Alun Ujungberung – Bukit Tunggul. On the other hand, if you’re coming from the west of Bandung, you can go through Maribaya – Bukit Tunggul. After that, you can park your vehicle in the vicinity of Agro Wisata Kebun Kina (Kina Garden Agro Tourism) area. Parking at Kina Garden Agro Tourism costs Rp 5,000 per vehicle, with an additional Rp 15,000 per person entrance fee.
A relaxed 3-hour, 6-kilometer trek from residents’ parking leads to the lake.. The most commonly used route by visitors is through the path of Agro Wisata Kebun Kina, Palintang, Kabupaten Bandung. The trail to the small lake has multiple branches, particularly at the beginning of the trek where you will encounter local gardens. Therefore, it is advisable to use maps if you plan to visit. If you don’t want to get lost during the trek, you can download the AllTrails app available on iOS/Android.
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The Spectacular Lembah Tengkorak
Upon arrival at the lake, you will be greeted by the breathtaking sight of an ancient lake amidst the beautiful forest and cool air. The panoramic view at Lembah Tengkorak is truly stunning. All the fatigue you experienced during the journey will dissipate as soon as you see the turquoise-blue lake surrounded by trees. The extremely cold water and significant depth of the lake strongly discourage swimming.
Camping at Skull Valley Lake
Visitors can also go camping by the lake. If camping at Skull Valley Lake, pack full gear due to its remote location and potentially cold nights. With minimal expenses, you can enjoy the beauty of nature, stunning landscapes, and proximity to the city of Bandung. So, prepare yourself physically to make a stop at Lembah Tengkorak!