A trip to the gunung padang megalithic site

The hospitality and generosity shown by Persada throughout this trip was second to none. Anyone considering a trip to Gunung Padang and the surrounding area should absolutely enlist his services as a guide. Firstly, before even arriving in Indonesia I was able to contact Persada regarding travel considerations from Singapore. I had already booked flights (his assessment of the airline I booked with - "always late" - turned out to be accurate, so I would advise asking him about airlines as he has a full time role with a Canadian travel agency) but he was able to help organise picking me up from the airport with his friend who has a car. Bear in mind this is a 3-6 hour trip depending on traffic. He was able to offer a rate cheaper than that being offered by other drivers I had contacted (80£ round trip in the end, a bargain considering the distance and inconvenience to him and his friend). After a pick up from the airport and brief chat I was wiped out so fell asleep on the back seat until arriving in my booking.com homestay in Cianjur close to Gunung Padang. The next day Persada picked me up on his moped. The drive to GP had truly stunning scenery and Persada is an expert at navigating odd tricky spot on the roads (most of the road to GP has recently been rebuilt by the government due to predicted increase in tourism to the area with further excavations being planned). Persada's own knowledge of the area is fantastic. He knows both the local myths and legends of the area, as well as the more recent science and archaeology (he has been on site when the main excavation team led by Danny Hillman were there, and his English ability is excellent so there is no problem with communication). It is hard to put into words the sense of awe when visiting the site. Lunch was no frills with egg/veg noodles and bottled drinks/coffee available at a lone on site vendor, which Persada ordered. After, Persada offered a number of other options including the 'floating village', another 90 minute trip but definitely worth it. With all the time on a moped, be prepared for a sore bum by the end of the trip but it was totally worth it. Persada went above and beyond to spend his weekend and free time sharing his local culture and surrounding with me and it could not have been better (apart from perhaps the torrential rain which came down on the Saturday afternoon, which he had predicted). On the Sunday morning he took me to the local market and then back to the airport. I cannot speak highly enough of Persada. His professionalism, friendliness, local knowledge and ability to navigate Indonesian traffic on a moped were truly excellent and I would recommend his services to anyone who wishes to visit this controversial and fascinating megalithic side. Thank you Persada!

James − 29 Apr 2018