Glass Walkways at Sigandul Parakan: Unobscured Views of Mount Sumbing

TheIndonesia.id - Just before the COVID-19 outbreak, my spouse and I had a delightful adventure to Posong, Tlahab Village, Kledung, Parakan, Temanggung, Central Java. We were excited to catch the sunrise over Mount Sindoro, one of the twin peaks—Sumbing and Sindoro—that serve as natural landmarks of my hometown, Parakan.

Unfortunately, our joy about this destination was short-lived as the pandemic took over for more than two years. Tourist destinations, including accommodation facilities, closed their doors, and we were cut off from the outside world.

That's why it came as a pleasant surprise when my niece informed me that there was another beautiful viewing spot, just as stunning as Posong, that we could visit. We were thrilled to plan an adventure there around the latest Chinese New Year—a post-pandemic outing we eagerly anticipated.

As mentioned earlier, this new place is closer to Parakan than the Kledung area, just a 15-minute drive from our ancestral home in the centre of Parakan.

One key difference to note is that this place offers a view of Mount Sumbing, located on the left side, whereas Posong is situated on the right side, facing Mount Sindoro.

So, off we went! The place is called Sigandul View, located at KM 8 on the main road from Parakan to Wonosobo. It shares the same subdistrict as Posong—Kecamatan Kledung, Kabupaten Temanggung—but sits at a lower altitude.

Our first impression was one of awe. Sigandul View offers an unobstructed 360-degree panorama of Mount Sumbing. The clouds sometimes linger and can be hard to shake off, but overall, the landscape is breathtaking.

In the distance, evergreen coniferous trees add to the charm, creating a perfect contrast with the patchwork fields below. Farmers grow a variety of crops here, including coffee, cloves, tobacco, rice, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and corn.

This natural landscape, dominated by various shades of green, is mesmerizing. Villagers' houses dot the terrain, and winding paths create a beautiful pattern across the valley.

Adding to the beauty is the rounded glass walkway, which brings visitors closer to nature.

The rules for the glass walkway are clear: a maximum of 10 people are allowed on the platform at any given time, sneakers or rubber soles are acceptable (but high heels must be removed), no jumping around, and children must be supervised by adults.

Of course, this is not the same as an indoor observation deck, like the one at Macau Tower. The glass walkway is completely open, and how you choose to experience the view of Mount Sumbing is up to your courage. You can stop after crossing the bridge, avoid looking down, and take your time to walk around.

If you're looking for a higher panoramic view with a similar glass walkway, there's another one to the left of the central one.

For those who may feel uncomfortable with the see-through glass, just like several of my family members, there are plenty of platform decks with artificial grass where you can sit or walk without worrying about what's below.

So, here I am, sipping a cup of Red Velvet on the deck, having just enjoyed the panoramic view of Mount Sumbing from the glass walkway.

My sister-in-law had ordered snacks for us all to enjoy before they got cold, thanks to the chilly weather. We had everything from French fries and banana fritters to local specialties like mendoan goreng (thin slices of tempeh in batter) and fried cassava.

All of us were content, enjoying the sight of clouds rolling in and out from the peak of the mountain.

To experience the outdoors at Sigandul View, including the glass walkway, each person pays IDR 15,000. An additional IDR 10,000 allows you to visit the mini farm and interact with the rabbits and Merino sheep. My niece and I spent quite a bit of time with the cuddly animals, especially two sheep named Bejo and Cindy. They're incredibly sweet!