Ciater Hot Spring (Pemandian Air Panas Ciater) Tours

In the town of Ciater, north of Bandung, West Java, warm steamy waters rise from the earth, heated by the Tangkuban Perahu volcano nearby. A number of resorts and spas channel these hot springs into natural bathing pools, some with attractions such as waterfalls, and all offer admission to guests who would like to spend the day lounging.

The Basics
Admission charges for the Ciater hot springs vary from resort to resort, as do inclusions, with the most popular hot springs resorts offering views over tea plantations and pine trees. The Sari Ater Hotel and Resort is one of the best-known hot springs in Ciater, with a range of spa services including massages and on-site restaurants and bars. Private guides in Bandung can arrange Ciater hot springs tours, perhaps with a visit to a tea plantation and/or a tea factory.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Ciater hot springs are a pleasant respite after a strenuous hike.
• West Java is culturally conservative. Women will feel much more comfortable with T-shirts over their bikinis and perhaps shorts as well.
• The springs are not well set up for people with mobility challenges.

How to Get There
Ciater is about 19 miles (30 kilometers) north of Bandung in West Java. Minivan public transport is impossible to use unless you speak Indonesian well enough to explain where you’d like to go, so most will travel here by driving, on a tour, or with a private driver/guide.

When to Get There
Ciater is a popular weekend escape from Bandung, and the hot springs can fill to overflowing and beyond on Saturdays and Sundays. For a better experience, visit during the working week. Don’t even think about trying the springs during Indonesian public holidays.

How Hot Are the Ciater Hot Springs?
Up toward the crater of the active Tangkuban Perahu volcano, the mineral waters can be extremely hot and sulfurous. The pools at different resorts have different temperatures and mineral compositions. At Ciater Natural Hot Springs, temperatures can reach 115°F (46°C), but many resort pools are cooler than this.