HALLOSUMEDANG – When you hear the word “Sumedang,” the first thing that probably comes to mind for many people is Sumedang tofu. Honestly, I used to be the same. Every time I passed through Sumedang on a road trip, it felt incomplete if I didn’t stop to buy some tofu. But after finally having the opportunity to truly explore this regency, I realized how much more Sumedang has to offer that many people might not know about.
The first time I really explored Sumedang was when my friends and I decided to take a somewhat spontaneous road trip. The initial plan was just to pass through Sumedang and stop briefly to enjoy some warm tofu by the roadside. However, one of my friends suggested that we explore further—he said there were many interesting destinations there. And indeed, Sumedang turned out to have extraordinary charm.
One place that ended up being my favorite was Kampung Toga. Located in a higher altitude area, Kampung Toga offers stunning views. From here, we could see stretches of green hills that were refreshing to the eyes, plus the cool atmosphere. We decided to stay overnight there, and the experience of the night in this place was truly different. The peaceful atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, made us feel truly connected to nature.
Moreover, Sumedang also has cultural attractions that are no less interesting. One destination we visited was the Museum Prabu Geusan Ulun. For someone like me who wasn’t initially very interested in history, this museum presented a story that was so rich and engaging. There, I learned a lot about the history of the Sumedang Larang kingdom, one of the kingdoms that once thrived in this region. I realized that Sumedang is not just about culinary delights, but also has a strong historical heritage.
After being satisfied with exploring several tourist destinations, of course, it wouldn’t be complete without discussing the food. Besides the famous Sumedang tofu, there are several other local dishes worth trying. One that made me curious was the nasi tutug oncom, which is said to be typical of Sumedang. When I tried it at a local eatery, I immediately understood why this simple dish is so popular. The distinctive aroma of oncom, combined with warm rice, makes it the perfect combination to fill your stomach after a day of exploring.
However, there’s one moment that I think is quite interesting to share. When we were about to visit Curug Ciputrawangi, one of the waterfalls in Sumedang, we got a bit lost because we relied on GPS, which turned out to be inaccurate. The road to get there was quite challenging, especially because we took a wrong turn and had to go through a path we weren’t supposed to. But hey, that’s where the fun lies. After overcoming several obstacles and asking the locals (who were very friendly, by the way), we finally arrived at the location. And all our tiredness was immediately paid off when we saw the beautiful waterfall and the natural surroundings. There’s a feeling of satisfaction that cannot be described in words when you finally reach the place you’ve been aiming for.
From this experience, I learned that Sumedang is a destination worthy of more than just a stopover. Yes, Sumedang tofu is indeed a champion, but this regency has a wealth of tourism potential that not many people know about. So, for those of you who might often pass through Sumedang without thinking of stopping by for longer, I highly recommend taking the time to explore what this place has to offer. Who knows, you might discover corners of Sumedang that make you fall in love, just like I did.
