KAMPUNG PULO is a hamlet consisting of just six houses and a small mosque, with historic significance. Originally the inhabitants were Hindu, but they were converted to Islam by a certain Embah Dalam Arif Mohammed in the first half of the 17th century. His grave lies on a hill next to a restored temple (see tip Candi Cangkuang).
It is said that Embah Dalem was defeated in his assault on the Dutch, and so ashamed that he dare not meet his king, Sultan Agung. Instead he hid himself in kampung Pulo. He was buried here and left six daughters and a son. The six houses were for the six daughters; until this day it is the women who inherit the houses. The men have to leave after they marry, so have the daughters for whom there is no house. No houses can be added in the precincts, a daughter settles in after her mother dies.
The people of Kampung Pulo maintain certain rules and rituals. They may not visit the graves of their ancestors on Wednesday, may not sound a big gong or keep big cattle in the kampung. The shape of the roofs of the house may not be altered. On the 14th of Maulud month the sacred objects are cleansed, like keris, precious stones and bullets.
The name Kampung Pulo means "island hamlet", but in reality the kampung lies on a peninsula. There is a small museum, in need of upgrading. The caretaker obligingly explains the history of the site, and the women are happy to show you inside their house. Do not forget to leave a small amount of money.
How to get there :
- From Bandung, take the toll road to Cileunyi, follow the street signs to Garut. From Garut take the road north to Leles.
- Or from Cipanas turn east at the corner near hotel Cipaganti, and when you reach the Garut-Leles road turn north.
- At Leles town square, find a sign to Candi Cangkuang pointing East. It is 3 km along this road to the site.
You may drive on until the parking and cross the lake by raft to reach Kampung Pulo (Rp 3.000 p.p./person, or charter Rp. 50.000,-). But, as the hamlet lies on a peninsula, you may also park near the lotus pond some 200 m before the parking, and take the path to the right along the pond. At the end of the earthen path you reach a concrete paved path. Follow this left to Kampung Pulo. Through the kampung you reach Candi Cangkuang.
It is said that Embah Dalem was defeated in his assault on the Dutch, and so ashamed that he dare not meet his king, Sultan Agung. Instead he hid himself in kampung Pulo. He was buried here and left six daughters and a son. The six houses were for the six daughters; until this day it is the women who inherit the houses. The men have to leave after they marry, so have the daughters for whom there is no house. No houses can be added in the precincts, a daughter settles in after her mother dies.
The people of Kampung Pulo maintain certain rules and rituals. They may not visit the graves of their ancestors on Wednesday, may not sound a big gong or keep big cattle in the kampung. The shape of the roofs of the house may not be altered. On the 14th of Maulud month the sacred objects are cleansed, like keris, precious stones and bullets.How to get there :
- From Bandung, take the toll road to Cileunyi, follow the street signs to Garut. From Garut take the road north to Leles.
- Or from Cipanas turn east at the corner near hotel Cipaganti, and when you reach the Garut-Leles road turn north.
- At Leles town square, find a sign to Candi Cangkuang pointing East. It is 3 km along this road to the site.
You may drive on until the parking and cross the lake by raft to reach Kampung Pulo (Rp 3.000 p.p./person, or charter Rp. 50.000,-). But, as the hamlet lies on a peninsula, you may also park near the lotus pond some 200 m before the parking, and take the path to the right along the pond. At the end of the earthen path you reach a concrete paved path. Follow this left to Kampung Pulo. Through the kampung you reach Candi Cangkuang.
