Curug Putri Kencana:
Explore a Hidden Gem for Weekend Trekking (Pet-friendly) in Sentul, Bogor
Looking for a quick escape from Jakarta’s concrete jungle? Curug Putri Kencana in Sentul offers crystal-clear natural pools, lush green foliage, and refreshing mountain water—just a short drive from the capital.
Here is our journey to this wild paradise including road conditions, hiking experience and tips for taking your little furry boy along.
The Drive Highway Smoothness to Cliffside Excitement
At the end of October 2025, we thought the finest use of a perfectly good weekend would be to take ourselves and our little hairy boy, Bobi, up the lush steep hills of Sentul, near Bogor. The journey had began deceptively easily over the smooth, modern toll road leaving Jakarta, a bit of tarmac so civilised it makes we feel spatially safe, when we shouldn’t. Sure, that tranquilly was merely the quiet before the reality check.
Meeting Our Local Guide: Pak Wawan
When we got off the highway, the first thing we had to do was meet our local guide, Pak Wawan, a tall man, about twenty-four years old, whose calm demeanour suggested he had seen many city folk try and do this before.
We followed Pak Wawan as he hopped on his trusty automated motorcycle. What ensued was a slow-motion thrill ride:
- Soon the road ceased to pretend to be a two-lane road and became a concrete ribbon along the side of a cliff.
- We would stop every few hundred yards to make very tight passes with oncoming vehicles.
- It was a terrifying ballet of side mirrors scraping wet leaves on one side and steep drops on the other (only at some points of the road).
Unfortunately we didn’t have chance to capture the moment of this trip at that time, so hopefully this image of Google Maps below is enough to help visualize the circumstances of the road.
Eventually, we arrived at a modest parking area (on Google maps: “Parkiran Curug Kencana”) nestled among local village homes. The air here was substantially cooler, filled with the moist, earthy scent of the rainforest. After lacing up our hiking boots, we packed our gear—with Bobi’s tail wagging in full confidence on the gravel.
Trekking to Curug Kencana
The trek began pleasantly enough, weaving through the backyard perimeters of local residences before the human settlement gradually surrendered to the dense, emerald canopy of the Sentul jungle. The hum of traffic was replaced by the rustle of leaves and a persistent, inviting aquatic murmur echoing from the valley below.
Just besides the main entrance, a delightful tiny waterfall, a hint of things to come. Bobi, whose grand ambitions had been sorely humbled by a hill, began to puff like a tiny, distressed steam engine. When I saw his little legs had officially called it quits, I pulled out his front carrier and strapped him in tight to my chest.
The First Cascade
About Fifteen minutes later, Pak Wawan waved off the main trail, and we followed him down a scramble of wet, slick boulders to the first waterfall. For ten minutes we stood admiring the view.
Ascending back to the main path proved to be a sweaty affair, but salvation arrived just five minutes later in the form of a humble bamboo warung. We sat down on wooden benches to enjoy one of the best perks of an Indonesian trail – fresh young coconuts . Sipping ice-cold coconut water and gazing at a wall of lush jungle is a ritual so deeply rejuvenating, it’s borderline criminal.
Arriving at Curug Jodo
Suitably rehydrated (and carrying a slightly tired little boy!), we pushed on upwards for another fifteen minutes. Then we went down one flight of stone stairs into Curug Jodo.
We waded into the refreshing water, letting the cool mountain stream wash away the grime of the trail. The scene was positively idyllic:
- A charmingly rustic bamboo bridge spanned the riverbed.
- Giant, smooth river rocks framed impossibly clear, emerald water cascading into inviting pools.
- Towering bamboo stalks swayed gently in the mountain breeze, making the landscape feel both ancient and secluded.
Essential Travel Tips for Curug Putri Kencana
- Hire a Local Guide: Paths can be slippery and confusing; local guides ensure safety and help support the local community.
- Wear Proper Footwear: High-traction hiking sandals or shoes are essential for wet boulders and stone steps.
- Pet Safety: Sentul trails are generally pet-friendly, but keep a leash handy for narrow cliff roads and wet, slippery rocks.
- Best Time to Visit: Start early in the morning to avoid weekend traffic and afternoon rain.
Final Thoughts
After twenty minutes of wading and soaking up the tranquil ambience, we reluctantly packed up our gear and headed back
Ulês Journey 
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