For the past few years, Tebing Keraton (lit. “The Royal Cliff”) has become one among the most popular tourist destinations in Bandung, largely due to its “instagrammable” view of the lush green Maribaya valley beneath. Geologically, it is a part of Lembang Fault that stretches 29 km from east to west, in the north of Bandung City; it is the eastern peak of Maribaya valley, which was carved by Cikapundung river across the fault for eons. It is also a mere 17 km uphill trip from the city, making it a great destination for half-day leisure cycling.
It was a sunny Friday; I left home at 6.15. The first 9 km trip up to McD Simpang was easy. From there, the climb became gradually steeper, especially after a short rolldown bonus past Terminal Dago. On weekends and holidays, the route was packed by cyclists, as it was the most popular uphill cycling destination in Bandung. Since becoming famous in 2014, Tebing Keraton has become a blessing as well as a curse to cyclists; in one hand, it has forced local government to seal most part of the otherwise rocky, gravelly steep road, making it easier for cyclists to climb it, while in another, it has made the track packed with tourist’s cars and motorcycles as well.