Bukit Pinus Paseban Camp: Disconnect to Reconnect with Your Loved Ones

So, my bestie Najma randomly hits me up one day like, “I’ve never been to a waterfall in my entire life. so, let’s go!” Of course, I was totally up for it, so I began looking for the ideal spot. We figured it’d be more fun to camp overnight rather than rush a round trip from Jakarta. After some scrolling, I found two campgrounds near waterfalls: Mandalawangi Cibodas Campground (close to Curug Cibeureum) and Bukit Pinus Paseban Camp (near Curug Cibulao).

I’ve actually camped at Cibodas and visited Curug Cibeureum back in high school, and honestly? I wouldn’t mind going back—it’s a vibe. But Bukit Pinus Paseban caught my eye because my friend Dinda raved about it (she’s camped there twice).

To make it more exciting, I asked my other friends to join. We haven’t hung out at all this year (classic post-high school life where we only meet once a year for hanging out and life updates). And guess what? all five of them—Najma, Nadiah, Dina, April, and Hasna—were in! We even voted on WhatsApp Group, and Bukit Pinus Paseban won as our go to spot.

We divided up the gear and food prep, but a week before the trip, Hasna told us she couldn’t make it because of a last-minute campus event. Kinda sad, but we didn’t want to cancel—especially since I’d already paid the deposit. Little did we know, this trip would become one of our most memorable reunions yet.

The Journey to Bukit Pinus Paseban Camp

At first, the plan was to meet up at Bogor Station and take an online car to the campsite. But then Dina’s boyfriend, Fadhli—who's also one of our close high school friends offered to drive us there. So, we switched the meetup point to Tebet Station instead.

After hitting the toll road toward Puncak, we began navigating the route to Paseban using Google Maps. And honestly, the road was way tougher than we expected. It was super narrow, just enough for two cars, with steep inclines and declines that had us all shaking our heads. Thankfully, Fadhli was there to drive us, or I don’t even want to imagine what would’ve happened.

This really showed us how important it is to plan your transportation carefully. If you’re planning to visit Bukit Pinus Paseban, we highly recommend using a motorbike or a car that can handle steep and tricky roads.

That said, the drive wasn’t all bad. The scenery along the way was absolutely stunning—trees everywhere and those gorgeous Puncak views. We even passed a bunch of monkeys just chilling in the trees, which was such a cool surprise.

Camping Facilities and Comfort

At Bukit Pinus Paseban, you can choose between two options for staying overnight: camping in a tent or renting a cone-shaped cabin. We decided to rent the cabin by the river since it has an attached bathroom and a small kitchen, which made it super convenient for cooking our meals. If cooking isn’t your thing, you can also buy cooked rice from a small food stall at the top of the campsite. The upper camp area also features a public restroom, a food stall, and a musholla (prayer room) for added convenience. Just make sure to contact the food stall owner 30 minutes before you start preparing your dishes!

The campsite has three cone-shaped cabins: two in the upper area and one near the river. Aside from the cabins, there are also plenty of tents where other visitors stay. The place is guarded by a pack of friendly dogs, but they’re big food lovers. Since we stayed in a cabin, we didn’t have any issues with them. However, if you’re camping in a tent, be sure to clean up properly after cooking outside, or the dogs might come sniffing around your spot.

Our cabin was a good deal for 500K IDR per night. It included two mattresses, pillows, and blankets. They also provided basic kitchen tools like a frying pan, bowls, spoons, and forks. The bathroom was clean, with fresh, strong flowing tap water—so no worries about running out of water!

Activities to Bond with Your Loved Ones

When we arrived, Nadiah and April got busy in the kitchen, cooking up some nasi goreng teri medan for lunch (big thanks to them!). We all ate together on the balcony, catching up on everything—work, college, and even random topics like mutual funds. It was so random, but that’s just how we are.

After lunch, we headed up to the upper camp area to snap some photos and even film a trending TikTok. While we were up there, we also let our families know we’d arrived safely (pro tip: the signal is decent in the upper area, but you’ll need to find the right spot to stand still). After that, we went back to the cabin to get ready for our next plan: playing Uno by the river. We’d brought a few nostalgic games that reminded us of our school days, and Uno was at the top of the list. Najma brought Uno cards, and April brought elastic bands for jumping rope. We headed down to the river, hopping across rocks until we found the biggest one to chill on and play. The river was semi busy because there was a lodge right across from our campsite, but it wasn’t overwhelming. It felt lively but still chill enough to enjoy.

We played four rounds of Uno before things shifted into a deep talk session. The conversation flowed from adulting struggles to romance and even touched on some high school love stories we’ll probably never forget. None of this was documented with phones or cameras because we didn’t want to risk dropping them in the river (plus, the signal was terrible anyway). It was refreshing to just be fully present without our gadgets.

After our river hangout, we headed back to the cabin to take turns showering and praying. After Maghrib, it was time to prep for dinner. Dina was the star chef of the night, whipping up Japanese hot pot, or nabe, with an electric pot she brought specifically for this. Shoutout to Dina for going all out—it was chef’s kiss. We kept the good vibes going while cooking, chatting, and playing music through my Bluetooth speaker.

Dinner was a vibe. We kept the conversation going even after finishing our meal, ending it on a sweet note with buko pandan that Najma and I made. And then came the highlight when April shared a story that was both hilarious and shocking, leaving us laughing until we cried. It instantly became an inside joke we knew we’d tease her about forever.

After a lively and fun conversation, we cleaned up and washed all our cooking and eating utensils. Dina and I then grabbed the leftover buko pandan (we had so much left!) and decided to share it with the campers behind our cabin. Unfortunately, no one was at the tent. Not giving up, we took the buko pandan up to the camp area, walking with the help of a flashlight since the path to the upper camp area wasn’t well-lit. We gave the buko pandan to the camp guards and a sweet couple we met there. They said it was delicious, which made us super happy. We hung out in the hut for a bit, scrolling through Instagram or trying to reach out to our loved ones while the signal was decent. While we were there, we asked the camp guards if it was possible to book an online car from the campsite. Sadly, it wasn’t. They suggested either taking a motorcycle (ojek) or hitching a ride on a pickup truck to the main road. After spending some time talking and relaxing, we headed back to the cabin and prayed Isha before getting ready for bed. We knew we needed rest because tomorrow morning we had an adventure planned visiting Curug Cibulao. I’ll share all about our trip to Curug Cibulao and how we managed to get back from Bukit Pinus Paseban Camp in my next article—stay tuned!

Nature’s Beauty at Its Best

Bukit Pinus Paseban Camp is a hidden gem offering breathtaking mountain vibes. The moment you arrive, you’re greeted by crisp, cool air and the calming sight of towering pine trees. It feels like time slows down, letting you soak in the peace and quiet.

Between the rows of pine trees, sunlight streams through the gaps, creating a natural spotlight effect that’s perfect for photos. The campsite, sitting at an elevation of 1,150 meters above sea level, offers stunning views of Bogor City and Mount Salak.

Besides traditional camping, Bukit Pinus Paseban Camp also has glamping options with cozy cone-shaped cabins. If you don’t have your own camping gear, no worries! The campsite provides everything—from tents, lamps, and mattresses to cooking tools and even a ready to go campfire setup. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a hassle-free camping experience.

Want to check the price list? Click here!

A Perfect Off-Grid Escape

The weak signal at Bukit Pinus Paseban was an unexpected gift, offering a chance to truly disconnect from the digital world. With no constant distractions, we found ourselves leaning into the moment—whether it was cooking together, laughing over old stories, or quietly listening to the rustling of the pine trees. Without the urge to check our phones, we focused more on each other, sharing conversations that felt deeper and more meaningful. This break from connectivity allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience, strengthening our bonds and creating memories that could only be made in such a peaceful, distraction-free environment.

And honestly, it made everything feel more real. Without the usual hustle of notifications and social media updates, we were able to just be—no need to worry about what we were missing online. It felt like a rare, precious kind of escape, where the best moments were shared face to face, and we didn’t have to rush to capture them. Nature had a way of reminding us that sometimes, the best memories are made when we simply exist in the present.

Downsides of Bukit Pinus Paseban Camp

Even though Bukit Pinus Paseban is stunning and peaceful, there are a few drawbacks you should keep in mind:

- Tricky Roads
The road leading to the site can be rocky, slippery, or poorly maintained, especially during the rainy season. We recommend using a motorbike or a sturdy car that can handle steep and uneven roads.

- Weak Signal
Cell service here is spotty at best, which might be frustrating if you rely on connectivity. However, if you’re looking to unplug and take a digital detox, this could actually be a plus!

- Limited Space

Bukit Pinus Paseban is super popular, so it gets pretty crowded on weekends or during holiday seasons. Arriving early is a must if you want to snag a cozy spot.

- Unpredictable Weather

Being in the mountains means the weather can shift quickly. Sudden rain or chilly temperatures might disrupt your plans, so don’t forget to pack essentials like raincoats, umbrellas, or a thick jacket.

- Under-Maintained Cone Cabins

While the cone-shaped cabins are a unique feature, they could use better upkeep. Noticing cobwebs on the ceiling can detract from the comfort of the stay. Enhanced maintenance efforts would go a long way in elevating the overall guest experience.

Tips for Camping at Bukit Pinus Paseban

If you want your camping trip at Bukit Pinus Paseban to be more comfy and memorable, here are some tips to keep in mind:

- Pack Complete Camping Gear (If you’re not renting and want to save money)
Make sure to bring your own tent, sleeping bag, mat, and any other gear that will keep you comfy while camping in the great outdoors.

- Bring Food, Water, and a Power Bank
There aren’t many shops around the area, so it’s important to bring your own food and water. And don’t forget a power bank to keep your devices charged in case you need them.

-  Don't Forget a Flashlight
Navigating the campsite at night can be tricky due to uneven terrain and limited lighting, especially if you’re heading to the upper camp area or exploring nearby. A flashlight is essential for ensuring safety and avoiding accidents. It's also helpful when you’re cleaning up or looking for something in the dark.

- Dress Warm and Pack a Raincoat Mountain nights can get super cold, so bring a thick jacket, gloves, or a scarf. A raincoat or umbrella is also a good idea just in case the weather turns unpredictable.

- Arrive Early
If you want to secure a good, comfy spot for your tent, it’s best to get there early—especially on weekends or during peak holiday seasons.

- Respect Nature
Leave no trace! Make sure to pack out all your trash and use trash bags to keep things clean. Let’s keep Bukit Pinus Paseban beautiful and pristine for everyone who visits after you.

Embrace Nature and Disconnect at Bukit Pinus Paseban

Bukit Pinus Paseban is the ultimate escape to reconnect with both nature and yourself. With its chill vibes, fresh air, and stunning views, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and recharge away from the daily grind. Whether you're looking to relax, bond with loved ones, or just soak in the beauty of the surroundings, this hidden gem has something for everyone. Sometimes, the best moments happen when you step away from your screens and embrace the world around you.

So, if you're craving a peaceful retreat or a chance to reconnect with those you care about, Bukit Pinus Paseban is waiting for you. Take a break from the noise, breathe in the crisp air, and let nature do its magic. Ready to make unforgettable memories? Your adventure awaits. 🌲✨