Pohon Cinta Bukit Kura Onga’an

Description

Pohon Cinta Bukit Kura Onga’an in Kediri Regency, East Java, Indonesia, is one of those places you don’t fully appreciate until you’ve actually stood there, wind on your face, looking out over a stretch of green hills that seem to roll forever. It’s not polished or overly manicured like some attractions; it feels raw, slightly rugged, and all the more enchanting because of it. The site gets its name, “Tree of Love,” from a solitary tree that has become a symbol of affection, promises, and new beginnings for visitors. Couples often stop by to take photos here, but even if you’re just a solo traveler or exploring with friends, there’s something quietly powerful about this spot.

Located along the scenic slopes near the foothills surrounding Mount Kelud, the area gives a sense of quiet peace away from the busy towns nearby. The atmosphere is thick with the scent of fresh grass and damp soil after a morning rain. Some days, the mist doesn’t lift until late morning, giving everything a mystical hue. And once that clears, you get that perfect wide-open panorama — layers of forest, distant villages, and on clearer days, even the shimmer of nearby lakes reflecting sunlight. It almost feels unreal.

Now, it’s worth saying straight up — this isn’t a luxury tourist spot. Don’t expect fancy cafes or perfectly paved paths. The terrain here can be fairly steep and uneven. But that’s part of what makes it so satisfying; it’s got a bit of adventure woven in. Watching kids chasing one another down the hill paths and hearing hikers exchanging stories makes the place come alive in a simple, genuine way. It’s good for families too, as long as you’re comfortable with a touch of the outdoors. If you’ve grown up in a city, the green calm of Pohon Cinta Bukit Kura Onga’an almost feels like a reset button for your mind.

Locals often talk about the “panorama alam,” or natural panorama, which is what draws most visitors here. The slopes are covered with rice terraces farther down and greener shrubbery higher up. The contrast between the deep greens of the forest and the earthy browns of pathways gives photographers plenty to play with. And honestly, if you visit around late afternoon, you’ll catch sunsets that paint the whole horizon gold and pink — no filter needed.

Key Features

• The Tree of Love (Pohon Cinta): A symbolic tree standing atop the hill, said to represent eternal love and friendship. Visitors often leave small tokens or inscriptions nearby.
• Breathtaking Hilltop Views: The site offers panoramic scenes of the surrounding Kediri Regency countryside, including nearby forests and terraced farmland.
• Natural Trails and Terrain: The paths are fairly narrow and, at times, quite steep, giving visitors a bit of challenge and excitement. Ideal for those who enjoy mild hiking or offbeat walking trails.
• Local Culture Touch: Occasionally, local communities set up small stalls offering drinks, snacks, or handcrafted souvenirs. You’ll often hear friendly chatter in Javanese or Bahasa Indonesia, which adds to the authentic charm.
• Photography Spots: Every few meters presents a new backdrop worth capturing — from the curvy trails that lead to the summit to the wide skies above the green ridges.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: It’s not usually crowded, making it a good choice for travelers wanting to escape city noise and breathe some fresh air.

To be honest, you can’t really rush through here. The climb might be short, but the experience unfolds slowly. You’ll see how the sunlight hits the hills differently every hour — soft and cool in the morning, sharp and dramatic at midday, and pure magic at dusk. Each time I’ve gone, I’ve found a different mood to the place, as if it’s never quite the same hill twice.

Best Time to Visit

If you ask the locals (and they’re usually right about these things), the best time to visit Pohon Cinta Bukit Kura Onga’an is between June and September. The dry season means clear skies and more stable conditions. The hiking paths, which can get slippery after rainfall, are much easier to handle. The greenery remains lush, but you won’t have to worry about sudden tropical downpours.

Morning hours tend to offer the clearest views — especially if you want to catch the soft mist as it lifts from the valley below. But sunset? That’s magic hour. Bring a light jacket because the breeze can get pretty cool up there, especially after late afternoon. I once lingered long enough to see fireflies start their slow dance between the bushes — definitely worth the wait.

That said, if you don’t mind a bit of drizzle and prefer more moody landscapes, the rainy months from November to February have their own charm. The hills look even greener and the streams that trickle through the lower paths start flowing again. Just make sure your footwear can handle muddy trails. You really don’t want to learn that lesson the hard way like I did once — let’s just say it involved a slippery patch and a very muddy pair of jeans.

How to Get There

Reaching Pohon Cinta Bukit Kura Onga’an isn’t too complicated, but it does require a bit of local know-how. Travelers usually start from the main town area of Kediri and follow routes heading toward Kepung District. The countryside roads wind through plantations, small villages, and patches of forest. Having a local driver or guide helps a lot since GPS signals can be hit or miss around the hills.

The final section involves taking a narrower jalur — a small path that you’ll have to cover partly on foot or by motorbike. The road isn’t paved all the way, and in certain stretches, it can get quite terjal (steep). If you’re using a scooter or motorbike, keep it slow and steady. For cars, there’s usually a small spot where you can park before continuing on foot. Expect a gentle to moderate hike that takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos, which honestly, you’ll probably do a lot.

For those coming from neighboring towns in East Java, such as Blitar or Malang, the journey typically involves connecting routes that pass through rural roads. It’s a good idea to start early in the day so you have plenty of daylight for exploring and a comfortable margin for your return trip before evening.

Tips for Visiting

First thing’s first — wear comfortable hiking shoes. The jalan setapak (pathways) can be uneven and occasionally rocky, especially after a rain shower. Sandals are a no-go unless you like the thrill of slipping your way up a hill. Trust me, sneakers or light trekking shoes will make your day much better.

Bring enough drinking water. There are a few stalls around the area, but they’re not always open, especially on weekdays or during slow seasons. A small backpack with some snacks, sunscreen, and a hat will serve you well. Because there’s minimal shade on the upper slopes, the midday sun can be strong, even with the cool breeze.

If you’re planning to take photos at the Pohon Cinta, try to arrive around early morning for that soft lighting. The shadows are more flattering then, and fewer people mean you can take your time setting up your shots. Tripod users — be mindful of the wind; it can be strong enough to wobble lightweight setups.

For families visiting with children, it’s a wonderful place to let kids roam safely, provided they stay close. The area is quite open, and while there aren’t railings, the slope gradients are gentle in most parts. Just take extra care near cliffside viewpoints.

One small note — there’s no wheelchair-accessible path or parking here at the moment, so accessibility is limited for those with mobility challenges. Hopefully, that changes over time as more travelers discover this spot and infrastructure develops.

Lastly, don’t rush. It’s tempting to climb up, snap a few photos, and head back down, but the real reward comes from slowing down. Sit under that iconic tree, breathe in the air that smells faintly of earth and grass, and just be still for a while. The world feels wonderfully simple from up there.

All in all, Pohon Cinta Bukit Kura Onga’an is one of those underrated gems that rewards curiosity. Sure, it might not have flashy facilities, but its charm lies in the stillness — the sound of distant birds, the rustle of leaves in the wind, and that unspoiled, quiet beauty that’s getting harder to find these days. And if you’re someone who loves discovering lesser-known viewpoints where your pictures tell a story and your memories linger longer than your footsteps, this hill should be on your list.

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