While people think of destinations like Egypt when they hear the word “pyramid”, Indonesia is not to be forgotten because it may be home to the oldest pyramid on the planet!
Pyramid Location
This ancient pyramid can be found at the Gunung Padang Megalithic Site in West Java at Karyamukti Village that’s part of the Campaka District. Cianjur city is around 30 km away, while those based at a resort in Bogor including properties the likes of Pesona Alam Resort & Spa can plan a day excursion here.
A Unique Discovery
In 2018, Dr. Danny Hilman Natawidjaja, an Indonesian geologist, and a team of independent international researchers presented their findings on Gunung Padang which they believed to be the oldest discovered pyramid; through ground-penetrating radar and carbon dating techniques on four layers, they estimated this site could be about 20,000 years old.
Structure & Controversy
This pyramid features a terrace-like structure, constructed on a volcanic hill; it may have been used as a place for worship, while there are said to be staircases and chambers deep underground. There has been some controversy too and not all have accepted these findings meaning that more research and excavations are needed.
What to Expect
The Gunung Padang Megalithic Site is set amidst stunning natural beauty and idyllic vistas. There are five terraces here and you will find rocks fascinatingly strewn about too. A series of steps lead to the first terrace and on your exploration, you can enjoy the tranquillity and contemplate what this site would have been like those many millennia ago.
