If you thought that the Pyramids of Egypt are the oldest on earth then you need to read this! There’s Gunung Padang in Indonesia’s West Java, which is considered an archaeological and geological wonder that has left researchers and historians shocked. Gunung Padang is an ancient site shrouded in mystery, with people calling it to be the oldest pyramid on the planet!
So let’s find out more about this wonder:
History
Gunung Padang meaning mountain of enlightenment is a mix of megalithic structures set on top of a hill in Cianjur. In the early 20th century, Dutch colonists first documented this site. As per studies, Gunung Padang the age of the pyramid dates back to 2500 to 3000 years.
But in 2011, a survey was done with ground-penetrating radar (GPR) that showed the presence of a massive structure buried beneath the surface. This discovery shocked the archaeological world and a number of controversies followed.
Located some four hours south of Jakarta, the place is home to a number of stone pillars and statues. The site is spread over an area of about 150,000 sq m. Not only this, the place is considered revered by the locals as they perform many ceremonies here. Locals also believe that the place has some magical healing powers.
The Controversy
One of the main controversies surrounding Gunung Padang is that it is not just a natural hill with man-made structures on top but rather a colossal pyramid. It dates back as far as 20,000 years! Recently, a number of extensive excavations are being done to unravel the mystery surrounding the age of the Gunung Padang.
As per researchers, the pyramid is home to a hidden underground tunnel. This structure could be much older and may have secrets about the ancient civilization that built it. But whatever might be the case, the Gunung Padang Pyramid still remains a mystery that is waiting to be uncovered.
How to reach?
Reach Jakarta: Your journey to this pyramid starts from Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia.
Transfer to Bogor: From Jakarta, travel to Bogor, which is about 60 km drive from here. Bogor is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, including trains, buses, and taxis. The journey takes around 1 to 2 hours.
Bogor to Cianjur: From Bogor, you can take a public bus or hire a private car to reach Cianjur, the closest city to Gunung Padang which is some 50 km from Bogor.
Cianjur to Gunung Padang: From Cianjur, Gunung Padang is some 35 km drive. Options for reaching the site include hiring a local taxi or renting a car with a driver. The journey from Cianjur to Gunung Padang typically takes around 1-2 hours.
Hire local guides: It is advisable to hire a local guide who can provide insights into the history and significance of the archaeological site.
However, the question still remains the same, if Gunung Padang is actually the oldest pyramid on the planet? The research is on, who knows when the mystery will get solved!
