RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – The mystery surrounding Gunung Kawi pesugihan in Malang, East Java, continues to attract public curiosity. For decades, people have linked the mountain to mystical wealth rituals and supernatural stories. That reputation has turned Gunung Kawi into one of Indonesia’s most controversial spiritual tourism destinations.
A recent exploration video gave viewers a rare look inside Keraton Gunung Kawi. The footage also featured direct interviews with the site’s caretaker, who explained the traditions and rituals that many people often misunderstand.
Gunung Kawi stands in the cool highlands of Malang Regency. Every year, visitors from across Indonesia and several foreign countries travel to the mountain. Most pilgrims come to pray, seek blessings, and find spiritual peace.
The Sacred Atmosphere of Gunung Kawi
Visitors enter the complex through ancient gates guarded by statues that locals believe represent Semar and other symbolic Javanese figures. Around the area, pilgrims place flowers, coffee, tobacco, and incense as a sign of respect for their ancestors.
The complex offers a calm and spiritual atmosphere. Thick trees, mountain mist, and traditional ornaments strengthen the mystical feeling around the site. One of the most famous spots is the Dewandaru tree. Local myths say people who receive its falling leaves may gain fortune and prosperity.
The exploration also showed several old graves connected to respected spiritual elders. Pilgrims often visit these tombs to perform “ngalap berkah,” a Javanese tradition that focuses on prayer and spiritual reflection.
Keraton Gunung Kawi and the Ritual Tradition
One of the most intriguing parts of the exploration was entering Keraton Gunung Kawi, a ritual building designed with strong Chinese architectural influences. Inside, the caretaker explained that many visitors come to meditate, pray, and express gratitude for success in business or personal life.
The caretaker, identified as Sunarko, stated that the rituals performed there are not acts of devil worship or black magic, contrary to rumors that have circulated for years.
According to him, offerings placed inside the ritual room symbolize gratitude to God while honoring the ancestors connected to the site. Daily offerings usually include bitter coffee, sweet tea, flowers, betel leaves, and traditional herbs.
Sunarko emphasized that Gunung Kawi is often misunderstood because many successful businesspeople return after achieving financial success. Some visitors fulfill vows by holding communal feasts or donating funds for renovations around the sacred complex.
“That is why people outside often assume this place is linked to pesugihan,” he explained during the interview.
Visitors Come From Overseas
Interestingly, the caretaker revealed that visitors arrive not only from Indonesia but also from Singapore, Malaysia, and China. Pilgrims often come during sacred Javanese nights such as Jumat Kliwon and Selasa Kliwon, which are considered spiritually powerful moments.
The growing international attention has strengthened Gunung Kawi’s reputation as one of the most famous mystical destinations in Southeast Asia.
Despite its dark reputation, local caretakers insist the site focuses on prayer and spiritual reflection rather than supernatural wealth rituals involving sacrifices.
Ancient Relics and Mystical Stories
The exploration also uncovered ancient stones, old umbrellas, and relics believed to date back hundreds of years. Some artifacts are linked to the era of King Kameswara from the Kediri Kingdom.
According to the caretaker, several ancient stones with old Javanese inscriptions were once located near the mountain peak before being moved for preservation.
Gunung Kawi is also surrounded by supernatural stories. Visitors and caretakers frequently report mysterious sightings, including tall shadowy figures, royal-looking women, and strange sounds heard near meditation areas.
One local legend even mentions a creature called “Baung,” described as having a human body with a dog’s head. The creature is said to appear near the sacred prayer pavilion deep inside the complex.
Sunarko admitted he personally experienced unexplained encounters while meditating, including seeing mysterious women carrying children around the site late at night.
The Real Message Behind Gunung Kawi
Despite countless mystical rumors, the caretaker closed the interview with a firm message. He urged people not to fear Gunung Kawi or assume it is a place for forbidden rituals.
According to him, visitors come mainly to pray to God while honoring local ancestors and preserving Javanese spiritual traditions.
The mystery of Gunung Kawi may continue to spark debate, but for many pilgrims and cultural observers, the sacred mountain remains an important symbol of Indonesian spiritual heritage rather than merely a place associated with pesugihan myths.