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Raras Cahyafitri, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta | Environment | Tue, October 14 2014, 10:18 AM
Christian Razukas, The Jakarta Post, Palawan, The Philippines | Environment | Fri, October 31 2014, 10:08 AM
A double date with Merbabu & Merapi
Some might consider mountain climbing an ordinary task, but to reach several peaks
on one trip is no easy feat. Were not talking about an extreme hike, one that, for example,
could take 30 days to reach 20 summits. Some mountain ranges or several adjacent summits
can be reached in a just a few days. The 2M Merbabu and Merapi - hike in Central Java is
quite famous among trekkers. The Sindoro, Sumbing and Slamet hike, better known as 3S, is
also a challenge, although Slamet is currently closed to climbers on account of the recent
eruptions. Shorter hiking trips suit those who have limited time and budget yet are looking to
be challenged. Hiking the 2M, for example, can be done in three days, excluding time spent
on the road. It takes about eight hours to reach the top of Merbabu through the shortest yet
toughest and steepest- track called the Wekas route, which is located on the western slope of
the mountain in Magelang, Central Java. Hikers can reach the mountain in one day, but you
can still stay on schedule if you choose to stay the night. But if you choose to stay the night,
be prepared to endure cold temperatures. Come prepared with the proper gear, as well as food
and beverages.
Merbabu has several false summits. The true summit is 3,145 meters above sea level
at Kenteng Songo, where Merapis smoky peak is only a stones throw away. Kenteng Songo
is also the best spot to feast your eyes on a stunning landscape where Sindoros, Sumbings
and Lawus peaks are above the clouds. Trekking back down the mountain is always faster
through the same Wekas route. If youre up for a challenge, you can take the longer Selo
route, which is on the southern slope of the mountain. Heading down via the Selo route takes
around eight hours, bringing you along vast meadow before entering a pine forest. Starting at
Wekas and going down through Selo gives you the opportunity to see the beauty of Merbabu
from two different sides. Merbabu, also known as the mountain of ash, is a mysterious
mountain. Try to keep calm and remain patient throughout your trek, especially if you decide
to take the Selo route. Ive climbed Merbabu three times, traversing down via Selo, and was
expecting to re-route the same path. However, in the last three trips I ended up in three
different places, said Eko Wibowo, a hiker who took the 2M challenge last month.
From Selo, the journey can be continued to Merapi, whose starting point, now called
new Selo, is in the same village. This is why continuing the journey from Merbabu to Merapi,
the most active volcano in Indonesia, is irresistible even if your legs are still sore. Merapi,
the mountain of fire, offers more challenges due to its route, which is steeper than Merbabus.
However, it takes less time to reach Merapi, around five hours. Sunrise hunters can start
hiking at 1 or 2 a.m. and will be greeted by the first light at well over 2,900 meters above sea
level. Besides the steep trail, Merapis summit attack tests your courage and sense of
adventure. The rocky route starts after the campsite, continuing on until the Pasar Bubrah
post at 2,500 meters above sea level. Going further is not recommended due to high risks.
Merapis peak is formed by sand and rock, which are forced out from the earth when
the mountain erupts. In its 2010 eruption, the Yogyakarta area was covered by volcanic ash.
The eruption also resulted in the loss of its highest peak- Garuda. The sand along the route
to the summit is worse than Slamets. Youll take deep steps. The cliff is cracked, causing me
to fear that I could fall said Sopyan Muhammad, who has also taken the 2M trip. I got to
the top, but only on its crater rim. Our porter didnt have the courage to bring us anywhere
near the remnants of the Garuda peak, he added.
The writer visited the Philippines as a guest of the Philippine Department of Tourism and
Cebu Air.
- See more at: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/10/31/the-underground-river-
philippines-last-frontier.html#sthash.LXHJiXzg.dpuf