When you’re sent to uncontrollable tears upon waking to a sky that looks no different in color to the city’s hive of skyscrapers, or sitting in traffic for three hours prompts you to read Waiting for Godot three times over hoping to find some form of explanation, it could be time to get out of the city.
View of the gods: Mt. Gede, located in the Pangrango National Park, consists of two volcanos, Mt. Gede and Mt. Pangrango (pictured above), standing majestically over West Java. JP/Andrea Booth
If you’re pretty much padlocked to your work desk for five days, getting out can seem a mammoth task, but those precious two days’ rest can be used well enough you could be fooled into having been out of the smog for longer.
One option is trekking up one of Indonesia’s many mountains or volcanoes, being good for the mind and body.
“Hiking is exciting,” says avid trekker Jo Korompis living among West Java’s mountainous landscape.
“In unspoiled natural surroundings, without pollution, with stunning green scenery, cool and clean air, the sound of animals, and developing camaraderie — that’s why it’s enjoyable.”
Indonesian mountain trekking service idGuides founder, popularly known as KK, agrees. “If you live in Jakarta or another big city, it can leave you feeling trapped. We’re confined to our compound or kampong, and restricted to activities such as visiting malls.
“Locals and expats are getting frustrated, but they can do things like get out and go hiking,” she told The Jakarta Post.
KK points out that some people may be scared by the idea of “climbing mountains”, seeing it as too difficult.
“There is a difference between walking [easy], trekking [medium-fitness level] and climbing [requiring rock climbing skills],” she said. “When people hear the word ‘climbing’, they can get scared. But often summiting a mountain is only a walk.”
Knowing what to expect on your hike makes it easier. She advises beginners to choose well-trodden paths. KK also says there’s no excuse if even children can do it.
“We had one instance where three families got together with their children and had their kids organize and lead an expedition up Mt. Gede.
“They were only around 8 years old, and they spent time before the trip to plan it, including what clothing and how much water to take. They designated themselves with different duties and navigated their parents up the mountain.”
KK said this type of activity helped empower children. “Taking children into the natural world and giving them responsibility provides them with strong values they can carry through to adulthood, this is so rewarding.”
Daniel Quinn, lead editor of Gunung Bagging, an Indonesian mountain climbing resource, agrees.
“[Hiking] is really important for children,” he said, adding it was great for many age groups. “Hiking reminds you of the beauty of the world.”
Quinn says the benefits are many, but “usually depend on what people want to get out of it.
“It’s a cliché, especially in the West now, but getting out of the city is great for people’s mental health — physical health too of course, humans weren’t built for driving, or being driven, everywhere,” he said. “I think a lot of people actually enjoy having slightly tired muscles at the end of a trek. It reminds them they actually have bodies.”
“Aside from this, getting out into the countryside gives you the ability to gain a much deeper understanding of the natural landscape and village cultures,” he said. “Mostly our lives follow particular routes, lines and streets. It is enjoyable to have the freedom to roam to a certain degree.”
For beginners, Quinn recommends the popular Mt. Batur in Bali, saying it is easy and the views are magnificent. Mt. Papandayan, West Java, is another option because there is a car park at the edge of the active crater, ideal for a family trip. This mountain also has more demanding options for those who want to hike beyond the crater, toward the dormant ones higher up.
Mt. Sindoro, Central Java, also gets his recommendation as it is one of the easiest peaks more than 3,000-meter high to walk. “Most people make it to the top in four hours and the views are tremendous.”
He emphasizes how addictive these walks can be. “There are two Swiss chefs living in Bali who have each climbed Mt. Agung, Bali’s highest peak, more than 40 times.” They can also be well equipped. “Mt. Muria and Mt. Lawu even have 24-hour restaurants near their summits.”
For those who want a test, there are several treks in Indonesia that take about two weeks, notably Mt. Binaiya in Maluku, and Mt. Leuser, Aceh. Quinn said some of the biggest challenges were mainly to do with stamina.
Whether you opt for a leisurely or challenging hike, if you want to get that backpack on, it pays to have an experienced, competent guide who can also advise you on safety measures. Quinn reminds people to take plenty of water, food and warm clothes.
