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Six Indonesian mountain peaks to climb this New Year
Marveling at the New Year sunrise from the top of the mountain is probably a dream for many adventure-seekers.
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The panoramic view of Mount Tambora's caldera in Dompu regency, West Nusa Tenggara. (Antara/Ahmad Subaidi)
Marveling at the New Year sunrise from the top of a mountain is probably a dream for many adventure seekers.
In Indonesia, you have many options to climb, except those of course that have been closed due to weather conditions and preservation purposes, such as Mount Semeru and Mt. Rinjani.
But there are other mountains to climb to mark your New Year, and below are some of the recommended ones as compiled by tempo.co:
Mount Papandayan
Set at 2,665 meters above sea level, Mt. Papandayan in Cisurupan, Garut regency, West Java, welcomes its visitors with unique steam-spewing craters at the beginning of the hike.
Higher up, climbers can marvel at a garden of edelweiss as well as a dead forest with its exotic dry trees, which has become the mountain’s main attraction because its terrain is not difficult to navigate.
Mount Cikuray
Garut, Mt. Cikuray in Dayeuhmanggung boasts a fantastic view thanks to its sea of white clouds surrounding the peak -- no wonder it is called negeri di atas awan (country above the clouds).
The peak is a little bit higher than Mt. Papandayan at 2,821 m above sea level.
Read also: Five Indonesian mountain peaks to enjoy a picturesque sunrise
Mount Ciremai
Set at 3,078 m above sea level, Mt. Ciremai is the tallest in West Java and serves as a popular destination during year-end holidays. Hikers can reach the mountain from Kuningan or Majalengka regencies. Both have their own challenging treks.
But the trip to the peak will be worth it as it is blessed with a picturesque vista, a crater, sunrise and a sea of white clouds.
Mount Merapi
Situated within Central Java and Yogyakarta provinces, Mt. Merapi is famous among New Year hikers as well. Visitors can reach it through two official hiking trails, namely the Selo trail in Boyolali and the Sapuangin trail in Klaten.
Climbers usually set their tents in the Bubrah Market area -- which is set at 2,700 m above sea level -- that is home to a vast rocky area. From this spot, the sandy and rocky gray peak of Merapi can be clearly seen.
But do note that this mountain could be closed down due to volcanic activity, so prepare a backup plan, such as hiking Mt. Merbabu instead.
Mount Merbabu
This Central Java mountain is home to an endless sea of grass, filled with gorgeous Teletubbie-like hills.
Set at 3,142 m above sea level, visitors to Mt. Merbabu can easily view the elegant Mt. Merapi, which is surrounded by white clouds.
Mount Tambora
Situated on Sumbawa Island, Mt. Tambora is located in the same province as Mt. Rinjani in West Nusa Tenggara. Those familiar with its name will know it was one of the volcanoes that erupted in 1815.
It is also home to the biggest caldera in Indonesia, which has a beautiful view that hikers can expect to enjoy this New Year. (kes)
