Carts for rent at Mount Ijen

Wed, October 2, 2019 / 05:23 pm

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Silhouettes of cart handlers as they wait for travelers. JP/Boy T Harjanto
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Hundreds of carts await travelers at Mount Ijen. JP/Boy T Harjanto
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Four handlers ready at their service. JP/Boy T Harjanto
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Shadows of a cart handler. JP/Boy T Harjanto
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The carts offer help for travelers who are unable to continue their hike on foot. JP/Boy T Harjanto
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Transporting travelers down the mountain. JP/Boy T Harjanto
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Travelers pose for a picture after riding the carts. JP/Boy T Harjanto
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A handler enjoys breakfast on his cart. JP/Boy T Harjanto
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Four handlers pose for a picture. JP/Boy T Harjanto

Boy T. Harjanto

Every morning at around 2 a.m., hikers start climbing Mount Ijen in Bondowoso, East Java. The biting cold is among the first things they notice, as they prepare to reach the mountain top located at 2,443 meters above sea level.

Not far from the guarding post, hundreds of trolleys are parked at vthe left side of the road. Available for rent along with the handlers, the trolleys will transport tourists up to Ijen Crater and back to the site.

The trolleys resemble carts with two wheels on the sides, equipped with seats. Handlers push and steer the trolleys from behind.

The service started when miners who were on their break noticed that hikers were exhausted as they tried to reach the mountain top. The prices for this unique mode of transportation start from Rp 250,000 (US$17.58). [wng]