Ascending to Land of The God - Mount Semeru

Mount Semeru lies in Java island and becomes the top list of Indonesian volcanic trail, people are considering this terrain as "easy yet tough" route. Most of them also having mind blowing experiences during summit attack as well.

On first starting point from Ranu Pani village, Tengger tribes welcomed us on such 2,100 metres above sea level. Such a chilling atmosphere which turns very cold by night. A short stay before the next day attempt to Semeru also believed as showing respects to all Tengger tribes who lives in the gate of Mount Semeru - The Land of God.

In short glimpse about Semeru history, it is said that Meru Mount comes was originally from India which moved by Wisnu and Brahma to Java island because the island was stranded in the middle of harsh ocean. Then they lied half of Mount Meru in west Java and the other half in east Java, which now known as Mount Semeru.

As the journey begins, post for trekking register are available in Ranu Pani village before humid rain forest welcoming guests. Various plantation and rapid trees covering the both side of the trekking path. Some rains even occured during the trail. After first 4 hours walk, the heavenly vistas of Ranu Kumbolo lake awaits guests. Here some hikers even choose to enjoy the area without summit attempt. Only a 15-minute walk from the lake is a breathtaking view of the Oro Oro Ombo meadow, a 100-hectare savanna.

A continued 2 hours walk from the meadow takes all hikers to reach Jambangan field which covered by countless edelweiss flowers.

Then another steep walk before reaching to Kalimati point where most hikers do the tent here as base camp. Ascending summit attack are mostly done by midnight to avoid the poisonous gasses once hikers arriving in summit during day light. Tho during this midnight trail, hikers must face strong wind and minus-zero temperature.

The seven-hour climb on summit slope was such painstaking as 60-degree climb on sandy (literally sandy) terrain offers unstable footing, which is energy-consume, as well as the constnt fear of falling rocks from above. Here every hikers need to really pay attention on what they step in.

However, the achievement from watching sunrise above Mount Semeru was worth the pain. Hikers will see Java's coastlines and amount of volcanic chain, cities and all joining to create panoramic, perfect-scenic view above the clouds.