Gunung Semeru 27-30 May 2012 (Pt 1)

Six of us, comprising Elsie Mak, Sarah Simon, Victor Ng, Siew Ping, Christina Goh and myself, left for Java Island on 27.5.2012 for an 8-day trip to climb Gunung Semeru and Kawah Ijen as well as to explore the Bangi Caves.

In the evening of our arrival day, we were surprised to be ushered into a clinic to check our blood pressure for submission to the authority for approval of permit to climb Gunung Semeru. (3676m), the highest mountain in Java Island. Needless to say, a few of us busted the acceptable limits based on the first reading possibly due to anxiety and tiredness. However, our Guide Agus later assured us that it was only a formality. That evening we had dinner and retired early at Rani Guesthouse, Tumpang, Malang.

TREK FROM RANIPANE TO KALIMATI BASE CAMP

The following morning we left at 7 a.m. in a small 4wd for Ranupani, the gateway to the head trail for the Gunung Semeru hike. The journey over rough laterite road took about 1.5 hours. After the customary registration with the Balai TNBTS, we proceeded with our hike at 9 a.m. Our destination for the day was the Kalimati basecamp (2700m). Starting from an elevation of 2200m, the trail winded gently through idyllic countryside, lovely montane and cloud forest as well as grassy savannah and enchanting woodland before ending Kalimati base camp at 2600m. We stopped enroute at crater lake called Rani Kembolo (2400m), to have lunch. The cool and dry weather made the easy trek extra pleasant. Wild flowers were also blooming along the trail and it was a wonderful sight. Certain sections of the trail were overgrown with grass and blocked by fallen trees and low lying branches. We were told that the authorities would clean up the trail once a year in June before the start of the trekking season.

On arrival at the camp at 4.50 p.m. we had early dinner. We were advised to sleep immediately to wake up at 12 midnight to prepare for the hike up Gunung Semeru. Despite the long trekking hours, none of us could sleep a wink that evening due to inconsiderate noisy hikers camping nearby. The night was also very cold.

For the photographs, please refer to: http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/14517.

For Part 2, please refer to http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2012/06/gunung-semeru-27-30512-part-2_5.html