Travelogue: NTU ODAC Trek Recce (Mt. Merbabu)

Day 5 (Mt. Merbabu):

After preparing and changing into our trekking gears in Suroto's house, we set off for Mt. Merbabu at about 12am. We had 6 guides with us on this trek, which actually turned out to be a good thing since we got split into 3 groups (or was it 4) in the end. Originally, we were suppose to climb Mt. Merapi, but due to the recent volcanic activity on Merapi, we changed to Mt. Merbabu instead.

We walked on proper footpaths up till the starting point of the climb. From the starting point onwards, we walked on soft ground. Not sure if it's soil or volcanic ash. Mt. Merbabu is also a volcano but it's a dormant volcano, unlike Merapi, which is still very active.

So, our 5-6 hour ascend began. The terrain was steep too. But unlike Mt. Welirang, it was literally like climbing stairs. Thankfully I had Choong's trusty trekking pole once more, and it became my extended hand, helping me up those steep "stairs".

Stuck with the group though most of the trekking, though my tummy gave me trouble again. Seemed like high altitude is really not my thing cause I was feeling light-headed as we trekked higher. 

Anyway, pushed myself up slowly but well, after 4 plus hours of trekking, I was just too exhausted to carry on... It was getting way too uncomfortable. #girlproblems . The guide who was with us had to pull me up to Pos 3, literally. Hahaha. When he said that there were 7 Pos in total to reach the summit and that the climb from Pos 3-4 (or isit 4-5) is the steepest, I didn't want to move anymore. So, since the sun was about to rise in a few minutes time, we decided to stop at Pos 3 to watch sunrise. The guide seemed happy that we didn't want to continue anymore. Hahaha. 

So he set up a small camp fire and woah the fire was soooo warm! & we waited for sunrise.

Travelogue: NTU ODAC Trek Recce (Mt. Welirang)

"Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

It felt like it was only yesterday that we were in Indonesia. One week ago, I was in Indonesia doing a recce with 7rek committee. Now I'm back in SG suffering from post-trip syndrome... That aside, I shall do a blog post on this recce trip while my memory is still fresh.


Day 1 (Flight to Surabaya x R&R):

We met up at 9am in the morning at Changi ariport T1 for our 11:15am flight. Was really excited for the trip since it was my first time flying without my parents and my second trip with 7rek after the Berkelah Subcom Trip in September last year.

My whole family accompanied me to the airport to send me off. Felt so much loveeee on a Sunday morning!

Anyway, we checked in when everyone arrived at about 9:45am and went in to eat breakfast.

Photo credits to Denise.