The town Karilung is at 900m above sea level and it is one of the places where we can climb Gunung Merapi. According to the guide, Merapi is listed as the most active volcano in the world for 9 years running already. It will have a major eruption everywhere 5-6 years and a minor one every 2-3 years. It is now due for a minor eruption. We only had permit to climb up to 1400m, which is halfway up the volcano but good enough for tourist like us. =p
Started the trek at 4am in the morning in pitch darkness. Route was simple, with a 15-20deg elevation. Trek took us through the rainforest which was really very untouched in some ways and I really quite like it there. The birdlife in the forest was very very vibrant as well.
Took us about 2 hrs to get to where we wanted. Sunrise was so-so. But seeing a live volcano was exciting, especially when it is still very much covered by clouds. We spent 2 hours just waiting for the clouds to clear out. Haha... Initially, my dear friends were lamenting that I have once again "pian" them to do something that they didn't want to do. Hahaha... But when the clouds started to clear out partially, I think everyone was filled with awe of the grandeur of Gunung Merapi. Haha...
We were definitely very ill-prepared for this trek as we assumed it was a "stroll in a park". Generally, it was quite a stroll lah. However, we didn't realise that no food and water was provided during the trek. Zzz.. Went up and came down with empty stomach.. Diaoz... And all 4 of us has sling bags on us. Hahaha.. Totally look like we just came from shopping Hahaha....
Took a cab back to Yogyakarta city, cost us 120,000 IDR. We generally decided to pay more as it was really much more convenient and we didn't have to change 3-4 buses with fluctuating rates.
Checked into Hotel Mataram. Err.. Even though it was quite highly rated, but I think for the same price you could get somewhere nicer. So far, the bedbugs has yet to bite. Will let you know tomorrow.
Had lunch at Bedhot Restaurant near our place. Food was very very good! Recommeneded by us and by lonely planet!
The shopping street Maliboro is kind of crappy. Everything is the same. Batik clothes, chiong wallets/ watches, tee-shirts screamin " I love yogya!" Etc.
Dinner wasn't fanciful. There seem to be a shortage of places to eat along Maliboro... Haii.. Ended up with mcdonalds.. Haha.. Everytime I travel with these people, we will always end up trying all the fast food in the world.. Hahaha..
Will update the pictures when I get home... Here's one for the suspense!!
Warm Regards,
Sophia Low
Sent via BlackBerry from SingTel!
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