Mount Andong has a peak at altitude 1,726 masl. Compared to other mountains in Indonesia, this mountain fairly easy to climb. Especially for beginners, it is suitable as physical training ground. And for those who are used to climbing, this mountain is used as warm-up in preparation for climbing another mountain that higher above 2,500 masl.
Me and my friend, it's not the first time climbing Mount Andong. Even though it's not very high, last year this mountain succeeded in making me (sorry) puke. Because the trekking is quite intense. The hiking trail that went straight uphill and was done at night suddenly shocked me physically.
But not this time. I already know the path and physically adapt to surrounding environment. Climbing at night is an option to avoid the hot afternoon sun, which can drain the body's hydration when climbing. Not without risks, climbing at night can cause colds. And naturally we breathe the oxygen that is shared with trees.
Climbing Mount Andong, starting from the basecamp of Dusun Sawit. The facilities are quite complete. Rest areas, parking lots, mosques, food stalls and public toilets managed by local non-government organizations. The entrance ticket costs around seven thousand rupiah. Cheap isn't it.
Our preparation for the hike was minimal. Just bring a backpack containing a jacket, soft drink, tracking pole, camera, flashlight and sleeping bag. Deliberately didn't bring a tent, because we started climbing at 11pm, and we planned to go down after sunrise.
The route for climbing Mount Andong, has 3 control posts which are quite close together, at least in my opinion. The source of water is between posts 2 and 3. It has 3 peaks which are usually used as camping ground. At one of the peaks there is a tomb building like a pavilion that was sacred by the local community.
From Milkyway to Sunrise
On this climb, there is no target time to reach the top. Even climbing, carried out with ease and wisdom. Step by step, while breathing the mountain night air. Occasionally look back, see the flashing lights of residential areas.
Passing through a pine forest, we come across a path dotted with cliffs and ravines. We stopped for a moment. My best friend took out his cellphone and opened an application. He pointed it at the sky, like a man looking for a signal. But no, he's looking for a star cluster. I'm not surprised he's a Milkyway hunter. After finding the constellations, we took out our respective cameras. point it at the sky and then take pictures.
After busy hunting for the milkyway, we headed to the top. Because we didn't bring our tent, we headed straight to the stall. Yes, at the top of the mountain there is a stall Lol, that's also one of the reasons for not bringing a tent. So we just rest in the stall.
Sleep only 2 hours, enough to unwind, the sun will rise. I came out of the stall, and wow it was so beautiful, across from Mount Merbabu that I had climbed too. The morning sun shows its aura even more. Silent while enjoying the view, and breathe the fresh morning air typical of Mount Andong.
While warming up, I walked around the top of Andong. This mountain is always full on weekends. On the day we climbed alone, there were already around 1,400 total visitors. Maybe because it is relatively easy to climb and access to the location is also easy.
Return
It was 7 am, we started walking down from the top. While going down the mountain, enjoy the green scenery. Occasionally encounter species that live on Mount Andong.
Satisfied enjoying the peak of Mount Andong, we arrived at the basecamp around 8 in the morning. Tired indeed, lack of sleep too, but all paid off with satisfaction.