Join us for another multi adventure travel to Central Java, the land rich in not only nature but also culturally diverse. We will be going up close to the infamous Mountains of the Fire Ring and learn their love hate relationship with the local; visit the lakes of Dieng Plateau with its ever-changing colors; camp above the cloud with a view as far as the horizon and challenge yourself on two of the most beautiful peaks in Central Java and be rewarded with a stunning sunrise and the sky full of stars at night.
Overview
Central Java is an area which is rich in nature and culture. Most visitors are often fixated mostly on one of its touristy town Yogya and the infamous Merapi but there are plenty of other places to discover and explore. In this edition, I will bring you to two of the less known Gunung around the area, popular among the local but not tourist and most importantly they are both beginner friendly. On top of that, we will stay over at the Dieng Plateau, an area just like Cameron Highlands but higher and richer in greenery with interesting spots to visit worthy of your insta moments!
Central Java is an area which is rich in nature and culture. Most visitors are often fixated mostly on one of its touristy town Yogya and the infamous Merapi but there are plenty of other places to discover and explore. In this edition, I will bring you to two of the less known Gunung around the area, popular among the local but not tourist and most importantly they are both beginner friendly. On top of that, we will stay over at the Dieng Plateau, an area just like Cameron Highlands but higher and richer in greenery with interesting spots to visit worthy of your insta moments!
The Beginning- Andong (grade 1.5)
We will start the trip with a blast, by trekking up Gunung Andong. This 1731 masl peak is considered a beginner hike with clear trails up the summit, taking only approximately 2 hours to summit, most local do it in one. If we hike fast enough and weather allows, a stunning sunset can be seen from its summit. After which, we will camp up there for a night to catch a glimpse of the night sky at its natural beauty unspoiled by the light pollution.
The next morning, assuming you didnt stay up all night gazing at the moon and stars, be ready to catch a sunrise from the other side of the Gunung before we break camp and descend back to the base.
We will start the trip with a blast, by trekking up Gunung Andong. This 1731 masl peak is considered a beginner hike with clear trails up the summit, taking only approximately 2 hours to summit, most local do it in one. If we hike fast enough and weather allows, a stunning sunset can be seen from its summit. After which, we will camp up there for a night to catch a glimpse of the night sky at its natural beauty unspoiled by the light pollution.
The next morning, assuming you didnt stay up all night gazing at the moon and stars, be ready to catch a sunrise from the other side of the Gunung before we break camp and descend back to the base.
Dieng Plateau
Once we descend from Andong, we will make our way to Dieng Plateau region. At an Altitude of over 2000 masl, the mist-shrouded area is a rich fertile region peppered with fresh vegetable farms. It is comfortably chilly during the day and colder at night, making it a perfect place to overnight and enjoy. The plateau is also a home to unique landscape phenomenon such as the stunning colored Telaga Warna. Known for its exquisite color changing, Telaga Warna's hue is determined by its content of sulfur which changes depending on seasons and the volcanic activities. Sometimes its turquoise, at times if rich cobalt blue.
Once we descend from Andong, we will make our way to Dieng Plateau region. At an Altitude of over 2000 masl, the mist-shrouded area is a rich fertile region peppered with fresh vegetable farms. It is comfortably chilly during the day and colder at night, making it a perfect place to overnight and enjoy. The plateau is also a home to unique landscape phenomenon such as the stunning colored Telaga Warna. Known for its exquisite color changing, Telaga Warna's hue is determined by its content of sulfur which changes depending on seasons and the volcanic activities. Sometimes its turquoise, at times if rich cobalt blue.
Gunung Prau (grade 2.5)
To spice up our stay at the beautiful Dieng region, we will attempt to summit Gunung Prau for its stunning Sunrise view. A 2565masl, Gunung Prau is the highest peak in Dieng Region, the trail up along this mountain is rich in biodiversity. At its best flowering season, thousands of Edelweiss can be seen littering the route along the mountain. If you are lucky and the sky is very clear across the regions, view of six central Java peaks can be seen from Prau. Including Gunung Sindoro, Sumbing, Merapi, Merbabu, Lawu and Slamet.
To spice up our stay at the beautiful Dieng region, we will attempt to summit Gunung Prau for its stunning Sunrise view. A 2565masl, Gunung Prau is the highest peak in Dieng Region, the trail up along this mountain is rich in biodiversity. At its best flowering season, thousands of Edelweiss can be seen littering the route along the mountain. If you are lucky and the sky is very clear across the regions, view of six central Java peaks can be seen from Prau. Including Gunung Sindoro, Sumbing, Merapi, Merbabu, Lawu and Slamet.
*Do note that although this hike is beginner friendly, a good fitness level is still required as to enjoy the trekking and prevent injuries.
*** PLEASE NOTE: due to closure of Andong temporarily in MAy 2019, for restorative work. We will instead camp at Prau and do a day hike at Sikunir.
ITINERARY:
D1, 17 May 2019, Friday (D)
Arrival at airport, meet guide for pick up at 1pm
Depart to Arjuna Homestay, Dieng Plateu
Rest overnight
D2, 18 May 2019, Saturday (B)
Sunrise viewing at Petak 9 view point
Breakfast and checkout. Depart to Mt Prau (2560masl)
Registration at Mount Prau basecamp, 11AM start trekking to Mount Prau, 3-4 hours estimated
Enjoy sunset from campsite
D3, 19 MAy 2019, Sunday (B)
Breakfast and enjoy sunrise from campsite before start descend to basecamp
12PM check in homestay
Dieng Homestay (Arjuno)
D4, 20 May 2019, Monday (B)
04AM Start trek to Mount Sikunir summit(2350masl). ETA summit and sunrise by 530AM.Descend
Dieng temple tour
Back to homestay, checkout & go to Jogja, ~6 hours ride.
Rest at Brothers Inn hotel @ Jogja
D5,
- Pickup to airport
ITINERARY:
D1, 17 May 2019, Friday (D)
Arrival at airport, meet guide for pick up at 1pm
Depart to Arjuna Homestay, Dieng Plateu
Rest overnight
D2, 18 May 2019, Saturday (B)
Sunrise viewing at Petak 9 view point
Breakfast and checkout. Depart to Mt Prau (2560masl)
Registration at Mount Prau basecamp, 11AM start trekking to Mount Prau, 3-4 hours estimated
Enjoy sunset from campsite
D3, 19 MAy 2019, Sunday (B)
Breakfast and enjoy sunrise from campsite before start descend to basecamp
12PM check in homestay
Dieng Homestay (Arjuno)
D4, 20 May 2019, Monday (B)
04AM Start trek to Mount Sikunir summit(2350masl). ETA summit and sunrise by 530AM.Descend
Dieng temple tour
Back to homestay, checkout & go to Jogja, ~6 hours ride.
Rest at Brothers Inn hotel @ Jogja
D5,
- Pickup to airport
Land Cost: SGD570/pax
What does your package include?
Excludes in This Tour:
Fjallraven Discovery event qualifies you for the following
What does your package include?
- Ground transportation
- 1 night Yogyakarta Hotel Accommodation
- 2 nights accommodation in Dieng Homestay
- Meals as mentioned in itinerary
- Local guides and logistic porter during the trek
- Tents and camping equipment rental (sleeping bag not included)
- Permit and entrance fees to the national park
- Entrance fees for Telaga Warna viewpoint and Dieng Temples/Plateau
- Support from Adventure Unlimited
1. Pre-Trip briefing
2. Trek Leader to lead and facilitate day-to-day logistic, operation and liaising with the guide
3. Physical training preparation through organised local treks and fitness events
Excludes in This Tour:
- Visa if required
- Travel insurance
- Anything else not in the inclusion list
Fjallraven Discovery event qualifies you for the following
- Surprise gift from Fjallraven worth USD30
- The Fjallraven Discover Club Pass
- Mileage for the Discover Club members
Registration and Payment Details:
Step 1: Full Payment of $570 via ATM/Bank transfer to ADVENTURES UNLIMITED, DBS CURRENT A/C - 0039351950.
Step 2: Whatapp proof of payment receipt to 91020550, Jane (IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "Central Java 2019"!!!).
Step 3: Receipt for payment will be issued and further instruction will be provided.
Step 4: Pre trip briefing will be arranged and you will be added into a dedicated whatsapp chat for this trip one month prior to the trip.
Refund Policy
Deposit (non-refundable)
Until 16 weeks prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
12 weeks prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
8 weeks prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
Step 1: Full Payment of $570 via ATM/Bank transfer to ADVENTURES UNLIMITED, DBS CURRENT A/C - 0039351950.
Step 2: Whatapp proof of payment receipt to 91020550, Jane (IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "Central Java 2019"!!!).
Step 3: Receipt for payment will be issued and further instruction will be provided.
Step 4: Pre trip briefing will be arranged and you will be added into a dedicated whatsapp chat for this trip one month prior to the trip.
Refund Policy
Deposit (non-refundable)
Until 16 weeks prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
12 weeks prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
8 weeks prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
Photo credits: Ronald Tagra (Flickr.com)