Mnt Slamet, the Monster

Mnt Slamet, the Monster

The Volcano Slamet looks like a peaceful mountain. We know its the highest volcano in Central Java (3428m) but from far away it looks like a steady climb so we dont expect any major problems.

Rain became our first problem. This day even made the headlines in Europe with heavy floodings and many casulties in Central Java. But leaving well protected with rainjackets, finally the rain was our smallest problem. Having climbed many volcanoes in Java and beyond we knew that starting at 600m and finishing at 3428m would be a tough one, but we were not really prepared for ‘this tough’…….

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After many hours struggling through tracks that turned into small rivers, completely wet feet/shoes after the first 15 minutes, spooky trees with brenches always at the wrong invisible positions and the forrest that seemed never ending we finally ended at the last post. Almost at the end of the green zone we enjoyed some rest and a camp fire made from live cut brenches simply because a lack of dry wood lying around. The break could have lasted forever, but we had to make sunrise and still a nearly 600m altitude difference to go.

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Finally out from the forrest at around 2800m high and still a ‘mountain’ of bold stones in front of us. But the fact we reached this point was enough motivation to make it to the top.

At 3428m high the top! And we were finally welcomed with the view that we came for. A stunning, huge crater edge of pure rock. Deep within a new large crater continuesly blowing a big tower of smoke and yellow sulfer all around. Maybe we missed the colouful sunrise because of the rainy wheather but this was pure power, satisfaction, nature, beauty and overwhelming!

And then after picture sessions it was time to head back to our camp fire for a coffee and the then still unespected ‘hell-of-climb’ down……..

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Finally DOWN!!! No legs anymore….. half dead…….thursty & hungry…….in need for the hot water springs in Baturaden ! (the start of the climb)

We started at 9.30pm and came back at 3pm the next day. No sleep, no camping and a 2800m altitude difference. Not something to do every day, even the guides were exhausted (hahaha)

But a real EXREME NATURE ADVENTURE on Java’s most secret mountain!!!