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| The Smoke of Semeru Mt |
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| Ranu Kumbolo |
Semeru
is the highest mountain in Java Island with the height reaches 3676 M above the
sea level. It is not only that Semeru is the highest mountain in Java that
attracts hikers to come, but also the beauty of Ranu Kumbolo – a 15-acre-fresh
water lake just below the peak of Mahameru.
For
hikers, Ranu Kumbolo is very familiar as this is one transit poin for them to
build their tents and have some rest, before continuing their journey reaching
the Mahameru. Its water discharge that has never been lack is one of the
reasons for hikers to stop and build their tents; while its beauty is another
main reason.
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| Ranu Kumbolo |
Sitting
overlooking the lake will not only rest the legs and the back bone, but also
refresh the eyes. Clear fresh water lake surrounded by hills and the green of
trees give nutrition to the eyes after walking so many hours through the woods.
The surface of the water is very calm and beautiful as it reflects the sun
light. As the dawn over, the sun will rise and appear between the two green
hills; deliver a gorgeous greeting to your morning. In the late afternoon, the
fog starts to down and reach the surface of the water is another lovely picture
to have. While at night, laying by the lake under the clear dark sky will give
you a ‘wow’ moment picturing hundred stars – clusters of the milky way. Any
time you reach Ranu Kumbolo, the view will never fail you.
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| Welcome, Sunshine! |
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| Welcoming sunrise |
Not
far from the lake, you can find a hill called “Bukit Cinta”, which is believed
that anyone who climbs the hill by imagining the one they love without turning
their heads back, will stay together happily. Besides that, near the lake you
can also find an inscription from Majapahit Kingdom and also some memorial
stones dedicated to those who died while climbing the Semeru Mountain.
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| Background - Bukit Cinta (The Hill of Love) |
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| Enjoy lovely morning at Ranu Kumbolo |
To
reach the place, you need to go to Lumajang District in East Java. From
Jakarta, you can find a flight to Surabaya and continue to Malang, or you can
take a train to Malang that will take 15 – 16 hours journey. As you reach
Malang train station, find transportation to Ranu Pani; which will take around
2 hours driving. Ranu Pani is a village where the climb of Semeru begins.
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| Ranu Pani - Your starting point to hike Semeru |
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| Register yourself before hiking here! |
You
need to register yourself before climbing the Semeru; copy of identity card and
a letter signed by a doctor stating that you are in good condition are
required.
From
the starting poin to Ranu Kumbolo (2400M asl), you’ll have to walk around 5 – 7
hours. There are 4 posts built by Perhutani for you to take a rest. All of the
hikers are suggested to open their tents in Ranu Kumbolo before they continue their
7 - 10 hours walking to the peak of Mahameru.
Prepare
your equipment well, as the temperature in Ranu Kumbolo may reach minus 5
degree Celsius at night. And keep yourself from littering the place. What to
wait? Go packing!
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| Mahameru - The Peak of Semeru |
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| Tents in front of the lake |
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| Ranu Kumbolo |
