Hiking Mount Gede [3D2N]

Mount Gede or Gunung Gede is a stratovolcano in West Java, Indonesia. The volcano contains two peaks, with Mount Gede as one peak and Mount Pangrango as the other one.

Three major cities, Cianjur, Sukabumi and Bogor, are located in the volcano complex at the east, south and northwest, respectively, along with suburban growth. It is now one of the popular tourist attractions in Indonesia.

Mount Gede is a stratovolcano with 2 separate peaks: Gede and Pangrango. These peaks are connected via a high saddle at 2,400m. Although Mount Gede is now dormant, volcanic activity was recorded until the 16th century. Runoff from the volcano provides Jakarta with the majority of its water.

Mount Gede Pangrango National Park, located only 50km from Jakarta, is one of Indonesia’s oldest and best-preserved national parks. The park is centred on two volcanoes; active Mount Gede (2,958m) and dormant Mount Pangrango (3,019m). These summits are connected by a high saddle known as Kandang Badak.

The Gede Pangrango National Park is one of Indonesia’s oldest nature preserve areas. Starting around 1819 when the Dutch colonial government considered building a botanical garden at the foot of the mountains in Cibodas. Many natural scientists had climbed the twin peaks, among other Junghun who introduced the quinine plant to the archipelago.

Various trek routes enable visitors to traverse from Cibodas to Gunung Putri or Selabintana and vice versa. Treks will take visitors past the warm sulphuric creek, an alpine meadow and tropical rain forest. It will take around 8to10hours hike for the average speed.

The trail on the south-eastern slopes was found by Sir Thomas Raffles in 1811. While the earliest recorded summit climb was by C.G.C. Reinwardt in 1819.

The trail passes through some fascinating and beautiful landscapes like Alun-Alun Suryakencana. A 50m high Cibeureum Waterfall, a blue Biru Lake, and some hot springs. A highland meadow covered with edelweiss flowers.

Many rare mammal species, such as the Javan leopard, Javan mouse-deer, Sumatran dhole, and Sundra stink badger, inhabit the forests. 250 bird species, including the endangered Javan hawk-eagle, can also be found in this ecosystem. It is recommended for climbers to keep insect repellant at hand as mosquitoes are aplenty.

The terrain of Mount Gede can be split into 2 district sections; the montane ecosystem from 1,000m to 2,500m and the subalpine ecosystem higher up.

The montane ecosystem section of the hike is made up of tall trees in a rainforest brimming with biodiversity. The terrain is dense. There are some steep parts to this section of the trail.

When the dense rainforest eventually thins out, this is the subalpine ecosystem mostly made up of grassy meadows. The terrain becomes rocky and drier.

Itinerary

Day 1
08.00 AM – 04.00 PM Pick up at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Travel to homestay in Cipanas, Cianjur Regency (Overnight at homestay)
* Accomodation: Homestay provided for the night

Day 2
06.00 AM – 07.30 AM Breakfast and hiking preparation
07.30 AM – 08.30 AM Hiking safety briefing and health check
08.30 AM – 11.30 AM Hike to Pos 3
11.30 AM – 12.30 PM Lunch break
12.30 PM – 04.00 PM Hike to campsite (Overnight at campsite)
* Accomodation: Tent provided for the night
* Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3
04.00 AM – 05.00 AM Hike to the top of Mount Gede
05.00 AM – 06.30 AM Enjoy Mount Gede’s sunrise views
06.30 AM – 07.30 AM Breakfast
07.30 AM – 12.00 PM Hike to Cibereum Waterfall
12.30 PM – 01.30 PM Lunch break
01.30 PM – 04.30 PM Hike down to Base Camp Cibodas
04.30 PM – 06.00 PM Rest and clean up
06.00 PM – 09.00 PM Travel back to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport
* Meals: Breakfast and lunch