These Epic Mountain Hikes Will Take Your Breath Away

HALLXH Tribe! Did you know that walking is one of the most basic, yet beneficial exercises towards our health? It’s true! Its benefit includes lower blood pressure, weight loss and improved cardiovascular health amongst others. However, walking in nature has its added benefits too such as fresh air and vitamin D from the sunlight; thus, walking in nature is much better than taking a walk on a treadmill. But ask yourself, when was the last time you have truly appreciated and spent time with nature? If you can’t remember, then this is the perfect opportunity for you to enjoy the beauty of nature and the benefits of walking or at least plan to do so during the lockdown. But how can we achieve that? The answer is hiking.

“Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better.” ~ Albert Einstein

Hiking is a magnificent way to immerse yourself with mother nature. You can venture into a journey with your own two feet and a backpack carrying only what you need. You will also discover the beauty of nature hidden from the metropolitan cities. And you can finally have a deep breath of that sweet fresh air, unadulterated and unpolluted. Now doesn’t this sound enticing?

If you are up for it, you can start with the nearest hill you can find, then you may graduate to the mountains. However, if you are a stranger towards hiking, finding a good mountain may be a bit tricky. Here are our top 3 mountains to hike in Indonesia, but why Indonesia you may ask? Well, Indonesia is a country known for its beaches, but its mountains do not pale in comparison. Its natural beauty and picturesque views are perfect for our fellow globetrotters and backpackers. 

Mount Bromo (Beginner Level)

The mountain is located in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, East Java, Indonesia.

Arguably the most famous hiking spot for hiking enthusiasts, its monochromatic smoke spewing out of the crater along with the sunrise to die for attracts tourists and other fellow hikers. No wonder Mount Bromo is the most iconic mountain in Indonesia.

The hiking difficulty is fairly easy and beginner-friendly since it only takes approximately 2-3 hours to reach the summit. This is perfect for anyone who doesn’t have any hiking experience. In other words, anyone can climb it! Not to mention that the breath-taking view could be a wonderful addition for your Instagram feed.

Mount Kerinci (Intermediate-Advanced Level)

After conquering your first few hills and mountains, you may be looking to increase the difficulty and duration of your journey. Well, Mount Kerinci should be your next destination. Trust us, you won’t regret it! Mount Kerinci is the highest mountain in West Indonesia with a staggering height of  3,805 ASML and takes around 2-3 days to reach the summit.

Located in the Barisan Mountain Range and surrounded by the lush and beautiful forests of the Kerinci Seblat National Park, this is a perfect opportunity for all the nature lovers out there to truly admire the scenic landscape whilst hiking.

If you love biodiversity like us, you’re in for a treat! As there are a wide and diverse variety of wild animals that you may encounter ranging from endemic birds species to reptiles and mammals too such as the Sumatran rhinos and elephants. The Sumatran tiger also resides in the park, in fact, the Kerinci Seblat National Park has the largest population of wild tigers worldwide!

As you reach approximately 3300 ASML, the forests will have given out and you’ll be introduced to the slippery slopes and tar-like volcanic substances surrounding the sharp rocks you’ll have to climb to reach the summit. Sounds like a fun challenge to overcome, as you will be rewarded with adrenaline and feel ecstatic as you have conquered the great Mount Kerinci.

Puncak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid) (Advanced Level)

You may have conquered a handful of mountains in Indonesia and if you are currently craving that adrenaline high that you’ve never felt before, then look no further as Puncak Jaya is your next spot.  It is currently one of the famous ‘Seven Summits’ of the world and also the highest summit in Indonesia with an almighty height of 4,884 meters above sea level!

It resides in the Sudirman Range of the western central highlands of Papua Province, Indonesia.

Puncak Jaya isn’t necessarily the name of the mountain itself, but it is only the summit as the mountain is named Mount Jayawijaya.

It may take up to 16-18 days to reach the summit! The high number of days is due to the high difficulty of the hike. The standard route towards the peak from base camp includes a five day trip in the jungle with a high chance of rain and slippery terrain. In addition to that,  as you reach high altitude, you’d have to climb through the snow, glaciers and thin air.

There is snow and even glaciers on the slopes of the mountain. Unfortunately, due to global warming, the glaciers have been retreating with the rate of seven meters per year. In 2018 it was predicted by officials that the glaciers were to vanish by the 2020s, so it may be the last few years you’d be able to see the glacier.

“Stop staring at the mountains. Climb them instead, yes, it’s a harder process but it will lead you to a better view.” ~ anonymous

It is important to be considerate to your surroundings and always make sure that you leave the place cleaner than you found it. And always hike responsibly!