Warning: Do not go on this trail if you are looking for a easy day-hike. This is an actual mountain where some climbing is necessary. The last hour consists of having to pull yourself up rocks using your hands and arms, and shoving your feet in small crannies. Now, any person who is determined and a little fit will be fine, but do not think this is going to be a easy hike where your legs won't hurt and you won't be winded.
TL;DR: The climb is tough, but rewarding. Be prepared for cold at the top (5 degrees celsius so they say) and get shoes that will carry you up a mountain that can get slippery. Finally, use the bathroom before going up the mountain.
The long review:
The climb itself - I did the 'easy' trail from Pasar Agung with my brother and his friend Jisselle. You start by climbing 150 steps up a staircase to a temple. I was actually winded when we got to the temple haha, so you can imagine how nervous I was about the rest of the trip. It is night when you start (we started early ~1AM) so you have headlamps which are provided. The initial climb is through large tree and brush and it's fairly steep, but when you finally have a chance to look up, the stars are wonderful, probably saw 3-5 shooting stars just because the night is so clear. This part gets hot, so jackets off!
As you get higher and the vegetation begins to dissipate, it begins to get colder. Throw on your jacket and windbreaker and get ready for loose gravel and rocks. Just a heads up, the last hour or so you definitely have to do some rock climbing. It's not extensive and most people with a little strength can do it, but you will have to pull yourself up. Just keep leaning forward during those parts, and if you fall, fall forward. Finally, when you reach the summit, you will be cold, and the sun will begin cresting to a beautiful sunrise. You'll see (;
Guides - Most groups are around 3 or more people paired with a single or two guides. Our guide was Wayan who is one of many in a big family business, but he is awesome! He was positive, waited for us when we slowed down and needed to take extra breaks, and he and his family shared food with us on the way up the mountain and at the summit. He even let us start early with him, because we were afraid we'd go slower than average, since we were a little out of shape.
However, his entire family speaks good english, has great energy, and will supply you with food (and tea at the summit) and support until you get up the mountain. I would be happy to have them lead me up any mountain. Not to mention they are very affordable compared to other alternative companies who might charge you up to +500,000 rupiah/person.
I want to mention that the driver going up the mountain was totally reckless! It was raining and he would defog the windows with one hand, the other holding the wheel, while making sharp turns.
A few notes:
1) You want to start a little early so you can make the sunrise for sure (and get a good spot at the summit), start early. Email wayan.idguides@gmail.com, and the guides that are associated with the email will accommodate you.
2) You will be provided headlamps and snacks. But bring extras! We brought Pringles, Oreos, Peanuts, and Ritz crackers. Most people are starving at the summit but we were pretty good, and it kept us happy throughout the whole climb.
3) Bring water.
4) Wear pants and pack a fairly thick jacket or windbreaker. It gets COLD at the summit.
5) Hiking boots would have been nice. Went in converse and I slipped around on rocks and gravel.
6) Keep your shoulders relaxed, back straight, and breathe. You will conserve your energy. Also, point your headlamp at a comfortable position so that you can see enough ahead of your feet, but you don't have to crane your neck if you need to see where your feet land.
7) Use the bathroom before you start! Nobody wants to have an emergency on the mountain, man!
7) Be sure to tip (;
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