Merapi, journey to the sun
Saturday night 00.00
We are heading for an overnight walk for the top of Merapi at 2900 meters. Packed with enough food to last a good day, we are heading for a 2 hour drive to the foot of Merapi.

The bag is packed with 1,5 liters of fanta, the ultimate source of
energy in the form of roti bakar (I’d go for pisang, coklat and cheese are also options!) and 6 muesli bars. One extra bottle of water was for use after the trip, we left it in the car. After a life threatening drive and several near fatal (at least for the moppets) accidents we arrived at a small building, where 4 guides awaited our arrival. One of the guides spoke English, something I found comforting.
Sunday morning 01.00
The walk commenced. Among us where Americans, Australians, Swiss, Germans and of course us Dutchies! It was very nice to be with many different people, but within a short time the strongest went far ahead. It is a good thing to keep your own pace, for the walk is long and the sunrise doesn’t wait for the slow ones. Dining was done during the trip to keep the pace up; it’s really important to constantly fuel yourself. After about 2,5 hours base camp was reached, from here the top could be seen clearly. The five layers I packed really came to good use, 2 shirts, a long sleeve shirt, a thick vest and my summer jacket where barely enough to stop the wind from reaching my sweaty shirt.
Sunday morning 05.15
After a long walk, 5 persons including me reached the top in time to check out the sunrise. Lucky as we were there were no clouds, so the view was awesome! In the sulfide smelling fumes of the Merapi we enjoyed a 30 minute show, before we ran back down. Though the way back will go faster, it’s better not to go too fast. It’s a technical descent with steep and smooth area. Good shoes (maybe not the slick smooth sneakers) with profile are better for grip. I, on the other hand, was sliding down with my sneakers, at the end my knees where really killing me!
Sunday morning 09.00
While looking at the mountain we just climbed, were enjoying a banana pancake and some tea. People are coming in one after one, until our group is complete. It was a beautiful day, but very exhausting. One tip for the day after, chill and do absolutely nothing. And don’t go for a shiatsu massage, unless you enjoy extreme pain!
Enjoy your trip! Robin de Pruyssenaere de la Woestijne