At the top of Mount Batur, I remembered peeking at my watch to see what time it was and how long we took to conquer this mountain. Unfortunately I can’t remember the exact time but it was somehow around 7-ish in the morning.

Everyone was in good spirit – there weren’t a sign of fatigue on their faces at all. Maybe it was the 2 golden retrievers that boasted our spirits by running around us playfully. If it weren’t for the dogs, I think most of us would have just ‘die’ off there. Lol.

‘Die’ in this term means sleep. Not ‘that’ die ya. Lol.

After resting for quite some time, the guides motioned us to follow them to the inner side of the mountain where the crater is. We then reached an edge where we had to ‘slide’ about a metre down the big rocks to get nearer to the crater. The guys opted to jump down (ego mah) while the girls with the help from the guide slowly climb and slide down. The two golden on the other hand, went down so smoothly like pros. When they got down, they happily wagged their tails and ‘waited’ for the rest of us to get down.

Once everyone got down, we proceed to the left and found ourselves in front of a big cave. The cave isn’t deep enough tho, but it can produce echo if one speaks considerably loud. Hehe.

I took 1-2 photos just to realize that I was actually taking photos of the rock. So I stopped and asked myself what the hell I supposed to look at there. Lol.

Then someone asked if want to take group picture there. Though didn’t know what to take, but we just blindly agreed and took 1-2 pictures there. Now I wonder we took group photo using whose DSLR at that time? Hmm.

Then we walked past the place where we got down and head towards an open field-like hill. In front of us is the crater/groove/mouth of volcano mountain where every 1-2 minute there would be hot steam coming out from there.

We sat there and had a relaxing time looking at the steam gushing out from the Earth and also the antics pulled by our guides. One of the guides took a banana from AL’s backpack and then steamed it in a hole that also gave hot steam out. After 10 minutes later, he took it out and passed the banana to AL. AL took a bite and he asked, “How is it? Good?”

She replied, “yums!” and everyone laughed. Haha.

From far we could see the shadows of few men walking on top of the higher ground. We assumed that they are David and Daniel so we waved frantically at them! And they waved back. But until now we weren’t sure if it was them that we see. Lol.

We walked back to the hut; patiently waited for the other 2 men to join us by playing with the dogs. Again the dogs helped the ease the waits as if weren’t for them, we would have just descend the mountain first as it was super windy. Not long after that they reached and the guides that followed them up told me that “your friends are strong!” and I laughed. Haha.

Soon it was time to go down. Since I’ve regained my energy back, I slowly hike down the hill on my own, without any help from the guide. *Super proud of myself for doing so* The process is indeed slower but I can now tell people that I hike down Mount Batur without any help! Hoho!

I was on high alert and the same guide that guided me up always offered his hand for support but I politely declined his good intention as I really wanted to do it on my own. Sat wasn’t sure if I could do it, so he was already either standing in front of me or behind me – just in case I slipped. Hehe.

There’s once I slipped because of the stupid rocks again – but he managed to hold me from behind. Then he teased, “No need help konon. Ceh.”

Then I told him, “Then let me fall la. Who asks you to help?” and showed my tongue to him. Haha.

The process of getting down is much more easier than going up. Probably it’s due to the fact that I could see where I was going rather than being pulled up like a cow. By 9 something we were already reached the foot of Mount Batur where the Balinese altar is.

I put my hand together and prayed for thanks and appreciation for their protection over us in Mount Batur.

One thing I regretted not doing was to take picture of the trail while I was descending down, as the pictures would be spectacular! But I can’t risk my DSLR as I myself aren’t a pro-hiker and I don’t know the trail well. Even my backpack was passed to a very strong guide to carry down as I know one small mistake and either I or my DSLR could go wrong. How I wish I brought along my Olympus digital camera at that time. At least the camera is small and light and not a burden for me to carry. Hehe.

Gotten used to the temperature up there, I felt warm that I quickly took off my windbreaker and jacket and kept it in my backpack. Then I took out my DSLR – stopped, turned 180 degree; looked at Mount Batur with overwhelming feeling and disbelief that I just conquer this majestic mountain.

Tried to self-take picture of me with Mount Batur which failed miserably. The cow behind me looks exceptionally blurry nice. Haha.

And he looks so darn handsome in the candid photo below. Kaka!

One of the best moments while walking back to our van was the breeze walk along the vegetation farm. Sat held my hand where I swing them front and back; feeling like 2 kids walking in our own world.

Everywhere we look were the green, the air was clean, it was windy – this hike is undeniably one of the best experience in Bali. It was a good way to see the other side of Bali and I believe I wouldn’t think of climbing Mount Batur if I were to go with my family or with my girlfriends. Lol.

My ‘guide’ who is actually a drink seller came and coaxed us to get Coke from him. -.-“

Actually he had asked us while hiking halfway down and we kept declining, saying that we will get once we reached the ground.

With no other excuse to say, Sat got a bottle from him. But the paktoring moment was gone as the two began to chat with each other. I was walked behind them, eavesdropping at their conversation.

From there I know that the drink seller is actually highly educated – in fact, his English is better than some of the Malaysians; but because he has to sell drinks because he couldn’t find a proper job in Bali. Also, he professed that he wanted to find his other half through this job. He was hoping to get an Australian girl as his wife where he could migrate and earn better living there.

You know, grass is always greener at the other side.

I took my own sweet time walking on my own pace, occasionally stopped to snap the vegetable up close.

I took so much time in stopping and looking around until both of them were no longer can be seen. There are half built buildings on both sides of the trail and I started to feel spooky and fastened my pace.

Our van driver waited for us at the car park area. I quickly walked to the van as my legs couldn’t take it anymore.

But once got into the van, I was quite shocked to see the amount of flies in the van! There were more than 20 in the van itself and we had to shoo them out!

The moment everyone got in the van, Yoga asked, “How was the climb?” and I remember shouted out, “Tiring!!!” Can’t remember what’s other responses but I think it’s similar to what I said la. Our van headed back to Surya Hotel. In the van, we were discussing to shower first or to have breakfast first. Knowing that next in the itinerary is to have lunch at Penelokan, Kintamani, we agreed on having breakfast as we were starving!

So immediately after reaching the hotel, we headed to the cafeteria and sat on a long table overlooking Mount Batur and Danau Batur.

A man came to us with 2 menus. Upon ordering, we then realised that Lasker and Elise weren’t with us that time. William voiced out that they’ve told him that they went to bath first.

Our breakfast came and it was the best breakfast I ever had! Everything tasted excellent when you’re hungry.

Then I quickly went back to my room, packed, showered and realised that my aunt decided to drop me a visit in Bali.

WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!! Why it came at that time?

Sigh. I felt so unenergetic after knowing that my period came. Total sadness!

Still, I pushed aside the sadness and quickly packed my stuffs. I simply threw all my stuffs into my backpack and then put them into the van with the help from Sat. I tried not to let the period dampened my spirit. After all, it came because I felt totally relaxed. Realising the door of the room is look prestige, I took couple of shoots on the door. See how we lock our door!

We took group pictures with our mansion as background. It turned out beautifully and totally different from the usual group photos we took. Haha.

Then we got into the van and left for our next destination.

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The first few hundred kilometers were easy breezy walk on flat ground of tiny sandy ash dusts. I shone my torchlight to the side to see what was on the side of the path we walked – and very much to my surprise, there are vegetation like onions, potatoes, lettuces, chilies. I even saw snails! Haha. Didn’t know that the ash from the volcano is fertile enough to grow vegetable. Lol.

About 40-45 minutes of walking, I was starting to feel fatigue. I was like – my stamina couldn’t be that bad! I didn’t even start hiking up the mountain yet! I told Sat about this and he claimed that I was so because I didn’t eat the banana in the van earlier and started giving me a short lecture on how the banana supposed to give me energy.

Moreover, he said, if one walk in blindness (as in couldn’t see your path ahead) and only depends on other senses like what we were doing, one would use up more energy compared to hiking up during the day where one could see the route clearly.

True enough. So to make sure I didn’t overdrain energy, I shone the light further, carefully avoiding shining at trees as I was told that there are tree spirits especially in forest.

We then had to walk through high wild grasses at both sides and I was quite paranoid as I fear that there will be snake hiding there. But on the second thought, how could one find snake in volcanic area? The sulfur from the mountain would at least scare the snakes away. Hehe.

There is a small Balinese God altar at the foot of Mount Batur. Someone asked one of the guides on what why there is an altar there. We were told that the altar is to guard and clam the spirits of Mount Batur. Upon hearing that, I quickly paipai asking for their protection while hiking up Mount Batur.

Soon, we began ascending the mountain. It was quite chilly as there was cold wind blowing against and my legs began to get wobbly. Physically I was getting weaker and weaker but mentally I was strong. I could see myself hiking up the Mount Batur without panting and minimal help, but the truth was I can’t. By one and an half hour later, I called for a break as I couldn’t walk anymore and the guides encouraged us to walk a little bit more to the open field (with great scenery).

Finally I got the break I wanted. I immediately dropped down and drank water. Sat asked me to quickly eat the banana I stored in my bag. David passed me a bottle of Yakult to restore my energy (he claimed it would and it did!). Couple of locals that followed us kept asking if I wanted to have Coke – which I declined as having Coke while hiking is definitely a big NO.

Just as I felt better, the guides signaled us to start moving. I did feel energetic initially, but after few minutes later, I felt worst. I kept motivate myself to keep on going, keep pushing myself, keep telling this is the fastest way to get slimmer – but eventually I was mentally drained too.

There were few groups overtook us. They moved so quickly and swiftly – while the rest of us panting like mad. Half of me felt ashamed, another half felt admired their strength and stamina for able to move up quickly.

My legs were no longer strong that I slipped for stepping onto big piles of stones while climbing up. I quickly sat and checked myself. Thankfully there wasn’t any injury or bleeding on neither my palms nor my legs. I didn’t even feel the pain from the fall. Maybe it was due to the oversize windbreaker I wore, or plainly because I prayed for protection from the Balinese God earlier. Then I looked around – there weren’t any route behind me as the place I slipped is actually the corner edge and realised that I might fall off the edge. *Gasp in horror*

Seeing this, Sat asked me to let one of the local guides to guide me up. As much I wanted to resent on his decision, I had to agree with him as my legs were so tired and I knew I couldn’t reach the peak without anyone’s help. So the guide held my hand, just in case I slipped again.

I no longer had full control of my body by the time we hike halfway up the mountain. When the head of the guides called for 5 minutes break, I turned to Sat and collapsed onto him. Thankfully Sat was strong enough to hold me. Hehe.

By the way, collapse in this term is not faint. Okay? I didn’t faint nor unconscious at all.

Then Sat said, “Climbing up Mount Batur also wanna die d, imagine Mount Agung which is like much more complex and higher than this”

Like usual, I replied “Luan” and continued hugging him for support. Hehe.

As the sky began to get slightly brighter (not as pitch dark as earlier), I could vaguely see Lake Batur and vegetation farm we passed in the morning. Not to mention it was cold too!

5 minutes over, and we continued our way up. The guide urged us to move quickly in order to catch the sunrise. So we did. I mean they did and I was happily being dragged up. Haha. You see, I realised that my ‘guide’ (which later only I found out that he’s actually a Coke seller) is actually very strong, so I used minimal strength to walk and let him did the dirty job of pulling me up. Can say I was like a big stone and he was pulling the stone.

As the sky got a little bit brighter, I discovered that my guide was wearing SLIPPERS only! Shit, I thrust my life on someone who wore slippers! Though he is strong, I sort of panicked and began to see where my steps before placing my foot there as opposed to earlier where I simply step on the stones.

He must have felt the weight difference after that me doing so. Lol!

Off and on, someone would ask – “How far somemore to the top?” and the guides would say “one hour”; followed by “45 minutes”; then “30 minutes“; and “15 minutes more if you’re fast”.

When he said that, we could actually see the peak already. But because of the zig-zag route where we had to follow, we took 15 minutes to reach there.

The moment we reached the top I gave out a big sigh of relief and when I was about to look for a place to sit, that’s when the guide said, “not yet reach! Not here. Need to walk a little bit more!”

Devastated, I dragged my lazy legs and followed them to a small attap hut. There are 2 rows of benches there and boy were I happy to see those benches! I walked quickly (didn’t know where the energy suddenly came from) to one of the benches and glued my butt on it.

Out of nowhere, 2 golden retrievers came to where we were and started chasing 2 black dogs. They even cornered one of the dogs and barked at it. Only when the owner came out of the hut and yelled “Kiki! Oza!”; the dogs stopped barking, wagged their tails happily and ran around the owner.

Then I looked far. In front of me is Mount Abang and the Danau Batur (Lake Batur) The view was SPECTACULAR! Totally worth the energy climbing up there.

Then my ‘guide’ came to me – asking me to get a bottle of Coke from him. It was then only I realised he was actually a drink seller. I don’t really fancy Coke, I would rather drink water if I could but since he’s the one helping me up there, I asked Sat if he wanted to get one. He said yes (again, the same reason as I thought) so we got one.

That blardy Coke costs me 25.000 Rupiah (RM9.25). The most expensive Coke I ever drank on a mountain.

We took pictures and enjoyed the view. There was an Angmoh couple sitting at the small hill with blanket covered over them. It looked romantic and how I wished at that moment I have a blanket too as it was cold!

I was enjoying the view of Mount Abang and the Coke; and then another drink seller came to me and asked, “He (pointing to my ‘guide’) helps you up the mountain, do you want to buy him a drink?”

I was thinking, “Alamak. Damn expensive wei this guide”. Though RM18.50 isn’t much but that time I was running low on Rupiahs. 2 bottles means 50.000 Rupiah d. Huuhuu. But I still got him one since I was sort of indebted to him.

The wind would suddenly gush on us and I had no choice but to quickly zip up my jacket and the windbreaker and buried my hands into the pockets. Luckily Sat insisted on the windbreaker or else I would be freezing to death. It was very chilly up there.

The 2 golden retrievers are truly the unexpected highlight of the hike as they made the whole hike even more fun and happier. As most of us are dog lovers, we couldn’t stop calling their names, pat them, photograph with them, video them and even feed them food. Haha.

I fed the dogs with crackers that I brought along. Since the crackers broke into pieces, so I thought I should pour the crumbled crackers on the bench and let the dogs to lick them. Little did I know in the process of pouring, I shook the packet too hard that the crumbles fell on the dog’s nose tip. Poor dog couldn’t reach the crumbles.

Everyone laughed and teased me for ‘tricking’ dog into licking their own nose just to get the food. Lol.

One of the guides asked if we want to see the volcano crater and the hot spring, and guaranteed us an even more breathtaking view up there. Also, he told us that we could boil our eggs by dipping into the hot spring water for 5 min and then we could have our hard boiled eggs!

So, we asked where – and he pointed up!

That’s when everyone’s jaw literally dropped and unison-ly we said NOoooo!!!

From afar, we could see that there’s no way we could walk the super steep trail without having proper footwear. Especially Emily’s as hers totally open up while climbing halfway. Moreover the trail looks like one would immediately fall down the moment they start walking up. Lol.

But after awhile, two stronger men decided to give it a try. So we wished them LOTS LUCK and watched them making their journey up with 2 local guides. Could see that no long after they started ascending, the men quickly held on the guides for support. It must be very slippery then.

Our guides boiled eggs for us using stove instead of dipping the eggs into the hot spring as the hot spring water beside the small breakfast hut isn’t hot enough. Not long after that they passed us the eggs where I gladly took one to warm my hands first before peeling the shell off.

Eating the eggs on volcanic mountain reminded me greatly of the black egg I had in Japan. The only different is the one in Japan is cooked directly in sulfuric water source black (hence the shell turning black) while the one we had in Mount Batur is well, a normal egg!

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I’ve been Indonificated in just 6 days!

Since I’m still feeling Indonised, I shall quickly summarize the whole trip before I went into details. Ah~ I can still ‘hear’ the Javanese music playing in my head.

In just 6 days, I’ve…

1. took 6 flights. Fly cheap and further with AirAsia!

2. been to 3 cities. Yogyakarta, Jakarta and Bali! ♥

3. spent 5 nights at 5 different places

4. attained ‘Nirvana’ at Borobudur temple

5. paid 17.5% of service charge for food!

6. conquered Mount Batur

7. drank the most expensive coke 1.5km above sea

8. bathed black, salty water

9. had Alphard as taxi!

10. got denied access to 2 holy temples because of menstrual.

11. addicted to teh botol

12. spoke and bargained in Bahasa Indon

13. fascinated by chickens! They look so prosperous!

14. ate the overrated babi guling

15. awed at the great statue of Wisnu!!!

16. sipped one of the most expensive coffee in the world – coffee luwak

17. turned backpack bag into turkey

18. went gaga over ronde

19. sarong-ed ourselves before entering temple

20. fall in love with the blue sea, again

21. Bought camera battery for IDR275.000 because forgotten to bring. Dang!

22.  Left my mark at Kuta beach

23. …and used more than 1.5 million rupiah! And yet I didn’t buy enough souvenirs!!!!

And thank god I decided to go broke and get the wide angle lens. I brought my kit lens there and I didn’t use it at all! All pictures in Indon were taken with wide angle! Damn umph!!!

Now, I’ve to go back to mundane life and slowly get rid of the post-vacation-syndrome.

♥ Can’t wait for July!!! ♥