Indonesia beckoned again for the first time since 2019, with some remote sensing project work and visit to Hatfield Indonesia.
Great to be back in Bogor visiting the new Hatfield office and meeting many new staff, plus some familiar faces. Bogor has some good new developments – like sidewalks around Kebun Raya (botanical garden) and along Pajajaran and a rubberized track at Sempur park. But with a bridge replacement project underway, it’s super-macet (traffic chaos).
Really enjoyed the office being close to Go-Go-Veggie – a really excellent vegetarian cafe. Delicious Indonesian dishes and juices. Paid homage to Salak Sunset cafe, but alas no sunset views of Gunung Salak as it was dry and hazy for almost the entire two weeks.
Great to catch up with Bugi from our old life back in Bogor (2008-2012). We did a good morning run, Saturday bike ride around Bogor Raya, and Sunday long run near Bogor Nirwana.
After wrapping up my work, I headed to Jogjakarta with Jim (office President Director). We were planning to hike Gunung Sindoro, a 3,150 m active volcano to the west of Jogja.
We arrived in Jogja on Friday afternoon and a driver picked us up and we headed direct to the Dieng Kledung Pass Hotel (comfortable and clean). We’d arranged a guide, permit, and ojeks to/from the basecamp in advance. We got some sleep and at 2 am we were picked up by our guide and ojeks. We were hiking from “Pos 1.5” by 2:15 am. Steady progress, and we took 4 hours up and 2 hours down with time for wandering at the summit. A few great night views of Sumbing and Kledung after Pos 2. We reached Sunrise camp and Pos 3 in time for sunrise and had spectacular views of Sumbing, Merapi, Merbabu, and Lawu to the east.
There were a small group of Indonesian hikers at Sunrise camp, but they didn’t seem keen to head up to the summit early. We reached the crater at 6 ish and had the area to ourselves.
We did the circuit (gases/fumaroles active but not problematic). It was pretty warm even in the early morning – just a light sweater required. We walked a little to the west for a great view of Dieng Plateau / Prahu and Slamet. As we started to descend, the Indonesian weekend hikers were on the way up. A steady stream all the way as we made out way to the base again. It’s definitely good advice to hike midweek or on Friday/Saturday as we did. The trail is VERY clean and in good condition. Really highly recommended hike.
Afterwards we returned to Jogjakarta and relaxed with a stroll along the packed Maliboro Road and a great dinner at Pizza Nanaima. Jogja has put in nice pedestrianization along Maliboro. I stayed for an extra night and strolled through the city in the morning, checking out the Kraton again (last time in 2008!). Nice to wander through the quiet jalan tikus (small streets). Enjoyed good coffee, food, and excellent chocolate and ice cream at Monggo.
Definitely and energizing trip – Hatfield has such a great business in Indonesia – since 1990 and going strong!
Check out more photos from my trip!
