Distance cycled: 70km from Batur volcano to the northern coast of Bali.
Average speed: 14.2km/h
Moving time: 4h56m
Total distance: 3957km
Border X'ings: 3
Money spent: $4
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Having these early morning starts to see the sunrise over various volcanoes in Indonesia arnt so difficult whether it be gathering energy to get motivated or the somewhat intense climbing to get to the viewpoint. So it makes me wonder why so many people are so miserable and lacking any type of friendly human behavior to simply acknowledge others doing the climb. I said this before about the French people I hiked with up Kawah Ijen on java a little over a week ago but many people today on this hike excluding two German woman rarely, if at all used their facial muscle to smile.
The hike was not all that difficult albeit a bit slippery on the volcanic gravel and the view from 1700meters was disappointing as the clouds obstructed the 360 degree view for the sunset however the weather cleared slightly and the caldera of Batur was viewable.
For the price I paid this trek was hardly worth it; my guide was pretty well useless and wanting to get back home as quickly as possible so everything was rushed.
I am sure I would be more impressed if it was a clear day with skies clear with more openminded people but this was not the case - you win some and you lose some.
Having used up all of my money to pay for the trip above I was left with the equivalent of $2 to spend for the day. I searched and searched for an ATM but none would except my card; it wasn't until I made it to Songaliki that I was able to replenish my wallet but with a bad morning the day redeemed itself but the kindness of others, but not what you would expect, this time it was a family of Canadians, the crazy and drunk mother, Kim invited me into her home where her 3 daughters (around my age) were speeding their holiday. It just so happened that the crummy place I stopped for food on the side of the road was next to Kim's home where I met them all.
I ended up cooking the family dinner, chicken mango curry that I improvised and chilled on the beach next to a fire were fireworks were set off.
Didn't expect I'd be ending the day this way and it was great I got free accommodation for the night. Thank you all.
Just a quick prayer session.. with a view
A quick peek inside the Caldera
Monkeys, monkeys, monkeys
Another Panoramic of the crater
Quite the View
Stopping for Bakso on the way out of the larger caldera greeted by Balinese monsters at the top.
yum, yum… pork!!!
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