I was excited about this trek from the moment it was suggested for our Indonesia itinerary! 🇮🇩
We were staying at Menjangan, nestled within the beautiful West Bali National Park 🌿
Our adventure began at 11 PM, when we were picked up for the drive to the harbour 🚗⛴️. After an hour-long ferry ride, we arrived at Java Island, followed by a 1.5-hour drive to the base of the volcano.
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At the base, we were handed gas masks and headlamps, along with a quick trek briefing. The place was buzzing with trekkers from all around the world 🌍
We started our climb around 3 AM, walking under a starlit sky ✨. The first 800 meters were easy, but soon the incline got steeper. Midway, as the path grew tougher, I decided to give my knees a break and hop onto one of the “Lamborghinis” — a small cushioned wheelbarrow used to ferry trekkers up and down the route 😄🛞.
Along the way, we passed by sulphur miners — strong, hardworking men carrying heavy loads of sulphur from the crater to the base. It was incredible (and humbling) to watch them navigate the steep, rocky path with such skill. There were also locals selling miniature figurines made of sulphur — delicate little souvenirs crafted from the very element the volcano produces.
By 5:30 AM, we reached the top. It was still dark, the air was chilly, and the crater was covered in thick sulphur fumes. Wearing our gas masks, we waited patiently for the view to clear. Slowly, as the sun began to rise 🌅, the fumes lifted and revealed the most surreal sight — the blue-green sulphur crater lake 💚💙.
It was pure magic — and so worth the effort! ✨
After soaking in the beauty (and clicking a hundred photos, of course 📸), we decided to descend on the “Lamborghinis” for a fun ride downhill 😂.
The journey back was long — drive to the harbour, ferry to Bali, and then back to our resort 🛳️🚗. By the time we reached, we were exhausted but thrilled! A quick lunch 🍛 and straight to our room for some much-needed rest 💤.
What an adventurous, unforgettable day it was! 💪💙
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