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Tambora 2014TAMBORA(2850 m)
by Handjono Bima – Doropeti After the night trekking to G Agung the in the weekend of August 30 – 31, 2014, we continued our adventure to G Tambora. For Jo this is a second trip because in 2011 the magnificent crater view of G Tambora did not materialize due to thick mist.
The late afternoon was enjoyed with a walk to the beach 1 km away from the basecamp. The beach was very quiet with only 1 fisherman pulling out his net. Two medium size fishing boats parked on the shore, one of Bugis style and the other was of Madura style. The wave was almost none, and the sand was iron black. To the south east direction, some hundreds meters away there was a thigh deep riverine. Bang Jon assured us that the crocodiles over there would go away when they spot and smell human being. We decided not to venture further away across the riverine to the limestone cliff because of the sunset that was about to come. Also because of fear of wetting our clothes. The crocodiles, we tried not to think about them very much ……. Doropeti Route The trek was started from Rijon’s house at 6:30 using motorcycles to the trek starting point some 30 minutes away along the Doropeti – Labuhankenanga mainroad then turn right to the unpaved village road passing the future sugar factory. In early September the roads were so dusty you better be prepared with a masker. A set of glasses would positively be required to prevent red eyes. The trek was gently ascending along the villagers’ plantation then the sparse forest. The trekking route after an hour or so, joined with the logging trucks route. We hitched the truck and then after some kilometers we continued our trek on foot. At the end of the logging truck route we entered the woods and very soon the small water stream offered us the refill to our bottles. Sadly a giant kalango tree trunk of 1.5 m diameter lied on the forest ground. One of the illegal logging victims. From a distance, the roar of the chainsaw haunted our trek. The hike started to become difficult as the trek had become overgrown. And indeed the forest was still thick over there. Some metal direction signs on the trees were spotted but after difficult traverses led by the porters cum guides, by 15:30 we decided to halt and return to Doropeti for the porters have given up. They simply could not find the trek to Pos 2 and beyond. The descent to the starting point was quick and by 19:45 we reached the basecamp. The air was not cheerful but we quickly revised our plan. We stayed the night at the basecamp and would leave for Pancasila early in the morning on motorbikes. The nights at Pancasila was chilly despite its close proximity to the beach of Teluk Saleh. Doropeti – Pancasila
Pancasila – G Tambora By 9:00 after half an hour of preparation and motorbikes securing at the Hindu temple nearby, we started the hike. The trek was very gentle we almost did not feel the ascent. The vegetation was sparse and afterwards the sun ray soon was blocked by the forest thin canopy. The trek was clear and nice, straight with only few horizontal tree trunks obstacles. The forest was thin, and at 11:00 we got to the Pos 1. The shelter was intact, but marred with graffiti by the previous trekkers. Some 20 meters from the shelter there was the piped water free for trekkers. The water is piped to the village and a small branch was engineered complete with a secured wooden plug. The water pressure was quite high, you fill a 600 ml bottle in seconds only. By 11:15 we left for Pos 2, along the still gentle ascent. The forest became a little thicker and the sound of silence was occasionally disrupted by the sound of birds. Partridges (ayam hutan) were many, sometimes surprised the merry trekkers in their way up. Then we got to Pos 2 by 12:00 and spend 1 hour to savor the superb lunch we bought in the Kedindi market. Like Pos 1, Pos 2 shelter is also in good shape but is in appalling fashion due to the trekkers graffiti on its poles and structural members. Water is abundant in a small stream 20 meters from the shelter towards Pos 3 direction. Unfortunately the trekkers littered it with plastic stuffs. Another appalling sight. By 13:15 we left Pos 2 and the trek became narrower and steeper. Still very clear that you would not lost your way. The steepest section however is not that steep. The trees were larger with mosses on the trunks. The birds were rarer and the partridges (ayam hutan) were not seen. Approximately 15:00 when we got to Pos 3, a wide plot of levelled ground good for many tents. A good shelter stood over there and the water spring is located at the right side of the trek, some 300 meters away. The debit was slow, it took 2 minutes to fill in a 600 ml bottle. Pos 3 is well known for leeches in the wet season. It was dry, so we did not worry much about them. However we stopped only shortly and then continued to Pos 4. The trek became narrower and steeper with many jelatang bushes here and there. Jelatang is also called fire-leaf because it stings you upon a direct contact with your skin, then you jump and sometimes scream due to pain. The itch and pain stay many hours afterwards. We walked very carefully to avoid contact with the jelatang. Our steps became slower and we got to Pos 4 by 16:00. Pos 4 did not have a shelter, was cool and shady with the large trees canopy over it. The ground was good for many tents and levelled. But the perimeter was bushes of jelatang, just like a plantation. After 30 minutes rest with the sun ray from the west drying our wet clothes, we continued our hike towards Pos 5 amidst the warm air. Well, it was somewhat cold but much warmer than the air in the other volcanoes. Exiting the Pos 5 shady area suddenly we were welcomed by a scary scene. A narrow strip of trek on a large tree trunk log, with the jelatang bushes on both sides of the strip. The 30 meters long strip made us a little nervous as the experience of overnight itch in G Argapura was unforgettable. I wore my jacket and safely cruised the jelatang strip. Imam dared the challenge and touched some leaves. He said the experience would not be complete without the jelatang. Along the trek to Pos 5 there were more places with the jelatang bushes, so you want to be careful. The trek ascended a little steeply but overall the Pos 4 – Pos 5 section was nice. The bushes were still thick and the afternoon was free from chilling breeze. By 17:20 we got to Pos 5 and soon light our camp fire from the dried leaves and fallen tree branches. The camping site was nice, somewhat open and sufficient for at least 10 medium size tents. Jelatang bushes were here and there covering the perimeter of the Pos 5. We camped over there for the summit attack the morning after. The night was mildly cold without wind and with many stars above. The half moon lighted the serene night. The chats were even warmer, complimented with the perfect white rice and fried dried fish. The rice came from Doropeti rice field, processed traditionally by Rijon’s family. The small fishes came from the Teluk Saleh water in front of Doropeti village. And the chili came from the local plantation in Doropeti as well. And the cooking was on the camp fire. Those made the dinner in Pos 5 that was prepared by Rijon was so delicious, we agreed not to want to trade it with a 5 star hotel free dinner. The 5 star hotel dinner really would not be able to lift a finger against ours. G Tambora Summit
G Tambora – Oibura By 6:30 we descended back to Pos 5, and the morning has been warmed by the sun. The sky was very bright. The view to the giant Teluk Saleh and Moyo Island was great, and to the north the Satonda Island was also obvious. Pos 5 was warm and we dried our clothes under the sun. After a hefty breakfast by 10:30 we marched down back to the basecamp. After an extended break at Pos 2 for lunch and nap, by 16:30 we arrived at the other forest entry point. Another path, passing a vast coffee plantation area. With the help of our friend, the priest from Blitar we met at Pos 5, we spent the night at Oibura village. The coffee village was quiet but alive. The night over there was chilling, automatically the dinner was superb and the smiles of Pak Dominicus Riang family were unforgettable. Oibura – Bima
GPS track : Tambora 2011
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