Mountain Marathon: Marapi, Sago and Talang [STRAIGHT UP]

Well, this is a story of me myself and I conquered three mountains in one week. I climbed alone, fast track and I’m still alive.

Even though I had an official commencement in the school but I felt something missing in the ceremony so then I climbed the top and I had my own graduation ritual. My graduation gift was beyond that I could have expected. I can always receive the gift anytime I want. Smoke, Clouds, Wind, Sunset, you guys are the sweetest piece of miracle. The smell of fighters.

The first mountain is a volcano, which is a Marapi volcano. Marapi (also known as Merapi or Berapi) is a complex volcano. Its name means Mountain of Fire, and it is the most active volcano in Sumatra. Its elevation is 2,891.3 metres (9,485.9 ft). A number of cities and towns are situated around the mountain, including Bukittinggi, Padang Panjang and Batusangkar.

According to legend, the mountain is the site first settled by the Minangkabau people after their ship landed on the mountain when it was the size of an egg and surrounded by water. There are large numbers of upright burial stones in the region which are oriented in the direction of the mountain, indicating its cultural significance. Since August 3, 2011, Alert Level has been established by Center of Vulcanology and Mitigation Geology Disaster.

Next mission was Mount Talang which located in Solok, West Sumatra Province. This mountain is a typical active volcano. Mount Talang is 2,572 meters above the sea level. From the summit, you can enjoy three beautiful lakes which is Danau Kembar (re twin lakes) and Danau Talang. There is a tea plantation on the way to the volcano which tastes wonderful. At the peak, you can find the flawless Edelweiss.

For me, Mount Talang is way too exotic. The smell of the crater is so alive and the view is just too beautiful.  I went to Talang alone and I met two guys on the way up. I didn’t feel afraid of climbing alone because for me, as long as you’re not doing bad to nature, they will protect you. I’ll always stick with that philosophy and luckily I feel really amazing every time I’m trekking by myself.

The track of Mount Talang depends on the weather. Durinf the rainy season, the track will be slippery and a bit tricky. But if you trek in the dry season, everything will be perfect. Last time, I did hitchhiking from the city center to the main entrance. From there I walked passing the road to reach the forest and started the trek. It was such fun to enjoy the road which was so peaceful and quiet.

Once I accomplished my list of Mount Talang, I climbed Mount Sago in Payakumbuh. This mountain is not so famous that’s why I was super curious to be on top. I went to Payakumbuh alone by bus and I stayed with a local family for one night then started climbing the next morning around  9 AM. One guy joined me because the mountain is kinda scary and it’s almost no one is interested to climb it which means the road is not so familiar. So I had a travel mate to conquer Mount Sago in one shot which is 2271 meters above sea level. We made it! Mission again accomplished well.

I climbed three mountains in one week. I only took a rest one day once finished one mountain. I didn’t even felt tired and luckily I was strong enough to conquer all. I always believe passion will make an impossible to become possible.

So if I ask you a question "are you impressed of me?"

You don't need to answer because I don't need your answer. 

With or without your answer I know I'm super awesome. 

I'll be always super awesome. 

Mountain marathon is just a little piece of my awesomeness.