Mountain climbing is one of the most challenging and enjoyable adventure activities. Luckily, Indonesia has many mountains that offer extraordinary natural beauty, including Mount Carstensz, one of the Seven Summits of the World.
Speaking of the Seven Summits of the World, Indonesia also has its own Seven Summits. One of them is Mount Bukit Raya, in Kalimantan. To reach this mountain, especially for first-timers, there are several tips you should know. What are they? Keep reading.
Tips for climbing Mount Bukit Raya
Climbing Mount Bukit Raya requires careful preparation, as the terrain is quite tricky and the weather is unpredictable. The highest mountain on the island of Kalimantan has an elevation of approximately 2,278 meters above sea level.
I would like to share several tips, considering that the terrain is not easy and access is still very difficult. Here are some important tips that can help you plan your climb to Mount Bukit Raya so that your trip is smooth, safe, and enjoyable.
1. Prepare physically well in advance
Climbing a mountain over 2,000 meters high is certainly not easy, so you need to be in good physical condition. Before climbing, try to exercise regularly for several weeks beforehand, not just when the day approaches. In fact, as the day approaches, you should relax and rest more.
Remember that you need at least 6 days to reach Mount Bukit Raya, so make sure you are physically prepared. We will be traversing an extraordinary route, including crossing a river, which takes at least 6-8 hours if the water conditions are safe.
Exercises you can do before climbing include cycling, leg strength training, jogging, and walking uphill. Good strength and stamina will be beneficial when traversing the steep and challenging hiking trails on Bukit Raya.
2. Prepare mentally and enjoy the journey
Climbing a mountain is not just about reaching the summit, but also enjoying the various processes and beauty along the way. If you are departing from Jakarta, you will need to take a 2-hour flight. This is followed by a 9-hour Damri bus ride from Pontianak to Nanga Pinoh Terminal. From Nanga Pinoh Terminal, it takes about half 1/2 hour to Nanga Pinoh Pier.
Continue from Nanga Pinoh Pier to the Serawai River by speedboat to land for about 5 hours. Then continue by klotok to Rantau Malam Village, the last village before the climb, for about 9 hours. So, the total river crossing time during the dry season is about 13 hours. It is very tiring. This is to reach the foot of the mountain; the climb hasn't even started yet.
When you start the climb, Bukit Raya offers stunning natural panoramas, from dense tropical forests and Kalimantan's unique wildlife to breathtaking views from the summit. It takes about 6 days to reach Bukit Raya. So prepare yourself physically and mentally to face fatigue and challenges, and always maintain a positive attitude for yourself and your fellow travelers.
3. Understand the conditions and trekking routes well
Mount Bukit Raya has several climbing routes, but the most commonly used is the route from Palaik Village. It is important to study the climbing route well, including rest stops, water sources, and base camp locations. However, at that time, I started from Rantau Malam Village.
The base camp is usually where climbers re-register and serve as a coordination center. You can also seek information through local climbing communities or social media to get the latest updates on trail conditions.
4. Use a local guide for safety and security
In Rantau Malam Village, the last village before the climb, a Community-Based Tourism (CBT) system has been developed. The local residents handle all homestay and porter management very well.
Therefore, for safety and security reasons, it is mandatory to use local guides managed by the community. These guides are very familiar with the trekking trails there. Coincidentally, one of the regulations for climbing Mount Bukit Raya is that it is mandatory to use local guides.
Every two hikers must hire a porter who also serves as a guide. If the hike lasts less than six days, the porter fee must still be paid for six days. This information is just so that fellow hikers can prepare for the costs they will incur. This is very good for the safety of hikers and supports the empowerment of the local community.
5. Bring logistics and equipment suitable for the conditions of Mount Bukit Raya
Climbing equipment must be adapted to the terrain and weather conditions at Bukit Raya. Here are some essential items that must be brought:
- Mountain boots: Wear boots with a strong grip so you don't slip easily, considering that the Bukit Raya trail still has many large trees and roots, is slippery due to heavy rainfall, and is mostly dirt.
- Layered clothing that can protect you from the cold and rain. Considering that the forests of Kalimantan are unpredictable, rain can come at any time. Wear quick-drying and comfortable clothing.
- A thick jacket or windbreaker is recommended, as temperatures at the summit can be frigid.
- A tent and proper cooking equipment for provisions during the trip.
- A sleeping bag with a warmth level appropriate for nighttime temperatures.
- Navigation equipment such as maps, compasses, or GPS.
- A headlamp and spare batteries.
- Personal medications and a first aid kit.
- Sufficient food and drinking water. Do not forget to bring high-energy snacks such as nuts and chocolate.
6. Pay attention to the weather and climbing time
The weather in the mountains of Kalimantan can change quickly. The rainy season usually lasts from November to April, so it is recommended to climb during the dry season. This makes the trail safer and less slippery. Always check the weather forecast before leaving.
The best time to start hiking is in the morning so that you can reach important posts before nightfall and minimize the risk of getting lost. However, also pay attention to the condition of the river that you will cross to reach Rantau Malam, the last village before the hike. During the dry season, the water will recede, slowing down the klotok that will take you to Rantau Malam. This means you will need to allow for more time.
7. Learn survival techniques in the mountains or forest
Knowing basic hiking techniques, such as how to walk on steep terrain, use safety ropes, and navigate, will be very useful. Additionally, equip yourself with basic survival knowledge, such as how to make a fire, find clean water, and administer first aid.
This is to prepare for unforeseen circumstances. Although Gunung Bukit Raya is the lowest of Indonesia's Seven Summits in terms of elevation, the forest is still largely untouched. The trails are long and have many branches, and the forest is still dense.
8. Bring cash
Bring enough cash for your needs, as the last village before the hike is far from public facilities like ATMs. The last place to find an ATM is in Nanga Pinoh, which takes over a dozen hours to reach.
Guides prefer cash payments for their services since they are far from ATMs. Additionally, cash is used to pay for traditional ceremonies, purchase necessities from residents, or give tips. Therefore, prepare cash according to your needs.
9. Follow local customs and the rules of Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park (TNBBBR)
Before climbing, make sure you understand and comply with the regulations set by TNBBBR and the traditional rules of Rantau Malam Village. Know what you can and cannot do. For safety, this includes registering at the Bukit Raya base camp to obtain a SIMAKSI (Conservation Area Entry Permit) for Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park and following local traditional rules.
One of the mandatory local customs is that if you plan to climb Mount Bukit Raya, you must perform the Ngukuih Hajat traditional ceremony, so do so mindfully. There are many other customs and rules that you must learn while climbing the highest mountain in Kalimantan. Understand them well and follow the rules for safety and security during your climb.
10. Bring medicine
It is essential to bring at least basic first aid medicine. If you have a specific illness, bring your personal medication during the climb. For example, if you are allergic to cold weather, have food allergies, asthma, ulcers, GERD, or other illnesses that require specific medication, bring those medicines with you.
Also, make sure that you are physically fit and safe to climb before starting your climb. This will ensure that your climb is safe and comfortable.
11. Bring leech repellent
Bukit Raya Mountain is famous for its leeches, both in the dry season and especially in the rainy season. Even when I visited during the dry season, there were still many leeches, and they could get into our bodies at any time. To avoid this, wear appropriate clothing and do not sit carelessly during breaks.
Bring repellent or medication in case leeches attach to your body so you can treat them immediately. If they do not bother you, leave them alone. These repellents or medications include eucalyptus oil and similar products, tobacco water, salt water, kerosene, and others.
12. Do not damage the environment
As a responsible climber, it is essential to preserve the nature of Mount Bukit Raya. Bring a plastic bag to carry your trash back with you. Leave no trace behind except your footprints. Moreover, never damage plants or disturb wildlife, let alone hunt them. This attitude will help preserve the beauty and biodiversity of the area.
13. Hike in groups
Hiking on Bukit Raya is best done with friends or in a group, especially for beginner hikers. Hiking alone carries a higher risk in case of accidents or problems. Make sure you always communicate with your group members and support each other. Use communication devices such as walkie-talkies if cell phone signals are limited.
14. Allow extra time
Given that the weather, trekking conditions, and transportation to the mountain are very unpredictable, it is better to allow an extra day or two just in case. So, don't buy your return ticket too close to your departure date.
As happened to me and my friends, the trip across the river, which should have taken 5 or 6 hours, took us 13 hours. This was because the river was low, so the klotok we were riding on could not travel smoothly.
15. Book transportation well in advance
Book transportation well in advance. First, book your plane tickets well in advance to get more affordable prices. Second, to get to the last village, we have to take the Damri bus first, and Damri tickets can be booked in advance just in case. It's also a good idea to arrive early because the bus only departs once at 7:00 p.m., so don't be late.
However, if you miss the Damri bus, you can use the buses available at agencies around the terminal, though they are more expensive. Next, book klotok boats and speed boats to cross the river to Rantau Malam well in advance to ensure availability; don't wait until the day of departure. This also applies to the return trip.
16. SIMAKSI Registration
Don't forget to register for SIMAKSI before climbing. Make sure to get information on whether the climbing route is open or closed. Bring all the required documents, such as a photocopy of your ID card. Usually, SIMAKSI registration can be done online for some mountains, including Gunung Bukit Raya.
17. Prepare Documentation
Travelling through the Borneo forest, you will encounter extraordinary natural beauty, unique cultures and customs, and events that sometimes defy imagination. You can document all of this as a keepsake. So, don't forget to prepare your documentation well. The experience is truly extraordinary.
My thoughts
For nature lovers or adventurers, climbing Mount Bukit Raya will be an extraordinary experience. With proper physical preparation, complete gear, knowledge of the trail and weather conditions, and a responsible attitude, you can enjoy the journey safely and comfortably. Remember, the summit is just a bonus; what matters most is how you learn, enjoy nature, and return home safely.
Happy hiking, and may your journey to Mount Bukit Raya be filled with beautiful memories.
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