Chapter 1. Climbing Mount Ungaran Adventure: Why Mount Ungaran?

Photos Taken by Nisa Arum

Mount Ungaran has a quiet magic that always draws people in, whether it is their first hike or their fiftieth. Nestled in Central Java, it is easy enough to reach from Semarang or Yogyakarta, which makes it the perfect weekend escape. Rising 2,050 meters above sea level, Ungaran offers a blend of adventure, beautiful views, and stillness, an ideal place to reconnect with nature and with yourself. From the first time the mountain came into my mind, I knew this would not be just another trip. It felt more like a small promise to slow down, breathe deeper, and see what waited for me above the city lights.

This story follows my personal climb, from the earliest planning stages to the laughter along the trail and the quiet reflection at the summit. My hope is simple: that these pages help anyone who is dreaming of their first hike in Indonesia, especially those who feel both excited and a little scared. Before stepping onto the trail, the journey begins with a question: why this mountain, and why now? For me, the answer was a mix of curiosity, the need for a short escape, and the desire to test my own limits in a place that is still friendly for beginners.

When I first started planning, I spent time reading other hikers’ stories, asking friends who had been there, and checking simple details like distance and difficulty. Mount Ungaran kept appearing as a good choice for a “starter” hike: not too high, not too technical, but still rewarding and beautiful. I liked the idea that it was accessible yet not boring, a mountain that could challenge my body without breaking my spirit. I also wanted something that could fit into a busy schedule, so a long expedition with many days of camping did not feel realistic for me at that moment.

Photo taken by Nisa Arum

The next step was to decide what kind of hike to do: a quick tektok (a one-day hike without camping), a trail run, or an overnight trip under the stars. Each option had its own charm. An overnight hike promised a full mountain experience with tents and campfire stories. A trail run sounded thrilling but also more intense and athletic. In the end, I chose the tektok: simple, short, and just right for my energy level and timetable. With tektok, I could start at night, reach the summit in time for sunrise, and still return home the next day without taking too many days off.

Once the plan was clear, preparation became my focus. As with any good adventure, preparation makes all the difference between a smooth experience and a stressful one. I checked the weather forecast, making sure there was no heavy rain predicted for the night of our climb. I confirmed that the Perantunan route was open and safe to use at that time. Then I began to write a small checklist of essentials: a warm jacket, a comfortable inner layer, and a light waterproof outer layer in case the weather changed suddenly. I chose sturdy shoes with good grip, knowing that the trail could be slippery or rocky in some parts.

Photo by Nisa Arum

Food and water were also important. I prepared simple snacks that were easy to eat on the move, like bread, biscuits, and small chocolates. I brought enough water to stay hydrated but tried not to overload my backpack so it would not feel too heavy during the climb. A headlamp, an extra battery, and a small first-aid kit went into my bag as well. More than any item, however, the most important thing I carried was a ready mindset. I reminded myself that it was okay to walk slowly, to rest when needed, and to listen to my body instead of comparing myself with other hikers.

Photo taken by Nisa Arum

Choosing the route was another key part of planning. I decided to take the popular Perantunan route, which many hikers recommend for its clear path and beautiful views. From Yogyakarta, I set my departure time for around 8 PM, giving enough time to travel by motorbike, rest at basecamp, and start hiking before dawn. I invited my cousin and two friends to join, turning the climb into a shared experience rather than a solo mission. Riding through the cool night air on our motorbikes, the city slowly disappeared behind us, replaced by quiet roads, dark silhouettes of trees, and the feeling that our small adventure had finally begun.

On the way, we stopped for a late dinner at a modest Pecel Lele stall, which has become our unofficial pre-hike ritual. Sitting together over simple food, we laughed, shared our expectations, and half-joked about what might happen on the trail. That meal felt like a gentle bridge between everyday life and the world of the mountains. By the time we continued our ride toward Perantunan, my nervousness had softened into excitement. Chapter by chapter, step by step, the journey to Mount Ungaran was already writing itself, even before my feet touched the trail.