Chapter 2. Climbing Mount Ungaran Adventure: Preparing for a Tektok Night Hike

 

Photos taken by Nisa Arum

Preparing for a mountain is not only about choosing a date on the calendar. It is about slowly building a small conversation between your body, your mind, and the trail you are about to walk. After deciding that Mount Ungaran would be my destination and that I would do a tektok hike, the next big step was preparation. A tektok sounds simple because it is “just one day,” but in reality it demands careful planning. There is no tent to hide in if something goes wrong, and there is no extra day to “fix” mistakes. Everything you need must be ready from the moment you leave home until you return to basecamp.

Understanding The Route and Timing

The first part of preparation was understanding the route and timing. Tektok means going up and down in a single push, usually starting late at night so that you reach the summit or main viewpoints around sunrise. I looked at other hikers’ experiences and roughly estimated how many hours it might take to reach spots like Bondolan and Puncak Botak from Perantunan basecamp. Knowing the estimated time helped me plan when to leave Yogyakarta, when to arrive at basecamp, and what time to start the actual climb. It also helped me imagine my energy levels: when I might feel sleepy, when I might feel cold, and when I would most need snacks and rest breaks.​

Checking Conditions

The next step was checking conditions. A mountain can look friendly on a clear day and very different under heavy rain or strong wind. In the days before the hike, I checked the weather forecast regularly, paying attention to rain chances and temperature at night. I also tried to find any recent information about the Perantunan trail: whether it was open, if there were any landslides, or if there were special rules I needed to follow. This simple habit of checking conditions is a small act of respect for the mountain and for my own safety.​

Packing List

Once the plan and conditions felt okay, I moved on to my packing list. For a tektok hike, the challenge is to bring enough without bringing too much. I chose a medium-sized backpack, big enough for layers, food, and water but still comfortable to carry for several hours. For clothing, I followed a simple layering system that many hikers recommend: a quick-dry base layer close to the skin, a warm mid-layer like a fleece, and a light jacket on top to block wind or light rain. Because the climb would start at night, I also prepared a beanie, gloves, and an extra pair of socks in case my feet got wet or cold.​

Photos taken by treelinereview.com

Footwear is always a personal choice, but I knew that good shoes would make a big difference, especially on the descent. I chose sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, not too tight but snug enough to support my ankles. For a moderate-length day hike like this, many guides suggest comfortable trail shoes and warn against using old, stiff boots that can cause blisters if you are not used to them. I also packed a light pair of sandals to wear later at basecamp so my feet could rest after the climb.​

Then came the question of food and water. I packed enough water for several hours of hiking, with a little extra to be safe. For food, I focused on simple, easy-to-eat items that give quick energy: bread, biscuits, energy bars, and small chocolates. Snacks may sound like a small detail, but they help a lot when your body is working hard and your mood starts to drop. Along with snacks, I brought a few small meals, knowing that we would also stop at a roadside stall before reaching basecamp. Many beginner hiking guides suggest packing “more than you think you need” for both water and food, especially when you are still learning how your body reacts to effort and altitude.​

Safety items were another important part of the checklist. I packed a headlamp with fresh batteries, and I added a small backup light just in case. A basic first-aid kit went into one pocket of my bag, filled with plasters, pain relievers, and any personal medicine I might need. I brought a light raincoat, even though the forecast looked good, because mountain weather can change quickly and unexpectedly. Many tektok tips emphasise bringing a comfortable backpack, light but complete layers, a headlamp, a first-aid kit, and navigation tools like an offline map or GPS app on your phone.​

Finally, preparation also meant getting myself ready mentally and physically. In the days leading up to the hike, I tried to sleep well, drink enough water, and keep my body active with light exercise and stretching. I reminded myself that it was okay if my pace was slow, as long as it was steady. I also discussed the plan clearly with my cousin and friends: our meeting time, our roles, our rough timeline, and what to do if someone felt unwell. Good preparation does not remove all challenges from a climb, but it gives a quiet confidence. With my bag packed and my mind set, I felt ready to leave the comfort of home and step into the dark, waiting path that would lead us toward Mount Ungaran.