Among the glittering array of hiking destinations that are currently the talk of the town in my area, there's one name that stands out: Sarah Klopo. Situated at an elevation of 1235 meters above sea level, Sarah Klopo is a majestic offspring of Mount Penanggungan. However, its allure isn't just in its height, but also in the presence of several ancient temples dating back to the Majapahit Kingdom scattered along its hiking trails.
On that morning, we arrived at the registration booth around 7 a.m. The atmosphere was bustling with a long line of hikers eagerly awaiting their turn. We spent nearly an hour queuing before finally securing our admission tickets, priced at Rp 15,000 per person, along with a parking fee of Rp 10,000.
Our adventure commenced promptly at 8 a.m. from base camp 1. Winding our way through the passages of local gardens, we felt the refreshing embrace of the air, embarking on the long journey towards the summit. Approximately 15 minutes later, we reached base camp 2, marking the beginning of the real challenges ahead.
The trail towards base camp 3 took about 20 minutes, where we had to navigate increasingly steep terrain. However, upon reaching base camp 3, the atmosphere turned more exhilarating and challenging. The once steep trail began to be littered with large rocks, testing our strength and endurance.
From base camp 3, our journey towards the summit became even more fascinating. We passed by various ancient temples from the Majapahit Kingdom scattered along the hiking trail. The beauty of these ancient structures provided us with additional energy to continue our journey, despite the continuous challenges.
As we traversed the vast grasslands towards the summit, breathtaking panoramas began to unfold before us. From afar, we could see the majestic peaks of Mount Penanggungan and Mount Arjuno Welirang, adorning the clear blue sky.
After a long and exhausting journey, we finally reached the summit of Sarah Klopo. Here, we not only felt the satisfaction of our physical achievement but also a deep sense of joy in appreciating the natural beauty and history hidden behind every twist and turn of our journey.
Hiking to Sarah Klopo is more than just an ordinary adventure. It's a series of experiences that taught us about perseverance, courage, and resilience in the face of every obstacle. And behind every step we took, the beauty of the local landscape and history always greeted us with unparalleled hospitality.