Bromo-Bali 3

Today we will be heading to Mount Ijen, where the crater lake is located. Leaving Catimor homestay,
the pink old building built by the Dutch at 6am. Waking up rather early, we had another long bumpy ride heading out of the area. We were looking forward for the hike up to see the sulfur mine as well as the crater lake.



Our journey began from this deceving road.
Little did we know that the 3 km hike was up the hill. After one third of the hike, it became rather difficult and steep. We were taking out one piece by one piece of our clothing as it was getting warmer. Felt like our lungs was going to burst. I am not very good with hills personally, in fact hate it. I can walk forever on flat ground but not up the slopes. Cursing the bag that I was carrying which was loaded with my slr and drinks. Very heavy load. I think we walked for about 1-2 hours up the hill. Our driver was smart, he said he would wait until we finish. To escape hiking all the way up, which leave us on our own and we met some of the workers of the sulfur mine.



They offer to bring us to see the view and go down the mine. Charging us a fee at the end of the thing. The fact is they were just on their way to work, and we were merely tagging along with them. Terrible idiots, and we came back with some stupid souvenir made by sulfur. For those who plan to visit Mount Ijen, do not be touched by their 'kind' offer to guide you there because they do not mean it. They expect a tip or fee at the end.





The view of the lake is magnificent from another short hike up after we reach the top. We have dead twigs and branches at the side of the pathway. Looks like the way to Mordor, haha. I was imagining it would be beautiful place for photography with ladies wearing red or white with the twigs as the backdrop. The next challenging part is climbing down into the mine which is rather steep. We were helped by the workers there to hike down. I was trembling because I have great fear towards high places yet I have to hike down no matter what. We reached the bottom and it was an experience. My friend saw the lava flowing out from the pipe. I was to traumatize by the climb down that I just sat there to catch my breath.



Finally, it is time to go back. Those idiots ask us for a fee and....What it worst, after they bring you down to the mine, you have to climb up yourself. There are no proper trail or road up there. One wrong turn could get you stuck. It was so smoky with the sulfur smoke as we were hiking up, we have to stop at some point because it was a plain of white smoke. It makes you choke a lot as well. I felt like I was going to die at that point and the verge of crying. I have a great fear of height. That was really an adventure. I think we took about half an hour to get back up the top of the mine. From all the rocks and polluted air. Your lungs crave for fresh air. Sulfur really stinks.

Getting out from there, we have to hike back down 3km down the hill. That was a breeze but we speed down because we were really hungry. It was so good to see the foot of the hill. We are smoked in sulfur and the smell does not go away. I have yellow stains here and there. A fresh change of clothes and chomp on our sandwhich prepared by the driver. The time is 10 plus am.
We just hop on the car, and what awaits us is a long ride to Bali. Memory of the place as above floats in my mind. We had lunch at a small restaurant before going to the jetty area at noon. Then we drove on again, finally we reached and we took a ferry to cross Selat Bali. My friend made a funny remark which I have to record down, she said we are crossing Jalan Bali :)
This is trip is rather extreme, even on how we have to pack our clothes. We went from the mountains to the sea. Freezing at 0 celcious and moving towards hot humid seaside weather.

Feeling a little sick from too much of sulfur inhaled inside. After the ferry ride and a two hours drive we stopped by at a restaurant where we have the most delicious noodle soup. As we continue, our tired bodies doze off on our journey to Ubud, Bali. The centre of the island. We had almost a 10 hour car ride from Surabaya to Ubud, Bali. We reached the area at about 9pm was very disappointed with Rumah Roda and their online reservation services. It was dark and they did not promise us our reservation. Our room was not available and we had to check in some horrible place. We just left, wondering off with our heavy backpack under a light drizzle. We were wandering along the Monkey Street to look for new hotel. We were lucky to meet the boss of Graha Ubud Bali who would give us a good deal for the 3 nights in Ubud. All the hotels were almost more than 400 000 rupiah per night, which was beyond our budget. So we took the offer, and he gave us breakfast as well as extra bed without charge. The room was huge, really thankful that we found this place. It is a good place to stay in Ubud, I would highly recommend ;) Good staff and service.

Time to zzzz, a long day. A lot of stuff happened all in one day.