JAKARTA : The Sikunir Hill is now welcoming back tourists in search of the picturesque golden sunrise.
Located at Central Java’s Dieng Plateau, Sikunir Hill first reopened last month.
On October 2, a number of tourists gathered at the starting point at Java’s highest village, the Sembungan Village. Some even set up tents by Cebong Lake to enjoy the morning sunrise. A tour guide predicted that the sun would rise at 5.23 a.m. that day.
Sikunir Hill sits at an altitude of 2,306 meters above the sea level.
Climbers must obey the Covid-19 safety protocols during their venture. They must also wear thick jackets, gloves, headgears, and all other equipment needed to ward off the cold weather and the lack of oxygen.
Tourists are advised to fill their stomach before climbing to keep their bodies fit. Their “culinary adventure” will also help the economy of the traders selling warm Dieng food along the hiking trails.
Beginner climbers usually train at Sikunir Hill, as it is not too high. Local residents have also built wooden steps for the elderly tourists.
The peak offers an unforgettable sight of the beautiful golden sunrise with a backdrop of Mount Sindoro, Sumbing, Merapi, and Merbabu.
After enjoying the scenery from the top of the hill, tourists will go back down to the hillside. There, the Angklung Sikunir Orchestra will greet them with popular songs sung so sweetly.
By : YUDHA BASKORO – JAKARTA GLOBE
The Stringer 