On July 5th, 2022, we did a one-day hike of Mount Gede. Tek-tok is the Indonesian jargon for when you summit and descend a peak in a single day.
Our group of nine plus one guide was a pretty random bunch. The youngest was my 16-year-old brother and the oldest was 46.
We did little to no training and the majority of us had never before stepped foot on a mountain’s peak. All we knew was we wanted to summit without having to camp overnight. And that we did.
It was only during the endless trek down that we found out from fellow climbers how taxing a one-day hike was, especially for first-timers. The sun had nearly set. We were the only ones going down. They cheered us on, but not before laughing and calling us crazy (good-naturedly, of course).
It was a fun challenge.
The recommended itinerary for Mount Gede is 2D1N, but maybe you like don’t like ordinary. Maybe you like pain. Maybe you like the adrenaline rush from hiking 13 hours non-stop.
If so, this is the guide for you.
Quick links:
- Preparing for the Journey
- How to get to Gunung Gede from Jakarta
- Trail overview
- Notable spots on Mount Gede Pangrango
- Tips for hiking Gunung Gede in one day
- FAQ
- Summary
Preparing for the Journey
Admittedly, our group didn’t prepare as much as we probably should. The only reason everyone made it was because we already had a relatively active lifestyle. However, many of us had sore legs and feet for days afterward, which I’m sure could have been prevented if we had at least trained for the hike.
So, if you want a pleasant experience, it’s always a good idea to be more prepared.
Go on more runs, hit legs in the gym, and just be a bit more active than usual. Your body will thank you later.
Essential gear and supplies
It’s important to both pack smart and be prepared.
Remember, you’re summiting and descending the mountain in a single day. Make sure not to overpack as this will make your Mount Gede hike so much easier. However, you still want to have all the essentials!
Here are some must-have items to ensure a successful one-day hike:
- Snacks. Anything sweet and easy to munch on while you walk. We had chocolate, energy bars, and candies. Nuts and dates work too!
- Food. You want foods that are convenient but filling and bring enough for 1-2 heavy meals. We brought lots of onigiris, but things like rice cakes or lontong, rice boxes, and sandwiches are also great.
- Plenty of water. I recommend 2L per person.
- Raincoat. Unfortunately, it rains quite a lot on Mount Gede, even during the non-rainy season. Better be prepared than miserable!
- Trekking pole.
- Plastic bag. For wet clothes and to pack your trash.
- Standard first aid kit. Just in case.
- Headlamp or flashlight. You’ll need light because it WILL be dark for at least a portion of your descent.
- Tissue and wet wipes. For obvious hygiene reasons.
What should you wear on Mount Gede?
It can get cold at the summit of Mt Gede and when it rains, but also quite hot during the day.
The key is layers.
I’d recommend wearing a dry-fit T-shirt and then bringing a light jacket for the afternoon. You can wear shorts or trousers, but I personally prefer long ones as they protect the legs from branches, rocks, and insects.
If you have hiking or trekking shoes, wear those! They will save your ankles, especially during the hike down.
With that said, I did wear regular running shoes and they did fine too. Just make sure to wear comfortable, long socks.
Is Mount Gede hard to climb?
Alright. How hard is the climb up Mount Gede?
I’m not an avid hiker or mountaineer, so I can only speak from experience.
As I mentioned, most of us were pretty active so the one-day journey had been taxing but not impossible.
The fittest person in our group was a cyclist-slash-runner, so she had excellent endurance and cardio. She was consistently ahead of everyone and reached the peak a good hour before most of us.
This means that as long as you do moderate-intensity exercise at least four times a week, you’ll be tired but fine. If you’re even more active than that, you will probably be more than fine.
So, assessing your fitness level before you set off is essential!
When is the best time to hike Mount Gede Pangrango?
Every year, Mount Gede Pangrango is closed for hikers and climbers between December and March. It’s the rainy season and a dangerous time to be in the mountains.
The best time of the year to hike Mount Gede Pangrango is from May to July.
To camp or not to camp. Should you hike Mount Gede in one day?
How long does it take to trek climb Gede-Pangrango?
It usually takes two days to hike Mount Gede Pangrango, which will give you enough time to rest, enjoy the views, and catch the sunset from the summit.
It’s very much possible to do it in a day, but it will take around 12 hours non-stop and you won’t be able to sit around for too long. I know some people who have done it too, so it all comes down to what you want!
Basically:
- Do a 1-day hike if you don’t want to camp, can endure being on your feet for 10 to 12+ hours, don’t mind skipping some of the Mt Gede landmarks, and want a more physical challenge.
- Hike over 2 days for a more leisurely pace, to see the sunrise, and experience all the stops like the waterfall and hot spring.
How to get to Gunung Gede from Jakarta
The Mount Gede Pangrango National Park is roughly 100 km from Jakarta, or a 2 hour 15 minutes drive. It’s easiest to get there by car.
If you want to take public transportation, there are several buses that run from Jakarta to Bandung with stops at Puncak. Stop at Cibodas and then take local transport (such as angkot or ojek) to the National Park. Expect to spend anywhere from IDR 30,000 to IDR 60,000 per person.
Trail overview: mountain stats
Mount Gede
- Height: 2,958 m above sea level
- 3rd highest mountain in West Java
Mount Pangrango
- Height: 3,019 m above sea level
- 2nd highest mountain in West Java
Gede or Pangrango? Choosing between the twin peaks
Mount Gede and Mount Pangrango are two different mountains located side by side. A lot of people visit both summits in one hike, but you might only have time for one if you’re doing a one-day climb. For our trip last year, we did Mount Gede.
Mount Gede stands at 2,958 above sea level, while Mount Pangrango is slightly taller at 3,019 m above sea level. They are the second and third-highest mountains in West Java.
The elevation difference between the two peaks is 61 meters. You will reach Mt Gede first as it’s lower, and it takes roughly 150 minutes from there to the top of Mt Pangrango.
Choosing the right hiking trail on Mt Gede Pangrango
There are three official hiking trails:
- Gunung Putri (Cipanas): the fastest route to the summit and Suryakencana, but is quite steep. It’s characterized by more soil and tree roots, which is easier for ascent and trickier for descent. You won’t pass through the waterfall or hot spring.
- Cibodas (Cianjur): relatively gentler slopes with manmade rock stairs, but longer route. Take this option if you want to see the waterfall and hot spring, although you probably won’t have time in a one-day hike…
- Salabinta (Sukabumi): the least favorite and popular trail. You will need to camp overnight just to reach Alun-alun Suryakencana.
We hiked up Cibodas and descended via Gunung Putri, but we later learned that most people prefer the other way around.
This is because the steeper terrains of Gunung Putri make it easier to climb up, but harder on the leg muscles for hiking down. Meanwhile, the steps on Cibodas are much friendlier for your journey back down.
It doesn’t matter which way you’re going or even if you choose the same trail for your ascent and descent. However, note that Alun-Alun Suryakencana is in the middle of the Gunung Putri trail. I would say that this is the one thing you shouldn’t miss on Mount Gede!
Notable spots on Mount Gede Pangrango
From the beautiful turquoise waters of Telaga Biru to the famous Edelweiss meadow that is Suryakencana, below are some noteworthy landmarks on Mount Gede.
Although a disclaimer: while we did pass most of these spots, we didn’t actually stop or made the small detour to see all of them. Our one-day hike meant we were short on time.
1. Telaga Biru
Telaga Biru translates directly into Blue Lake, which is due to its gorgeous blue waters. This five-hectare lake is nestled 1,575 meters above sea level. It’s about 1 hour or 1.5 kilometers from the Cibodas entrance.
Because the trek to Telaga Biru is fairly flat and easy, some people come just to see the lake! It is said that the blue color comes from the blue algae that grow on the bottom of the lake floor.
2. Rawa Gayonggong
Rawa Gayonggong is the next landmark you’ll pass after the lake. The long bridge above this swamp is surrounded by lots of trees and makes for a scenic photo.
Some people say that leopards used to roam this bridge too, though I have yet to see them with my own eyes…
3. Cibeureum Waterfall
The Cibeureum Waterfall is also a popular destination for many locals and non-hikers who want to escape the city and enjoy the stunning cascade. It’s 40 meters tall and truly a marvelous sight. Now, we didn’t get to see the waterfall because it’s a 10-minute detour from the main route, and we would’ve spent at least an hour there.
There are two other waterfalls near Cibeureum, Cidendeng, and Cikundul, all of which are equally majestic and tall. This spot attracts a lot of tourists so there’s a musholla, canteens, and a restroom here.
4. Hot Spring
You’ll pass through the Hot Spring if you’re taking the Cibodas trail. I’m not sure if there are any springs that you can swim in, but this particular one is simply a landmark. The rocks are quite slippery here, but thankfully they’ve erected a sturdy rope that you can hold on to!
5. Tanjakan Setan (Devil’s Climb)
Next, you will encounter the infamous Devil’s Climb. This is also only if you’re on the Cibodas trail. It’s a section of pretty extreme incline, hence the name. But don’t worry as there’s a webbing rope that you can pull yourself with.
This is not a must and you can take the long way round, but people say you haven’t really climbed Mt Gede if you haven’t done the Devil’s Climb!
6. Alun-Alun Suryakencana
Aside from the summit, Alun-Alun Suryakencana is the highlight of the entire hike. At least for me. This vast meadow measures 50 hectares and is home to the endemic flower edelweiss, its white petals blooming and stretching as far as the eye can see.
Ps. The edelweiss is a high-altitude flower that grows in places people can’t reach very easily. It’s often associated with the Alps, and so it’s pretty special that we can see them in Indonesia.
It’s such a beautiful place and is the reason why most people choose to camp overnight when doing Mt Gede—so they can spend hours here!
Suryakencana sits at an altitude of 2,750 meters and takes roughly 7 hours to reach from the entrance of Gunung Putri. If you’re going up via Cibodas, then you can only get here after summitting.
7. Kandang Badak Campground
Kandang Badak is the last stop before the summit, and this is usually where people set up camp to reach the top of Mt Pangrango. There are plenty of trees and shade here, making it a comfortable place to rest!
Plus, you can find local people selling various drinks and homecooked food, which can be a nice treat for hikers. There are also toilets and running water.
Tips for hiking Gunung Gede in one day
Proper preparation and caution are key to a successful hike. I have a few tips here that may be useful…
1. Stay in a nearby hotel the night before
This is what we did, which definitely made the super early start more manageable. We woke up at around 3 am, which gave us enough time to get ready, have breakfast, and drive to the starting gate.
You can choose to stay an additional night again for after the hike or drive straight back to the city.
2. Plan your descent carefully
Allocate enough time for the descent as it can be just as challenging. The rocks and grounds via Gunung Putri are slippery, and it can be too easy to slip! So, descend slowly and cautiously to prevent injuries.
3. Start training in advance
Incorporate regular cardio and leg-strengthening exercises into your fitness routine to build endurance. If you’re fit enough, you will minimize the soreness and lactic acid buildup in your legs.
4. Use trekking poles
Trekking poles can provide stability and reduce strain on your knees, especially during the steep sections of the trail. They can make a significant difference during a long hike!
5. Pace yourself
If you’re planning to do the whole route in one day, you won’t have as much time to rest and sit around. But it’s still important to take breaks when needed and listen to your body.
I’ve found that it helps to time your breaks too. Sit down for too long and it will be much harder to get back up and continue the hike. Instead, try to maintain a steady pace that allows you to hike comfortably throughout the entire duration.
6. Stay aware of the weather
Always check the weather forecast before any hike and be prepared for sudden changes. The weather up in the mountains can be fickle, so be sure to carry rain gear and a waterproof cover for your backpack.
7. Respect the environment
This last rule is a no-brainer. No matter where you’re hiking, in Indonesia or beyond, abid by the Leave No Trace principles. This means packing out all your trash, staying on designated trails, and avoiding disturbing the natural habitat.
FAQ about Gunung Gede Pangrango
Is there an entrance fee and how much?
The latest 2023 entrance and permit fees according to the official Balai Besar Taman Nasional (BBTN) Gunung Gede Pangrango are:
Monday to Friday
- KTP holders: IDR 29,000 (IDR 17,500 for students)
- Foreigners: IDR 320,000 (IDR 211,500 for students)
Weekends & National Holidays
- KTP holders: IDR 34,000 (IDR 20,500 for students)
- Foreigners: IDR 470,000 (IDR 311,500 for students)
You can buy tickets on the spot, and they include insurance for 2 days and 1 night of hiking.
Is there food and water on Mount Gede Pangrango?
You can find some locals selling food and drinks at many of the stops and campsites, but not every day. We hiked on a Tuesday and found almost none of the usual ‘warungs’ on the mountain. It turned out that they set up shop only on weekends and holidays.
It’s better to assume that you can’t buy anything up there and pack enough water and food for the whole day.
Can you hike Mount Gede Pangrango without a guide?
I’m going to say you can only if you have done the hike multiple times before and are confident with the route and terrain.
Otherwise, it’s much better and safer to hire a guide. There are plenty of tours and travel companies online that offer trips to Mount Gede, though not all of them will agree to do a day trip (as opposed to overnight).
Summary
Embarking on a one-day hike up Mount Gede is an exhilarating endeavor for adventurers seeking an unforgettable experience. It sure was for me!
From the early morning ascent to the triumph of reaching the summit, I hope you can get a useful bit or two from this post.
Lace up your hiking boots, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and let the mountain captivate you with its natural wonders and breathtaking landscapes.
Feeling inspired to conquer Mount Gede? Save this guide for future reference and share it with fellow adventure seekers.
Share your hiking goals and experiences in the comments below!
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