Morning Preparations
January 30th, in Mojokerto. I woke up early to upload some videos I had recorded on my GoPro the day before. After finishing that small bit of work, I got ready to leave. Today’s route included a mountain climb, and while the total distance was only around 40 kilometers, I had a feeling it would be tougher than it looked.
Somehow, I kept imagining I wouldn’t arrive until around 4 p.m., so I decided to set off earlier than usual. Before hitting the road, I stopped for breakfast.
Bakso, as always. Sitting there, eating meatball soup while watching goats freely grazing nearby, I felt a small sense of companionship.
The First Climb
Not long after I left, the mountain road appeared. Within 15 kilometers, I was already drenched in sweat, legs pushing endlessly up the steep incline. The distant mountain foothills loomed ahead, reminding me how far I still had to go.
After another stretch of climbing, the rain came suddenly and heavily. Searching for shelter, I found a house that looked safe and was invited to rest there. I stayed for about an hour.
What surprised me was that not everyone there was family. Many were neighbors who had simply gathered together. The way people in Indonesia live—supporting and sharing with those around them—left a deep impression on me. Before leaving, we took a photo together, capturing a moment of warmth and community.
Rain, Food, and Conversations
Back on the road, the slopes continued endlessly. Along the roadside, I noticed many lodge-style stalls and small restaurants. They looked like places built for travelers to rest.
The rain returned, stronger than before. I stopped again and ordered Mie Goreng. Sitting quietly, I waited for the storm to pass.
Then, a couple sitting nearby began talking to me. They told me they were working hard because they might get the chance to study in Japan under a scholarship program. Their energy and determination were contagious, and listening to their hopes gave me encouragement too.
When the rain finally eased, I got back on the bike. The last kilometer was brutal—a steep climb that took me an entire hour to conquer.
Arrival at the Campsite
At last, I reached my camping spot. The price, I learned, changes depending on whether it’s a weekday or a weekend. After paying, I set up camp.
The wind and rain were still noisy, and I soon realized I was the only camper there. The entire site felt like it belonged to me alone.
After dropping my luggage, I walked to a nearby waterfall. This was Dlundung Waterfall, a popular tourist spot. Some people go inside the water itself, but with the rain and my soaked clothes, I decided to leave that adventure for another day.
Even so, standing there in front of the waterfall after such a long climb, I felt grateful—for the strength to keep moving, for the kindness of strangers, and for the quiet beauty waiting at the end of a hard day’s ride.
