In the mists of gede-pangrango

The climb gradually became more difficult, and big or small rocks that lined the trail could be dangerous to the ankles. It took about three hours to get to the hot springs area. You cannot miss it because the steamy hot springs flow over the trail.

From about there?? the trail became extremely slippery and steamy. You have to walk on a series of lichen-covered rocks and grab a rope railing to prevent yourself stepping into water or tumbling down a cliff covered with ferns and shrubs. Before traversing the treacherous part about 15 meters long I had to put my glasses into my backpack.

After that, I had a break and enjoyed the distinctive scenery in this part of the mountains. The valley in front of the hot springs reminded me of the fascinating world of Avatar in the James Cameron movie.

Trees, several with beautiful red leaves, are all towering. The trunks of these trees are overgrown with huge tree ferns, lichens and other epiphyte plants. Various orchid species blossom on trunks and branches. Steam from the hot springs floats in the moist air and gives the valley an other-world look.

Following a stream that originates from the hot springs, I arrived at a camping ground where I ate my packed lunch. I started descending about 2 pm, and it was much easier than the latter part of the ascent, but my knees were starting to ache.

I explored the lower part of the mountain the next day.

The Blue Lake turned out to be little more than a big pond by the trail, and I did not find it particularly interesting. On the other hand, the Cibeureum Falls are three waterfalls flowing down a sheer cliff and worth a close look.

The shrubs of Jimson weed or devil's trumpet (Datura stramonium) in front of the falls are pleasant to behold. Rampant with big white trumpet-shaped flowers, the shrubs act as an exotic and beautiful foreground for the waterfalls. The site is popular among Indonesian day-trippers who swim in the stream filled by the falls and picnic nearby.

Still, I prefer the upper part of the mountains, which is quieter and wilder.

My lasting regret is that I could not spend a few more days in Cibodas, during which I would have hired a guide and tried to ascend to the crater wall of Gunung Gede and watch the sunrise there.