Day 1 of 4: Sembalun Village (1.150.m) – Sembalun Crater Rim (2.639.m).

A four day trek always starts with day 1. Starting at 1150 meter of elevation in Sembalun village, we walked up about 1500m of elevation in one day to the Sembalun Crater Rim. With my good friend Kate Crompton, who amazingly decided to join me on this big power endurance mission only a week before our adventure. Respect lady. It was tough.

Addy was our guide for the whole trek, joined by 4 more porters who are crazy skilled walking this trail on flip-flops and each carrying a bamboo pole with two baskets attached that balances off one shoulder. These hold all our food, cooking and camping gear for our group of 4 and guide. Kate, myself, Tenile, Jon & Addy. To see these guys walking like this was absolutely amazing.

Pos 2 (Tengengean) at 1500m elevation. So far so good. Beautiful views and easy walking. The weather was great. Dry but not too warm.

We had a lunch break at Pos 3 (Pada Balong ) 1800 m. After which we started a much steeper trail.

After lunch and a rest, we continue to heading Sembalun Crater Rim (Pelawangan Sembalun) 2639M, walking time 3 hours including a prolonged steep climb. We camped the night at Sembalun Crater Rim.

The end of day 1.