Fail To Move On From Hiking Mount Andong

Climbing mountains has become a trend as well as a hobby for some people, especially among young people. It seems that it is increasingly difficult to find a deserted mountain of climbers, especially on weekends. Luckily, Jawa Tengah is blessed with a mountainous landscape with extraordinary charm. One of them is Mount Andong which is located in Magelang Regency.
Since 2012, the mountain with an altitude of 1726 masl has always been crowded with climbers. This is inseparable from social media users who share the beauty of Mount Andong from various angles. There are many features attached to Mount Andong to make it worthy of being called a 'five-star mountain.' In addition, Mount Andong also offers charm and landscapes that make anyone fail to move on!
Mount Andong is very friendly for novice climbers. A beginner in climbing can learn to climb Mount Andong as the first experience. The traveling time is only about 1.5 to 2 hours. There are six basecamps as the starting point to climb Mount Andong raveling time namely Sawit Hamlet, Pendem Hamlet, Gugik Hamlet, and Temu Hamlet in Ngablak District. The other two are in the hamlet of Kudus and the hamlet of Sekararum Kembangan, Grabag District.
Of the six basecamps, the hiking route via Sawit Hamlet, Girirejo Village, Ngablak District is more favored by climbers. Besides being more popular and crowded, access to Taruna Jaya Giri Basecamp is also easy to reach using public transportation. The facilities at the Taruna Jaya Giri Basecamp are also quite complete. There are mosques, representative toilets, parking areas, and many stalls for climbers to buy their supplies. The ticket for climbing Mount Andong is also very affordable, only 10,000 IDR and 2,000 IDR for the treasury of Sawit Hamlet. Plus, there are additional parking fees if climbers bring private vehicles.
The journey to climb Mount Andong begins when climbers are greeted by the gate of Mount Andong Ascent. The path from the gate to the checkpoint is still sloping because it is still a village road. The new climb is felt after the checkpoint. Climbers must climb one by one artificial ladder until they meet a two-way fork.
There are two climbing routes that climbers can pass to get to the peak of Mount Andong, namely the old path and the new path. The old path is the first path when Mount Andong was first opened for climbing. Old track tracks tend to be steep and have more inclines, a.k.a minimal bonuses. However, it is good to ride via the old route which is faster. 
Meanwhile, the new path was created after the old route for climbing Mount Andong was closed due to a landslide that occurred in February 2018. Although the new path is long and twisting, the new path is gentler and has many bonuses. There is an incline, but not as steep as the old route. 
In addition, the new path offers a very clear landscape of Mount Merbabu. Meanwhile, if you pass the old route, the view of Mount Merbabu is covered by thick pine forests. It can only be seen after passing post 2.
Each path, both old and new, has three posts. These two paths will meet again at Post 3 Watu Wayang. Not only that each post also has a large enough shelter and camp area. So that climbers can rest for a while, straighten their legs, or set up a tent after being 'beaten' by an incline. Even in the old lane, lined with food stalls and toilets.
After Post 3, the hiking trail turns into a stone staircase that is laid out. Starting from post 3, climbers can see a wide view up to the horizon. Also, Mount Merapi, Mount Merbabu, Mount Sindoro, and Mount Sumbing begin to be seen more clearly from here. Including the peak of Mount Andong. After completing the stairway, the sloping return path that marks the climber is getting closer to the first peak of Mount Andong. Unlike its 'neighboring mountain,' Mount Andong has four peaks at once and is lined up.
The four peaks are the Peak of the Tomb, Soul, Andong, and the Alap-alap which stretches from west to east. The highest peak is Andong Peak, while the Soul Peak is usually a camping ground, aka a camping ground. The Peak of the Tomb is the peak that is first seen and passed. It is called Peak Tomb because in that area there is the tomb of Kiai Abdul Faqih or known as Ki Joko Pekik, a figure who is respected by the local community. Climbers can also set up tents in the lower area of ​​the Soul Graveyard Peak.
From the Peak of the Tomb, hike for a while to get to the other three peaks of Mount Andong. Once at the top, all the tiredness after climbing will pay off. The scenery that is presented in front of the eyes is so amazing. Indulge all senses. At the top of Mount Andong, climbers witness God's paintings that are so real and extraordinary. Mount Merapi, Merbabu, Sindoro, Sumbing, Prau, Ungaran, Telomoyo, and other peaks of Mount Andong, Puncak Alap-alap, can all be seen just by turning your body! Including a row of hills that stretches as well as panoramic views of Magelang and other areas. Everything seemed so clear. Add the moment when the Sun is about to rise or set and then the vast sea of ​​clouds. Beautiful! This view is what makes many climbers fail to move on from Mount Andong.
Another feature of Mount Andong which has earned it the nickname 'the five-star mountain' is that there are food stalls and telecommunication operator signals at the top. Climbers can have snacks at the cafe while surfing the internet or uploading the latest posts on the Peak of Mount Andong.
So, getting impatient to enjoy Mount Andong, right? Right now, plan your hike to Mount Andong. (Contributor)
Andong Mountain Climbing:
- There are 6 basecamps
- Has three posts
- Travel time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours
- There are stalls at every post
- There is a fairly large camp area
- HTM: 10,000 IDR and 2,000 IDR for village fund