Hiking Mount Buthak: An Unforgettable First Experience

In 2021, I went hiking to Mount Buthak with a friend. We chose this mountain not only because it is easily accessible, taking less than an hour from Malang city, but also because Mount Buthak has a beautiful and vast savanna at its campsite, which became the main attraction for us. The idea of immersing ourselves in nature and witnessing the stunning landscape, along with the chance to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the savanna, made this hike a perfect getaway.

Our journey began with a motorcycle ride from Malang city, an exciting start to our adventure. The drive itself was enjoyable as we passed through rural roads with scenic views of farmland and small villages. Along the way, there are two parking areas: one at the bottom for automatic motorcycles, and one at the top near the basecamp for gear-shift motorcycles. We decided to use a gear-shift motorcycle for better control, especially for the more challenging terrain near the basecamp. So, we parked near the basecamp, while automatic motorcycles had to park lower down, as the road from the lower parking lot to the basecamp was quite uphill.

Once we started hiking, we quickly passed Pos 1, which had a small warung (shop). The shop offered various snacks, drinks, and even some local dishes, making it a great stop for quick refreshment. I couldn’t resist buying some fried snacks and fresh watermelon just what I needed to regain some energy. The shop also provided a much-needed rest before we continued our ascent. However, there was a moment during the hike when I started to feel dizzy and tired, especially when traveling from Pos 3 to Pos 4. After reflecting on it, I realized the dizziness was likely due to not consuming enough sweet food, which I had underestimated.

The hiking trail to Mount Buthak is relatively easy for those who are physically prepared. The main path is gentle, with about 45% uphill sections, but they’re not too steep, so it's manageable for most hikers. However, there’s one part of the trail that’s quite challenging, known as the PHP (Pos 1 to Pos 2 slope). This section has an incline of about 20 degrees and can be pretty tough, especially as you approach the savanna area where we planned to set up camp. It felt like an endurance test, but the excitement of reaching the savanna kept us going. Once we reached the savanna, the trail became significantly easier, and we could take in the breathtaking surroundings. The beauty of the place made the effort worth it.

After setting up camp, we rested and admired the view, which was simply spectacular. The open savanna stretched before us, with the iconic Mount Buthak towering in the distance. We even spotted some Edelweiss flowers growing around the campsite, adding to the serene atmosphere. The journey from Pos 2 to Pos 3, which passed through a dense and pristine mossy forest, was another highlight. The forest was so refreshing, and the air was crisp and clean, allowing us to recharge both physically and mentally before tackling the final part of the hike. The lush greenery and the sounds of nature made it feel like we were in a different world entirely.

As we continued our ascent, I realized that the true summit for me wasn’t the top of Mount Buthak, but rather the savanna itself. The view was so incredible that it felt like we had already reached the pinnacle of our journey. There was something about the peacefulness of the savanna, the wind blowing through the grass, and the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains that made me feel like I was truly connected with nature. I was filled with happiness, even though I knew the actual summit was still ahead. It was, after all, my subjective view I simply love savannas!

Of course, proper preparation is key for a successful and safe hike. We brought the usual hiking equipment to ensure our safety during the trip, including sturdy shoes, a first aid kit, enough water, and enough food to sustain us along the way. Hiking, especially on a mountain like Buthak, is an extreme sport, and the importance of being well-prepared cannot be overstated.

There was also one funny and slightly tense moment during the hike. As a beginner hiker, I was quite scared of the potential dangers, particularly the risk of slipping into a ravine. The other hikers we met along the trail seemed so relaxed and experienced, while I kept feeling anxious and holding onto tree branches to maintain my balance. This must have looked comical to them, especially to my friend, who had hiked Mount Buthak three times before. He was calm and collected, while I was visibly nervous and overwhelmed by the challenges. We even had a good laugh at my reactions, which helped ease the tension. Despite my fears and anxiety, I knew I was gaining valuable experience, and the support from my friend made the entire journey much more enjoyable.

In the end, this trip turned out to be not just a physical challenge, but also an enlightening experience. It taught me the importance of preparation, the value of patience, and the beauty of embracing nature in its purest form. The sense of accomplishment I felt when I reached the savanna, and even when we reached the summit, was incomparable. Hiking Mount Buthak will forever remain one of my most memorable experiences, one that I look forward to reliving again in the future.