That evening, at half-past seven, we arrived at the foot of Mount Tanggung. The cold air began to creep in as we parked our vehicle in the yard of a local resident's house, which also served as a parking area. The locals managed this area well, providing a sense of security and comfort for hikers.
With enthusiasm and complete gear, we started our journey through the lush apple orchards. The fresh scent of the fruits accompanied our first steps. The path we took continuously ascended, challenging our stamina but offering stunning views at every turn.
Several simple benches built by the locals were scattered along the trail, providing chances for brief rests. However, in the middle of the journey, a minor incident occurred: our portable gas canister fell and got lost in the darkness. Momentarily panicked, we decided to continue our hike, hoping to borrow gas from fellow campers at the summit.
It took us less than an hour to reach the top. There, we found only three tents already set up. After a sigh of relief, we quickly chose a comfortable spot and began setting up our tent. Once the tent was up, we snacked on some light food and took a short rest to regain our energy.
At four in the morning, our alarm went off. With half-closed eyes, we prepared to welcome the moment we had been waiting for: the sunrise. Mount Tanggung's summit started to get crowded with hikers who had just arrived, some of whom had started their journey as early as three in the morning. The bustling atmosphere did not diminish the beauty of the scenery.
Luck was on our side that morning. A sea of clouds stretched out below us, enhancing the beauty as the sun gradually rose in the east. Golden rays pierced through the thin fog, creating an unforgettable view.
After enjoying the sunrise to our heart's content, we returned to our tent. Our breakfast plans, which had been in jeopardy, were saved when our neighboring campers kindly lent us their portable gas canister. With our stomachs full, we began packing up our tent and preparing for the journey back.
Though short, camping at the summit of Mount Tanggung provided a truly memorable experience. The natural beauty, the hospitality of the locals, and the camaraderie in this adventure made us want to return someday. Until we meet again, Mount Tanggung!
