Trail Tales: Hiking adventures in Sentul

Just last weekend, I decided to escape the bustling city life of Jakarta and immerse myself in the natural beauty of Sentul Mountains. Especially with internships and work, this was a much-needed getaway. Just an hour drive's away, I arrived at the mountains around 07:30 am, greeted not just by a guide, but also the crips, fresh air and stunning blue sky. The immediate sense of tranquility was appreciable, a refreshing break from the city's hectic noise.

As I began my hike, I couldn't help but notice these sounds. They were gentle whispers of the wind and the distant, melodic flow of a nearby river. Despite its smell, there were also occasional lowing of buffalos which added a rustic charm to the morning soundscape. These sounds seemed so pure and serene that I could almost hear my heartbeat syncing with nature's rhythm. Something that I rarely have the opportunity to do nowadays.

Midway through my hike, the sounds surrounding me started to change. I then noticed that I was entering a village nestled in the mountains. I could hear the hum of human activity: villagers chatting, the clatter of their transport, even the cheerful chirping of birds. I began to look up, and that in itself spoke volumes(I witnessed these gigantic trees and felt so insignificant in the grasp of nature). The forest then came alive with new sounds as well- rusting leaves, the scurrying of small and harmless land animals, accompanied by the persistent distant roar of a waterfall. It was like witnessing an orchestra. Simply just a harmonious blend of anthropophony (human sounds) as well as biophony (natural sounds), forming a rich auditory tapestry.

By Midday I reached the summit, where a unique hand-shaped wooden figure stood at the edge. Standing on this shaky structure, I was surrounded by a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains. Despite the profound silence at the peak, I felt nature's heartbeat resonating within me, louder than ever. An ironic yet powerful experience. I then continued to follow the river path, where I finally reached the waterfall (I'd be hearing this all day). The thunderous sound of cascading water before me was mildly intimidating. However, I then took a leap of faith and immersed myself in crystal clear water. The sensation of the water flowing around me was exhilarating yet calming, making me feel in one frequency with nature.

June 1st, 2024; 07:30 AM; Mountain Side; Sunny, mild breeze, clear skies, temperature around 30°;

Title: "Morning Serenade"

June 1st, 2024; 11:30 AM; Forest; Loud trees, entering village, Bird habitats, temperature around 30°;

Title: "Forest Murmurs"

June 1st, 2024; 12:30 PM; Mountain Top; Clear skies, Fresh air, Perfect view, temperature around 30°;

Title: "Mountain's Heartbeat"

June 1st, 2024; 13:45 PM; Waterfall; Loud, Cold yet fresh, aesthetically perfect, temperature around 30°;

Title: "Waterfall Whispers"

June 1st, 2024; 15:00 PM; Sketch of via my POV of mountain; clouds, mountains, grass, did this while eating

Title: "My eyes"

After my extremely refreshing dip, I sat down to sketch the top of the mountain, capturing the essence of my experience. As you can see above this text. When I was sketching, I imagined the voices of the beings within these mountains. Land animals would call for less unnecessary human interference, birds would demand an end to deforestation and noise pollution, trees would seek protection, and soil would yearn for freedom from exploitation. I had a feeling that the water and sky, too, would ask for preservation and respect.

Despite going on weekly hikes recently, this specific journey made me realize the immense responsibility humans having in maintaining the delicate balance of our given ecosystem. The villagers I came across in Sentul displayed a commendable respect for their environment through sustainable farming practices and animal care. In my eyes, their actions served as a reminder of how our choices have the power to either harm or heal the planet.

Hiking in Sentul was much more than a physical journey (8 hours of pure hiking); it was a spiritual awakening. It provided me a much-needed break from my daily life behind the screen, allowing me to connect deeply with nature. As a result, I gained a profound understanding of the voices and needs of the ecosystem, urging me to listen, respect and act with mindfulness. Especially in todays world, where this is not often the case.

By stepping into the unknown, I found a greater appreciation for the natural role along with the intricate roles each element plays. This experience has therefore reinforced my commitment to preserving the beauty and harmony of our environment for future generations to come.