Mount Sibayak

Easy to get to from Berastagi town, this is a 1k walk ('climb' is a bit overstated, though there are some sharper inclines and steps) which can be undertaken by anyone who is reasonably fit. The pathway is clearly defined, though we had a guide. It takes about an hour to get up and slightly less to get down. There is a small charge to take the access road and, for safety, it is recommended that you register your names both on the ascent and the descent. (There is a large permanent notice at the registration hut listing the names and nationalities of those who have died in trying to 'go it alone', so getting lost is a genuine possibility if you leave the well worn trail.) Once on the ridge of the crater you will be able to see the sulphur streams shooting out of the hillside and can walk down onto the floor which is covered in water. It is a shame that previous visitors have thought it appropriate to 'write' their names using rocks on the floor. It makes getting a natural photo difficult. Fortunately we went on a day when there were no campers at the top and just a handful of people. I'm told that at certain times of year it can all get very busy. We followed our volcano experience with a visit to the local hot springs a few kilometres away. A small charge was expected for entry and they were genuinely quite warm! #urbanexplorer #happylaborday #maydaytrip #nationalpark