
Open Climbing Mount Argopuro: Conquer the Longest Trek in Java

Ready for an epic challenge and a truly unforgettable adventure? Join us for an open climbing Mount Argopuro event and experience one of Java’s most legendary mountains. Rising to an altitude of 3,088 meters, Mount Argopuro is not just a peak; it is a former active volcano and the centerpiece of the Iyang mountain range in Probolinggo, East Java. What makes this trek so unique is its reputation for having the longest climbing route among all mountains on the island of Java, a true test of endurance and spirit.
This isn’t just a physical journey; it’s a walk through history. The Argopuro trail is steeped in ancient lore and historical significance, with remnants from the Prehistoric Period all the way to the Japanese occupation. The mountain boasts several peaks, including the famous Rengganis Peak, an archaeological site featuring a complex of ancient terraces believed to be the ruins of the mythical kingdom of Princess Rengganis.
In a special celebration of Indonesian independence, this event is timed for August 17th. We invite you to join us on this grand hiking expedition to fly the national flag, Sang Saka Merah Putih, on the summit. This is a chance to not only challenge yourself but also to connect with the heroic spirit of Indonesia. Come, explore the best of Indonesia’s wilderness, forge new friendships, and live the life of a true traveler! Long live Indonesia!
The Grand Argopuro Hiking Itinerary
MEETING POINT: House of Sampoerna, Surabaya
PRICE: IDR 700.000,- / PERSON
Day 1: Surabaya to Argopuro’s Foothills
All participants should arrive at the meeting point in Surabaya by 8:00 a.m. We’ll begin with introductions and a final check of all equipment to ensure everyone is ready. To kick off our journey, we will take a brief city tour of Surabaya, the “City of Heroes.” This short trip is a tribute to the heroic history of its people. We’ll visit iconic landmarks that symbolize their struggle against oppression, including the Heroes Monument, the Tapered Bamboo Monument (Tugu Bambu Runcing), and the famous Sura and Baya sculpture.
By 10:00 a.m., we’ll depart from Surabaya and travel approximately 4-5 hours to the starting point in Badran, Besuki. After a well-deserved lunch, we will hold a comprehensive briefing on the climbing terrain, weather conditions, and safety protocols. We’ll make a final check of all gear before starting the ascent no later than 3:00 p.m.
Our first day of trekking will lead us to a small river bank on the lower slopes of Mount Argopuro, where we will set up our first camp. This is the perfect opportunity for all participants to acclimate to the mountain’s unpredictable temperature and weather. We’ll work together to set up camp, prepare a campfire, and enjoy a communal dinner, sharing stories and getting to know one another. By 9:00 p.m., it is recommended that everyone rests to conserve energy for the challenging days ahead.
Day 2: The Trek to Cikasur
The morning starts early at 8:00 a.m. After a shared breakfast and a moment of prayer, we’ll pack up our gear and begin the next leg of our journey. Today’s trek is physically demanding, taking us through challenging terrain that will test our limits. It’s crucial to manage your water supplies carefully, as there are no refills along the way. We will be gaining altitude, and the temperatures will drop, but the stunning natural views will serve as our motivation.
After approximately 6 hours of trekking through steep slopes and untouched natural forest, we will arrive at Cikasur. This vast, green savanna is a sight to behold, with a clear river running along its edge. Cikasur also holds a fascinating piece of history—the ruins of a Japanese army camp and a former airplane runway used during the occupation. We will set up our tents in this strategic and scenic location. If we are lucky, we might spot some of the savanna’s inhabitants, such as jungle fowl, wild deer, or peacocks.
The most magical moment at Cikasur comes at night. With no light pollution, the sky is a canvas of brilliant stars. Lying under the vast, celestial expanse, you’ll feel a sense of unity with the universe, truly appreciating the immense beauty of nature.
Day 3: Summit Day – Rengganis Peak & The Flag Ceremony
We’ll start our day at 8:00 a.m. A refreshing dip in the river at the edge of the savanna is a great way to wake up, but please remember to use no soap or shampoo to keep the water pure. After a communal breakfast, we’ll pack our bags and begin our trek to Cisentor. This 2-hour hike is on more forgiving terrain, leading us to a spacious riverside campsite surrounded by lush forest.
Once we arrive, we’ll set up our camp before preparing for the main event. We will then begin the final ascent to the peak of Mount Argopuro. After reaching the summit, we will hold a special ceremony to hoist the Indonesian red-and-white flag in celebration of Independence Day.
After the ceremony, we will continue our trek to the legendary Rengganis Peak. Here, you will find the fascinating archaeological site and a tomb believed to belong to Princess Rengganis herself. The site consists of a complex of terraced ruins, a tangible link to a bygone era. After exploring this historic spot, we’ll head back down to our camp at Cisentor for a well-deserved rest and our final night on the mountain.
Day 4: Journey to The Garden of Life
Today, after breakfast and packing, we will continue our journey to Telaga Taman Hidup, or the “Garden of Life.” This section of the trail is the most demanding, requiring utmost caution and focus. We will navigate narrow, steep terrain with hillsides on one side and ravines on the other. It’s a challenging path, but the reward is more than worth it.
When we arrive, you will be greeted by a stunning sight: a serene lake surrounded by a broad view of green pastures. This is the “Garden of Life,” a perfect oasis after a hard day’s trek. You can relax, take a refreshing dip in the lake, or even try your hand at fishing. We will set up our final camp here by the lake, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of nature for one last night.
Day 5: Bremi – The End of the Expedition
Our final day begins with a shared breakfast and packing. We will then begin our descent to Bremi, a two-hour hike down a steep trail surrounded by large, ancient trees. Upon arrival, we’ll take a much-needed break and celebrate our achievement with a cup of fresh, delicious cow’s milk from a local dairy farm.
The Mount Argopuro climbing experience concludes here. From Bremi, we will take you back to Surabaya to complete the tour series. Congratulations on conquering Java’s longest trail!
Essential Information for Participants
Participant Requirements & Provisions:
- Physical & Spiritual Health: Must be in good physical and mental health.
- Age Requirement: Must be between 17 and 45 years old.
- Parental Consent: Participants under 20 years old must provide a written letter of permission from a parent or legal guardian.
- Health Certificate: A written health certificate from a doctor is mandatory for all participants.
- Booking: All registrations and a 50% down payment must be made at least 15 days prior to the departure date.
- Cancellations: Down payments are non-refundable for cancellations made by participants.
- Punctuality: Delays will be considered a withdrawal from participation, and the down payment will be forfeited.
- Group Size: The minimum quota for departure is 25 participants, and the maximum is 50.
- Insurance: This hiking event does not include personal insurance.
Provided Facilities:
- Transportation from Surabaya to the trekking start/end points and back to Surabaya.
- Experienced hiking crew.
- Surabaya city sightseeing.
- Meals and snacks for the duration of the trip.
- Camping and cooking equipment.
- First Aid Kit (P3K).
- All entrance tickets and administrative fees.
- A souvenir T-shirt.
- Fresh cow’s milk in Bremi.
Ready to test your limits and join us for this unforgettable Open Climbing Mount Argopuro expedition?