Mount Singgalang

Coordinates: 0°23′24″S 100°19′51″E

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Singgalang Seen from Marapi

Mount Singgalang formerly is a stratovolcano. But it has long been inactive. Unlike it's neighbour, Mount Marapi (Merapi), it is very old and extinct. No historical record for the volcanic activity of Mount Singgalang. It is a twin with Mount Tandikat, which is located to the south-southwest of Singgalang. However, Tandikat has had historical volcanic activity.
(Merapi in West Sumatra is different from Merapi in Central Java).

Mount Singgalang elevation is 2,877 m (9,439 ft). It have Hill Dipterocarp forest, Upper Dipterocarp forest, Montane forest, and Ericaceous forest (mountain forest). Hill Dipterocarp forest is a forest area that is located at altitude of between 300-750 meters. Upper Dipterocarp forest located at altitude of 750 to 1.200 meters, Montane forest located in the altitude of 1.200 to 1.500 meters. Whereas Ericaceous forest or mountain forest located higher than 1.500 meters. Here can be found edelweiss flower trees.

Edelweiss Tree

The Volcano located near city of Bukittinggi and Padang Panjang. But Geographically, it is located in Agam region, province of West Sumatera. It is very close to the Minangkabau International Airport (PDG), at Padang city.

To reach Mount Singgalang from Outer regions, first take a bus to Bikittinggi from Padang. You can also start from any of Sumatra's major cities (i.e. you can start from Polonia Airport, Medan). From Bukittinggi, go to the bus terminal in the southeast part of the city.

There are three different climbing paths, that is:

1. From Bukittinggi, locate a minibus to Kotabaru. (This route needed 6 hours to reach the peak).



Sianok Canyon at the Feet of Singgalang

From Kotabaru, there are several route possibilities for accessing the main trail heading up to the peak of Singgalang. A local guide is certainly can gives great helps. From Kota Baru, take the road way to Pandai Sikek. Then take the trail (usually confusing) north through many fileds, farms, and settlement before reaching a small village. From the village, there is a trail heads west to another small village known as Pago Pago. From Pago Pago, a rough trail heads west up the ridge to the summit of Singgalang. The trail is challenging and rarely used, and you must duck and crawl under several low hanging trees.

Beside that, at Kotabaru/Kotobaru you can go to the Kotobaru market (Pandai Sikek intersection) in order to waiting for public transportation to the village of Tanjung, from here (as a starting point to climbs) takes about 2 hours walk to Pesanggrahan (now beside RCTI TV tower), which is also a place to report any ascents. You can also use the rural transportation (usually called the Cigak Baruak) of Suzuki Carry Minibus.

2. For those who take the route of ascent through district of Balingka, journey starts from Padang with public transports. Take down at Padang Luar (Bukittinggi), from Padang Luar towards Batu Tagak using the rural transportation route Panambatan village - Batu Tagak (Balingka district). The climbing starts from Batu Tagak. This ascent takes an average of 8 hours.
3. As for who took the route of Toboh, journey also starts from Padang towards Padang Luar (Bukittinggi) then proceed towards Toboh. From Jorong Toboh village (Kenagarian Malalak) the climbing can be started. Normally need approximately 12 hours long.

Talago Dewi (Lake Dewi)

Within the crater of the volcano is a beautiful lake that is formerly a crater. This beautiful lake known as Telago Dewi. Climbers usually take a break and set up a tent by the lake. There are also the other lake named Telaga Kumbang.

Tips:

• Sumatra is wet year round, and there is little temperature variance throughout the year. Typically, February and March are the driest months, and September through December, the wettest, but be prepared for heavy rains at any time of year.
• If you don't want to make the climb at night, climbing should be started not later than 01.00pm (13.00) local time. The leisurely trip takes about 3 hours toward the bivouac I. 15 meters before heading to the bivouac I, we will cut off the flow of the river which is the source of water during our stay in this area. But if you intend to ride in the morning (around 09.00), we can reach the bivouac II approximately at 16.00. In this area, if we want, many forest plants can be eaten, such as elephant fern, begonia, strawberry, and others. From bivouac II you can continue the journey towards the peak.

Reference: http://wisatasumatera.wordpress.com/

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