The journey on the second day was much more adventurous and adrenaline-inducing compared to the first day. Don’t you believe me? How about if I told you that we started the day with motorcycling around the island with neither helmet nor any other safety measures on a rocky road next to a cliff? Fun! Then we hiked through slippery rocks to get inside a bat cave? Exciting? Yes, it was! Okay, okay. I won’t spill everything now. So here’s how it went...
In the morning, we started the day with the ultimate Indonesian breakfast: none other than fried rice and a crispy sunny side up. Besides that, Hotel Samawa Rea also provided prawn crackers, tea, coffee, and water. Although it was simple, the meal gave us the much needed energy to go through the rough day. My advice, eat as full as you can. But not too much, capiche?
SITU AI RENUNG
Soon following breakfast, we rode a car for about an hour to Batu Tering Village. The starting hike point was recognizable from the many motorcycles parked around it, ready to be in the service of us, the travellers. The sun was shining intensely that morning; it was time to get down and “grilled” by the sun! Although the scorching heat could be painful, the guide reminded us that it was infinitely better than a cloudy sky accompanied by a drizzling rain, as the road would become slippery and dangerous. For me, the sun was just fine, since it meant blue sky and blue sky meant beautiful photos to remember! :D
Each of us had to wear face masks, because the road was dusty. Everyone started to pick their own ride (each motorcycle came with a “professional” driver), so I just jumped randomly on one of them with my fingers crossed that the driver could drive safely to our destination: Situ Ai Renung (Ai Renung Site). Do not—let me repeat that—do not try to ride the motorcycle by your own. Even when you’re used to driving one. Even when you’re reluctant to let your girlfriend or wife ride behind another man. Just don’t. Well, maybe you could, if you were an adrenaline junkie or already used to ATV, which you could actually rent. Remember that the guides won’t be responsible for any misfortunes that happen to you along the road.
After 45 minutes of holding on tightly to the motorcycle for my dear life and another 15 minutes of light hiking, we finally arrived at Situ Ai Renung! Renung means cotton tree, and because there are a lot of cotton trees around the area, the name Situ Ai Renung was born. Situ Ai Renung is a megalithic site, which means it holds artefacts from megalithic era. Founded in 1971, this site is no longer maintained by the Indonesian government. God knows why...
There are 7 graves in Situ Ai Renung, but we only went to 3, since the others were difficult to reach. The grave was intriguing; it is a classic megalithic structure in the shape of a stone coffin that is not put six feet under but plainly laid on the ground. Just like that.
The sides of the coffin are decorated with strange symbols: crocodiles, men and women symbols, and… alien-like figures. It makes me wonder… What did the dwellers think of when they carved those symbols? What did they believe in? Did our ancestors come from outer space? #ConspiracyTheory
LIANG PETANG (THE BAT CAVE)
After lunch, we continued the adventure to Liang Petang. From Situ Air Renung, it takes about 45 minutes of motorcycle ride and another 30 minutes of walking.
In this part of the journey, one of my most memorable memories was when I was crossing through a shallow river. The river was squeezed in between two rock faces and the water was very, very cool.
In this part of the journey, one of my most memorable memories was when I was crossing through a shallow river. The river was squeezed in between two rock faces and the water was very, very cool.
Then I had to do a small hike through a not-so friendly terrain: lots of rocks, going up, dirt everywhere—it was slippery and involved hanging on a vine like Tarzan at some point!
Liang Petang is like a bat cave; it is very dark inside and you literally can’t see anything. Petang means night and liang means cave. Those are why you need a flashlight and a pair of hiking sandals. Forget cameras!
As you have probably expected, Liang Petang is quite mystical. Long time ago, a lot of people came to this cave to pray and ask for mythical prowess. And a lot of them did gain the power. Therefore, we were advised not to speak carelessly. Even when you don’t believe in supernatural stuffs, it’s better to give some respect, right?
To tell the truth, there’s nothing inside the cave. As I’ve implied before, visibility really depends on the size of your flashlight. The cave was stinky, because a lot of bats live here. Having said that, Liang Petang is still a must-do for me; not because of the destination, but because of the journey. Getting down very low to avoid traumatic head injury? Check. Climbing a slippery rock? Check. It was indeed one hell of an experience.
After getting out of the cave, I washed my hands and feet in the river. I know it might seem silly, but it was a very fun activity!
Before coming back to the hotel, we managed to visit another spot: a traditional house especially built for visitors. The house is called Istana Dalam Loka.
P.S: Don’t forget to wear your hiking sandals (I think it’s better to wear sandals instead of shoes), hat, sunglasses, a flashlight, and a big brave heart! Also, travel light! Simply bring your important stuffs in a small and practical waterproof bag :D
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