Curug Cilimber Adventure – A Trek to Remember


      Our exciting adventure finally arrived! On our 14th day in Indonesia as exchange students, we took advantage of the May 1st holiday to explore the breathtaking Megamendung Mountain and visit its famous waterfalls, known locally as curug. With the help of our Indonesian friends who kindly offered us a ride on their motorcycles, we were able to reach the area faster and more conveniently.


     Before entering Curug Cilimber, our friends reminded us not to talk until we got past the entrance gate—foreigners usually get charged a higher entrance fee, so staying quiet helped us blend in and avoid the extra cost. Once we got inside, we couldn’t help but laugh about it and finally spoke freely!



     We began our 450-meter trek toward the first five waterfalls. As a first-timer in trekking, it was tough—I was out of breath, my legs were shaking, and I honestly thought about giving up. But seeing how stunning Cilimber was kept me going. When we finally reached the falls, the air was cold and refreshing, and the view was absolutely breathtaking. We took lots of photos and even took a dip in the water—it was icy, but worth it!



     Afterward, we rented a picnic mat, shared the food we had brought (since food sold at the site was expensive), and recharged. While relaxing, the group discussed going further—up to the 6th waterfall. I still had energy, so I joined them. It was another steep climb, but seeing all six waterfalls with my own eyes was an achievement I’ll never forget. Reaching the top filled us with joy and pride—it wasn’t an easy climb, but we made it!




     On the way back down, the boys (surprisingly!) got tired first and kept stopping to rest. I decided to go ahead, thanks to my trusty ₱250 Birkenstock sandals! I met up with Bernice, who had waited below, changed into dry clothes, and prepared to head home.


     After a 460-meter walk back to the parking area, we rode off and stopped by a restaurant for a late lunch. Our Indonesian friends were incredibly kind and fun—they truly made this experience more memorable. We finally got home and slept early, exhausted but deeply fulfilled.



     

     There was a deep sense of accomplishment in reaching the top. What started as a physical challenge turned into a journey of resilience, friendship, and unforgettable memories. This day reminded us why we chose to say yes to this exchange program—to explore, to grow, and to connect.

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