Puncak Sorik Marapi

We were blessed with a surprisingly flexible schedule when we embarked on our journey as a lecturer. This flexibility was a direct result of the unique circumstances at our institution. You see, my students were just embarking on their first year of college at that time. This meant that our department had a relatively small number of students who had chosen our majors, and we had an abundance of dedicated lecturers to cater to their educational needs.

This setup was a silver lining for me. It allowed me to carry out my teaching responsibilities effectively and opened up opportunities for personal exploration. The luxury of a more forgiving timetable permitted me to dive headfirst into discovering our new location. And let me tell you, it was a captivating journey.

Exploring this new environment was an eye-opener. The richness of the culture, the diversity of the local community, and the myriad of intriguing places to visit and experience made each day an adventure. From hidden gems in the city to charming spots off the beaten path, I savored the essence of Mandailing Natal in a way that wouldn't have been possible without that flexible schedule. It was an enriching chapter of my academic career and personal growth.

Our decision to seek advice from our friends before embarking on this trip was driven by the captivating trip photos they had shared. Those snapshots of their adventures in the same destination ignited our curiosity and fueled our excitement.

Consulting our friends seemed like the logical first step, and it was a wise move. Armed with their insights, we consulted the map, which suggested that a motorbike ride from town to Sorik Marapi should take approximately an hour. However, little did we know that this journey would be a physical one and a lesson in discovering the unexpected.

As we ventured further away from the city, something marvelous unfolded. The scenery stretched out in front of us, surpassing all my expectations. The beauty of the landscape was a pleasant surprise, making our journey even more memorable.

My first moments in Panyabungan were quite eye-opening. The juxtaposition of lush rice fields against the backdrop of the bustling cityscape left me utterly amazed. Despite the evident activity, there was an undeniable sense of leisure, a pace slower and more relaxed than I had grown accustomed to in major cities. It was a refreshing change of pace.

As I looked around, I couldn't help but notice the imposing line of hills that encircled this district, creating a natural boundary. It was a sight to behold, giving the place a unique character.

However, the scenery transformed as we neared our ultimate destination. In the distance, a solitary hill or mountain came into view, and eventually, we could discern a section of the mountain itself. What caught our attention next was the unmistakable presence of a geothermal power plant, its imposing structures standing out against the landscape. It was an unexpected encounter, to say the least.

This experience led me to a realization: Mandailing Natal, the area we were exploring, was far less traditional than I had initially anticipated. It blended the natural beauty of the hills and the modern touch of a power plant, a fusion of past and present.

Finally, our journey reached its climax as we were greeted by a welcoming sight—a gate adorned with the words, "Welcome to Puncak Sorik Marapi." It marked the beginning of our adventure and left me eager to discover what lay beyond.

Sibanggor Julu Traditional Village

This ancient village has done a remarkable job of safeguarding its cultural heritage, and they've achieved this by constructing homes using palm fiber—a time-tested material with a legacy spanning centuries. This choice isn't just a nod to tradition; it's also a practical one. You see, roofs crafted from palm fiber are remarkably resilient when withstanding the corrosive effects of sulfur dust rain, far more so than conventional zinc or iron plates.

Sibanggor Julu enjoys a climatic advantage over its neighboring regions, mainly thanks to its strategic location at the base of an active volcano. This unique positioning brings about significantly cooler temperatures, a notable contrast to the surrounding areas. And here's where it all ties together beautifully: using palm fiber for roofing isn't just an aesthetic choice; it's rooted in practical wisdom passed down through generations.

It's like an inheritance from our ancestors, a testament to their wisdom and deep connection with nature. They understood the symbiotic relationship between humans and their environment. By embracing the palm fiber roof, they ensured their descendants would stay snug and warm during the rainy season and pleasantly cool during the dry spells. It's a testament to the enduring wisdom of our forefathers, who left us a tangible legacy and a profound understanding of how to live in harmony with the natural world.

Once we found ourselves inside the traditional village, it was a clear sign that we were about to reach our final destination. At that point, we decided to leave our motorcycles at a nearby housing spot, and a kind young girl from the neighborhood generously offered to be our tour guide.

From there on, we continued our journey on foot. Fortunately, we weren't the first travelers to tread this path, so we already had a well-trodden trail to follow. However, it became apparent that we needed to work on our fitness because even a short walk felt like quite a challenge.

Speaking of new experiences, let me tell you about one of them. Picture this: a narrow footbridge, only one foot wide, suspended over a river of transparent, greenish sulfur water. It was quite a sight. The temptation to dip our feet into that crystal-clear water was strong, but we knew better. The priority was to keep our balance lest we take an unintended swim. Even if we did slip, it wouldn't have been a significant issue since the river was only about three to four meters wide, and the footbridge hovered about a meter and a half above the water. However, our idea of a good time differed from wandering in wet clothes.

After that little adventure, we had to head down a path to our right. Just before entering this path, bushes flanked us on one side, and there was a ravine on the other.

During our journey, we encountered a stretch of stones, some as massive as the front doors at one point. But all good things must end, and so did our short journey when we finally reached our destination – the hot spring in Sibanggor.

The water here was so intense in its sulfuric concentration that we could practically measure it. The temperature was sufficiently high, meaning we didn't have to spend too long soaking our feet to feel the effects. After enjoying the warm waters, we eventually decided to turn back and head out since there wasn't much else to do but take in the surroundings.

Being atop a mountain, it was no surprise that the weather could change unexpectedly, and rain came pouring down. Luckily, there were shelters available to provide cover for the sudden downpour.

Going downhill was an absolute breeze, and after what felt like an eternity of isolation, it was incredibly refreshing to finally cross paths with other people. I've got to admit, though, I'm not one to dwell on reliving past experiences in different places. It's no wonder some folks get hooked on hiking and exploring new territories – there's something addictively thrilling about it. This journey, in particular, imparted some invaluable lessons.

One of the most significant takeaways was the realization that coexisting with nature involves forming a bond with it and making friends, so to speak. It was a reminder that to truly harmonize with our environment, we must establish a connection with it. I found myself pushing beyond the boundaries I had initially set for myself, a testament to my growth during this unique journey.

In such an unfamiliar setting, my senses and mind were wide open to pondering the purpose of my existence in this vast world. It left me perplexed, wondering why fate had brought me into contact with the people I had finally encountered along the way.