Joined a hiking trip with 13 strangers?!?!
I almost cancelled this trip because my friend backed out, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
During my gap year after poly, I travelled quite a bit. However this trip was a little different as I signed up for a hiking tour with 13 other strangers. When my friend couldn’t make it last minute, I almost didn’t go… but I had already booked my tickets, so I took the leap anyway. IT WAS GENUINELY THE BEST DECISION EVERRR!! I am still super close to the people i met & we still catch up at times etc.
We went to hike Mount Ijen at about 2am & it took us 1-2hours to reach the summit of Mount Ijen. It is honestly quite a beginner friendly hike and I did it with my sports shoes LOL ( DO NOT RECOMMEND, Please invest in a pair of hiking shoes! ) There were countless times where I slipped and fell. I almost didn’t want to continue the hike because of how slippery it was for me. There were plenty of “Lamborghinis” push carts operated by the locals. So, that could also be an option if you do not want to hike but wish to see the view at the summit.
Mount Bromo didn’t quite live up to the hype for me. It’s more of a flight of stairs than a hike but the view of the active crater was still surreal. It is quite a long walk from the jeep to the bottom of the crater. However, you can choose to ride the horses instead of walking, which is what most of us did.
The most memorable part of hiking with a bunch of strangers, is getting to know their life stories & understand them on a deeper level. Especially since we started hiking in the dark, it’s easier to open up and feels more intimate to share conversations LOL. It’s crazy how close you can get to people in just three days, even when you come from completely different stages of life.
If you have always wanted to book a travel tour but have your own reservations, I hope this post serves as a sign for you to just book the trip! There are multiple travel agencies out there in SG curated for young adults & I am sure that there will be a tour that excites you. So, take the leap of faith to book a trip w strangers. Who knows, maybe you might walk away with new friends and experiences you will treasure for a lifetime.
📍Mount Bromo & Mount Ijen, Surabaya, Indonesia
Taking a chance on a hiking trip with strangers can be intimidating, but from my experience, it often leads to the most rewarding adventures. When I joined a 3-day, 2-night hiking tour involving Mount Ijen and Mount Bromo, I was initially hesitant because my friend backed out last minute. However, this solo leap turned out to be one of the best choices I’ve made during my gap year. What I learned from hiking with a diverse group of 13 people is that the shared experience creates a unique bond. Starting the climb together in the dark at 2am fostered deep conversations and quick friendships that usually take much longer to build. It’s incredible how pushing through physical challenges like slippery paths and steep stairways can unite strangers into a supportive community. For anyone considering a similar experience, here are some tips I picked up along the way. First, footwear matters—a good pair of hiking shoes is essential. I wore sports shoes and slipped often, so investing in proper gear will make the hike safer and more enjoyable. Second, don’t underestimate the local culture and alternatives for difficult parts of the trail. At Mount Ijen, locals offer “Lamborghini” push carts as a transport option for those who prefer not to hike every step. At Mount Bromo, horse rides are widely available for the long walk to the crater’s edge. Beyond the physical hike, the journey is equally about the people you meet. Sharing life stories while trekking in the early morning hours felt more intimate, as the darkness added a layer of privacy and focus. The range of backgrounds and life stages among the group made conversations enriching and eye-opening. If you’ve been hesitant about booking group travel tours, especially with strangers, I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try. Several travel agencies in Singapore curate trips specifically for young adults, often designed to balance adventure and social connection. Whether you’re seeking new friends or memorable experiences, taking that leap of faith can lead to lasting friendships and treasured memories from places like Surabaya, Indonesia. Remember, sometimes the most unexpected travel decisions turn out to be the most life-changing.
what is the travel agency name?