Facts
- Elevation: 1,155 m (3,789 ft)
- Prominence: 1,132 m
- Ribu category: Kurang Tinggi
- Province: Maluku Utara (North Moluccas)
- Google Earth: kml
- Rating:
- Other names: Gunung Meng, Buku Raroang
Photos
Bagging It!
We currently know very little about this peak – please contact us if you can provide any information. US Army map lists the peak as Buku Raroang (1,155m).
Practicalities
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- Getting there: Fly to Labuha
- Accommodation: Unknown
- Permits: Unknown
- Water sources: Unknown
Local Average Monthly Rainfall (mm):
This is more of a jungle trek than a mountain climb, although the hike is a deceptively tricky one. I can think of no good reason for climbing this peak other than the fact that it is ‘on the list’.
Start from Sabatang village, on Bacan’s remote eastern shore. From behind the elementary school a path winds through nutmeg, cocoa and coconut plantations for 30 minutes before commencing a long and gradual ascent into the forest proper. After an hour and a half and numerous river crossings the trail and river become one, and the next hour is spent literally wading upstream, before the final 30-minute ascent to the summit ridge. The summit itself is thickly forested, so there is absolutely no view to speak of, other than the view of the jungle itself. Local people visit the summit ridge on a daily basis to collect sap, or resin (known as ‘damar’) from the trees that grow here. You may see one or two of them descending with 30-kilogram sacks slung over their shoulders.
I noted a peak higher than the summit of Rica itself: the locals call this Gunung Meng. It is a pointed hill rising above the canopy that appears to be clad on all sides in impenetrable jungle.
To get to Sabatang, you need to either fly from Ternate to Labuha, take a bemo to Babang port. Alternatively, take the overnight ferry from Ternate directly to Babang. In Babang, jump on one of the motor boats that shuttle villagers to and from the market in Babang. Once in Sabatang, stay with the kepala desa. As is customary in villages throughout Indonesia, make a small donation to the family finances when leaving.
The villagers have a hard time understanding why anyone would want to climb a mountain simply to get to the top, and are likely to be suspicious of your motives. However, if you are able to convince them of your sanity and clarify that you are prepared to pay for their services, it is easy enough to find a guide in Sabatang.