Seram is one of the wildest, most remote and ecologically interesting parts of Indonesia. Although there is a recognised trek across this large, rugged island it appears that it is... read more undertaken by visitors only rarely. Apparently treks from the south coast to Gunung Binaiya, the highest mountain in Maluku Province (at 3027m), are not common, but treks from the south coast to the north coast via Gunung Binaiya are extremely rare (the visitor register in the village of Kanikeh indicated we were only the 5th group to pass through there since 2013).

I can say this is one of the most memorable and probably the toughest of the many treks I have ever undertaken. It took place over 6 days starting at the village of Piliana near the South coast, at around 400m above sea level, to the north coast at just above sea level. While we only covered only about 50-60km, there was a lot of up and down. Probably the best part of the trek was its diversity of landscapes and ecosystems. Montane, sub- montane, thick jungle, swampy, rocky/muddy, cold/wet etc. There was also a good balance in terms of sleeping, with two nights spent in the villages of Piliana and Kanikeh and all others spent camping or using one of the basic huts at various camp sites. Given the wild environment, I think it is fair to say that myself and my two friends were surprisingly comfortable. The guides and porters worked hard to set up these campsites and make them comfortable, as well as provide us with food which for the most part was good and tasty. If you prefer to do more of the camp management and pack carrying yourself then you should clarify this with CI beforehand.

After the trek we spent three days relaxing in the beautiful Sawai Bay area, with some trips to some stunning islands, snorkelling, taking a boat up the Sawai River and spending a night 45m up in the forest canopy on a tree platform. This was a great way to end the trip.

Because of the difficult terrain, remoteness and the absence of villages for most of the trek, it is logistically a very challenging trek to organise (I expect CI would say their most challenging in Indonesia), but this was well covered by CI. At times communication could have been better in terms of changes of plans, the details for the day ahead etc, but it didn’t fundamentally affect what was a challenging, very enjoyable and, probably for many people, a once in a lifetime trek. Overall, CI was professional, attentive and generally paid a lot of attention to deal and I would be happy to trek with them again.

  I don't know why it took me SO long to find Climb Indonesia, but I can tell you I am thrilled have. From the moment I contacted Taufan late last... read more year, he answered all of my questions promptly and knowledgeably. Unfortunately, at that time, they were fully booked and I needed to wait until after the new year. Fortunately, I am persistent! I was able to arrange a Raung Kalibaru trip for this past weekend.

This trip was AMAZING!!!! I hiked/climbed with Danu and Mas Pram - two of the most professional guides I have come in contact with. Their combined knowledge, attention to details and, most importantly, safety was truly appreciated. Danu quickly understood what I was saying when I told him I was a "hiker"; I don't really want to talk, I don't want to stop - I just want to hike and be totally engaged with the natural environment around me. Hiking is extremely personal- mentally and spiritually - a physical and mental challenge. Raung Kalibaru did not dissapoint in the challenging area.

The summit push was definitely outside my comfort zone, but being accompanied by Danu and Mas Pram made me feel secure in our adventure. I am excited to book another excursion with this fine group of people.

If you are looking for a company that cares about your experience, provides you with a full risk assessment, is professional and adds little personal touches to make the experience even more memorable - then look no further; Climb Indonesia is that company!

Thank you again Taufan, Danu, Mas Pram and the entire crew for all you do. See you again soon.

  We climbed Mount Binaiya (3,027m) with Taufan and Danu (from ClimbIndonesia) and a wonderful team of porters from Piliana village on Seram.

The organisation and attention to detail was... read more excellent from start to finish - there were many pleasant surprises the team produced along the route!

Their professional approach was totally reassuring - you need this when you are two days walk from the nearest village. There was enough bottles of water, for example, to meet all our needs - it is hot and humid. No dodgy water served and absolutely excellently prepared food too.

The whole trek to Binaiya was a wonderful mix of pristine rainforest, moss drenched forest, limestone karst and amazing endemic tree-fern savanna. It is a challenge in the lower rainforest but the sounds of monkeys and birds and the sights of all the varying foliage and ferns, provide distractions and motivation to climb higher into the open views towards the top. Here endemic red loris birds squabble and squawk among the tree tops. Glimpses of wild deer and steep sided mountain slopes add to the magic of the place.

Piliana Village, where we stayed two nights, is a delight. A community of Christian families farming Sago and cloves. Materially poor but environmentally rich.

We would thoroughly recommend ClimbIndonesia and look forward to planning another trip with them.