Before Dawn to Daybreak: Your Morning at Mount Sibayak
Your day begins long before sunrise.
At 04:00, while most of North Sumatra is still asleep, you find yourself standing at the base of Mount Sibayak, headlamp on, breath visible in the cool air. The mountain looms quietly ahead — calm on the surface, alive beneath your feet. As you start walking, the trail winds upward through volcanic terrain, dark and misty, with only the sound of footsteps and quiet conversation breaking the silence.
The climb feels steady and unhurried. Along the way, you notice wisps of steam rising from the ground, a reminder that this is an active volcano. The air smells faintly of earth and sulfur. With every step, the world feels a little farther away, and the mountain slowly takes over your focus.
Then the sky begins to change.
Deep blacks soften into blues and purples, and by the time you reach the viewpoint, the horizon is glowing. You settle in, pulling on a light jacket, and as the first light appears, you take a moment to slow down. A warm cup of coffee is poured, steam rising gently into the cool morning air.
From here, the view opens wide — rolling hills, mist-filled valleys, and Mount Sinabung standing tall in the distance. As you sip your coffee, the sun rises slowly, washing the landscape in gold and orange. It’s quiet, calm, and deeply grounding — the kind of moment where conversation fades and everything else feels unnecessary.
You might take a photo, but mostly you just stand there, warming your hands around the cup, watching the day begin. The early wake-up, the climb in the dark — it all feels worth it now.
After the descent, the pace of the morning shifts. You head into Berastagi’s local market, where the atmosphere couldn’t be more different. The stalls are vibrant and lively, filled with fresh produce, local snacks, and familiar sounds of daily life. Vendors call out greetings, colors spill from every corner, and the scent of fruit and spices hangs in the air.
You wander without rush — tasting, browsing, observing. After the stillness of the volcano, the market feels grounding and warm. It’s a reminder that travel isn’t only about dramatic views, but also about everyday moments and human connection.
By the time the morning winds down, the experience feels complete. From hiking an active volcano before dawn to enjoying a quiet coffee at sunrise, then strolling through a bustling local market, you’ve seen two sides of North Sumatra in just a few hours — nature and culture, quiet and lively.
It’s the kind of morning that stays with you — long after the hike is over.
Published by Omar