TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Climbing up to the peak of a mountain has become an activity that is not exclusive for nature conservator. Tourists are now willing to sweat out climbing the highlands to chase sunset. Dieng highland is one of the spot most favored by tourists.

Bachtiar, a researcher, said that he often cross path with local or foreign tourists who are on their way to the highland to capture sunset or sunrise moment with their camera or phone camera. The tourists would wake up at two or three in the morning from their beds to wait for the mesmerizing sun rise.

“They [the tourist] go up to the mountain top happily carrying small backpack full of water, breakfast, and camera,” Bachtiar told Tempo.

According to Bachtiar, the favorite highlands are Tangkuban Perahu, Bukit Tunggul, Mt. Ciremai, Bromo, Dieng and Mt. Batur in Bali. He and his colleague in Bandung Geology Agency, Priatna, call the spot as Kemilau Bumi (earth's glow). Photos taken by amateur and professional photographers have now made into book.

“The term Kemilau Bumi popped up when seeing people were waiting for sunrise in Pangandaran,” said Priatna.

Deni Sugandi, a photographer, said that most people capture the moment to preserve the beautiful and exotic view and for private collections.

ANWAR SISWADI