This girls-only Via Ferrata day trip to Gunung Parang was organised by Nomaden Club, the first organiser in Indonesia to run girls-only open trips. Atas Awan supported the experience as a sponsor, following along to better understand how beginner-friendly, community-led outdoor trips are shaping access to adventure for women.

Via Ferrata is a protected climbing route built with steel cables, ladders, and fixed rungs, allowing participants to move through vertical terrain while remaining clipped in the entire time. It’s designed to make steep landscapes more approachable — particularly for those new to climbing-adjacent activities.

From the outset, the intention behind the day was clear: safety first, community always, and no pressure to perform.

The Early Start: Setting the Tone

The group arrived at basecamp just after 7:00 AM. Some participants were experienced outdoors, others were completely new, but everyone came through the same open, girls-only format Nomaden is known for.

Before any climbing began, the focus was on preparation. A detailed briefing covered how the Via Ferrata system works, how to clip in and out correctly, and what to expect throughout the route. Questions were encouraged. Pace was discussed openly. Safety was prioritised without being intimidating.

For many in the group, this was their first step into vertical terrain.

What the Climb Looked Like in Practice

The Via Ferrata route at Gunung Parang rises approximately 300 metres and took around three hours to complete. It wasn’t treated as a test of speed or strength, but as a steady progression upward.

Participants moved at different paces, pausing when needed, checking in with one another, and celebrating small milestones along the way. The structure of the route — combined with Nomaden’s facilitation — allowed people to focus on the experience rather than fear of failure.

What stood out most wasn’t the height, but the atmosphere: calm, supportive, and collective.

Why the Girls-Only Format Matters

Observing the group dynamic made it clear why girls-only outdoor trips play such an important role.

Without the pressure to perform or compare, participants felt comfortable asking questions, taking breaks, and moving at their own pace. Confidence built naturally, without being forced. The space felt inclusive rather than competitive — something that can be difficult to find in traditional outdoor settings.

For many, this wasn’t about “sending” or conquering a climb. It was about being present, learning something new, and realising that adventure doesn’t have to look extreme to be meaningful.

Comfort as a Quiet Enabler

From a brand perspective, one thing became obvious throughout the day: comfort enables participation.

This was a long, varied day — standing through briefings, climbing for hours, resting, and sharing meals afterward. Clothing needed to move easily, feel comfortable over time, and fade into the background rather than demand attention.

The pants worn throughout the trip reflected how most outdoor experiences actually unfold: not as peak-performance moments, but as long days that require ease, durability, and comfort.

After the Climb

Once the group returned to basecamp, the pace slowed. Lunch (mouthwateringly, spicy and delicious Indo food of course) was shared, stories exchanged, and the kind of post-adventure ease settled in — tired legs, relaxed faces, and quiet pride.

A clear sign that the experience had done its job.

Why Trips Like This Matter

Girls-only, beginner-friendly outdoor trips lower the barrier to entry in a way that feels intentional rather than exclusive. They create space for people to try something new without needing to already belong.

Supporting experiences like this aligns with how we see the outdoors: not as something reserved for a specific type of person, but as something that becomes richer when more people feel welcome to participate.

Sometimes, the most meaningful adventures are simply the ones that help people start.