Mount Merapi is one of the most desirable photo spots in Central Java due to its majestic views from every angle. If you want to visit mount Merapi soon, here are some hiking guides and more.
Mount Merapi, Gunung Merapi (literally Fire Mountain in Indonesian and Javanese) is one of the most active volcanoes on earth. At 2,930 meters high, the mountain’s size is represented by a series of eruptions and the hot clouds called ‘Wedhus Gembel’.
Merapi has long been a sacred mountain and dominates the center of the island of java. Also, located on the border of Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta in Indonesia.
As Indonesia’s most active volcano and has been erupting regularly since 1548. About 28 km (17 miles) north of Yogyakarta city of 2.4 million people, thousands of people live on the flanks of the volcanoes in a village 1,700 m (5,577 ft) above sea level.
The area around Mount Merapi was declared a national park in 2024 with a total coverage of 6410 hectares by the Indonesia Ministry of Forestry.
2021 The Latest Eruption
The eruptions began on January 4, 2021, leading to evacuations in the Yogyakarta region. The geological agency issued its second-highest alert in November after sensors recorded an increase in volcanic activity, warning that the situation could become even more precarious. On March 27, 2021, another small eruption occurred, ejecting lava and producing pyroclastic flows.
Merapi started erupting again on August 8, 2021, sending new lava flows down the volcano’s slopes. On August 16, 2021, the volcano eruption again, releasing plumes of ash into the air as red lava flowed down the crater.
From the rumbling volcano, the blast spewed clouds as high as 3.5 kilometers (2 miles), covering communities with gray ash.
On December 9, a pyroclastic flow moved him along the Bebeng River a distance of 2.2 km. This happened just as Mount Semeru erupted in another event, killing at least 43 people and many with severe burns.
Myths In Mountain Merapi
There are many myths and superstitions associated with Mount Merapi, especially among the locals living at the foot of the mountain.
For example, one of the palaces used by the ruler of the spirit world is located in the mountains, and the spirits of ancestors also live in this palace as royal servants.
If you are planning to visit here, it’s better to know all the myths beforehand and try to respect the local culture, since no one knows what will happen if it happened.
Yogyakarta to Mt Merapi
It takes about a 2-hour tour from the Yogyakarta region to Merapi (New Selo Base Camp). Since it is a long drive, it is highly recommended to go by car, though it can also be by motorbike.
It’s possible to climb Mount Merapi during the day, but it’s uncommon since climbing at night is definitely recommended, as the upper reaches of the mountain are completely hot once the sun is up.
As an alternative to climbing during the day, you can also hike to the summit of Mount Merapi in the evening. If you are planning to camp on top of Mount Merapi, this is a good option.
Although there are more than three different routes to access Mount Merapi. The recent eruptions, lahars, volcanic plumes, and other hazard trends have favored the north access point of Selo between Mount Merapi and Mount Merbabu.
Also Read: What to Do In Kintamani: Where to Stay & Where to Go
Mt Merapi Sunrise Trek
If you want to see the sunrise at the Merapi volcano or Merapi Lava tour, there are also tours to do. Usually, the tour is trekking and not climbing to the top of the Merapi volcano.
It took about 4-5 hours to climb through the rainforest, valleys, canyons, and rivers en route to the slopes of Mount Merapi.
At the foot of Mount Merapi, you can see that the Merapi area was destroyed by the volcanic pyroclastic flows, you could see the rainforest and several villages from there and mostly Javanese people.
The tour or trips ends around 10-11 am with brunch. You can watch the sunrise on Pronojiwo hill, which is about 1200 meters above sea level.
The Mountain peak
Gunung Merapi or Fire Mountain has two peaks. The first peak precedes the actual crater peak of the volcano. It is a relatively flat large intestine that occupies more than a square kilometer. This is where people camp when trekking to the top of Mount Merapi.
People call it Pasar Bubrah. Once you found the tree line the trail is less defined and the final climb to the summit (after the plaque) is a very steep climb over loose and broken rock.
The second peak is Crater Peak. This is the really hard part where people start climbing at sunrise. A slate slope of loose rock climbs about 200 meters. It’s the hardest part of the climb and many people never actually reach the top.
When you reach the top of this, you will be tired and dusty. However, once you arrive at the summit as the vantage point, the beautiful view is priceless.
What to Prepare Before Hiking?
You don’t have to bring so much to Mt Merapi, but it’s good to prepare all the necessary things. Here are some recommended items to bring:
- Trekking shoes/ Shoes with good grip
- Clothing for trekking/hiking
- Spare batteries
- Rain jacket
- Water, Snacks
- Trekking pole (optional)
- Winter clothes (for the night and before sunrise)
- Flashlight and a head torch
- Money in the case of additional cost
What to Expect in Active Volcano?
As you climbed Mt Merapi, you have the least expectations about natural disasters, especially this mountain as volcanic activity in the region is always possible, including explosive eruptions, earthquakes, lava flows, lahars, hot ash, pyroclastic heat, and molten debris.
While climbing you also have to expect the exclusion zones around the volcano, the climber also has to follow the instructions by the government officials and avoid the prohibited zone.
If you are talking about the view, once you do the tour and The land above the clouds, the true prey is not just sunrise, but a hazy Java land that slowly emerges from the misty valleys.
Attraction Near Mount Merapi Volcano
There are so many things to do near the Merapi volcano. Such as visiting Ullen Sentalu Museum, the lost world castle, and Mount Merapi museum, seeing the sand mining activities, being close to people in villages, And taking off-road jeep tours on a Merapi Lava tour is one of the most fun things to do in Yogyakarta.
The tour usually includes a sunset trip and visits to major attractions such as the mini-museum “Sisa Hartaku” known as the remaining treasure museum and educating people about the impact of the last Merapi eruption in 2010 on the people of the region.
There is also an underground bunker that was the last refuge of two volunteers who unfortunately died from the extreme heat of the lava and also a unique rock that resembles a human face, the Alien Stone.
