About Mount Merapi
Mount Merapi is the most active mountain on the island of Java, precisely in the province of Central Java. This mountain, which has an altitude of 2930 meters above sea level, has the most frequent eruptions among other volcanoes in Indonesia. It erupts every two to five years. For this reason, this mountain has the highest disaster potential. However, despite its danger, this mountain holds an unforgettable natural beauty that is presented to its visitors.
Location & How to Get There
The mountain is located in the province of Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta. And to get there, there are many ways and directions.
First, you can get there from the south side, precisely from the Sleman district, and you can go through the Kinahrejo / Kaliadem route.
Second, from the north side, precisely from the Boyolali district, you can go through the New Selo route from the north of Merapi peak.
Third, from the west side, the Babadan route, from the Magelang district. The northern route is the best route for climbers, but if you want to enjoy tourism around Merapi, then the right route is through the southern route.
Operating Hours and Admission Fee
- You can hike on Mount Merapi for 24 hours, but it is best to start the hike at night, from 22.00 – 23.00 local time. The climb starts at night so that you can enjoy the sunrise right at the top of the mountain.
- In addition to climbing, there are many tourist areas, such as the Mount Merapi Museum, Kaliurang, Kaliadem bunker, and many more. These tourist attractions usually operate from 8 am to 5 pm.
- For the climbing fee, you only need to pay a registration fee of around IDR 15000 – 25000, depending on the climbing route.
- Museum entrance fee, only IDR 10000 per person
- For the Kaliurang tour, there is no entrance fee. But there are many attractions that charge additional fees.
Interesting Things About Mount Merapi
Mount Merapi is the most frequently erupted mountain. recorded since 1768, this mountain has erupted more than 80 times. In addition, it is one of the 16th-century volcanoes of recent times. The International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior gave it this nickname because Mount Merapi often experiences eruptions that are not small, and its location is close to dense settlements.
Activities You Can Do At Mount Merapi
Hiking, climbing Mount Merapi is one of the most popular activities here, both for local and foreign tourists. The mountain has a very beautiful landscape, in addition to views of forests, rice fields, and savannah, you can watch the cold lava flowing fast.
Visit Kaliadem Bunker, one of the historical attractions. Kaliadem bunker is a place of refuge for residents when there is an eruption. Now, this bunker has been converted into a tourist attraction. When you visit here, don’t forget to take a picture with the background of the mountain; it’s mesmerizing.
Take a Jeep Lava Tour. This activity is one of the tour package activities to visit Mount Merapi. You will adventure with others to witness the beauty and splendor of Mount Merapi using a jeep. Ticket prices vary, depending on the package you want to take. Starting from IDR 400K. You can book it on online ticketing applications such as Traveloka.
Visit Ullen Sentalu Museum. This museum became the best museum in Indonesia according to NatGeo in 2015. Inside, you can see historical collections, collections in the form of paintings and photographs of historical figures of Islamic Mataram culture, batik Vorstenlanden fabrics, literary works, Hindu Buddhist cultural statues, and ethnographic collections of the Islamic Mataram era.
Camping. The Merapi Mountain tourist area is very suitable for camping. There are many suitable places, especially in Kaliurang. The scenery is good and very enchanting
Useful Tips
- Prepare to be physically capable. Climbing Mount Merapi is not easy, requiring a good physique.
- Prepare the appropriate equipment. Don’t go on a hike without complete equipment. If you are lacking, you can rent it at a climbing equipment rental place.
- Make sure you have read the climbing guide. To be on guard, it is better to invite a guide
- Always monitor the weather changes that occur in Yogyakarta and its surroundings
- Do not violate the rules and directions of local officials.
Additional Facilities
Mount Merapi has been regulated by the local government as a source of regional income. Therefore, the facilities here are complete. So you don’t need to worry if you are traveling to Mount Merapi. Supporting facilities include:
- Jeep car rental to get around the area around Merapi.
- Travel insurance for every visitor.
- Customer service that is ready to serve clients for 24 hours.
- Shuttle service upon request.
- There are several base camps around the slopes of Merapi as a starting point for hikers.
