Mt. Lawu (3.265 m)

Mt. Lawu (3.265 m)

With beautiful Eidelweiss flowers on its top

Many mountaineers climb this mountain to adore the green scenic view, with lovely Edelweiss flowers on its top, and the challenging beauty of the dead crater, southward of the peak, locally known as Kawah Kuning (yellow crater). The highest peak is hilly plain, known as Argo Dumilah, where a "Tri-angular Pole" is erected.

The mountaineering routes to Mt. Lawu

1. From the city of Solo or Surakarta
   Travel to Tawangmangu, a hilly resort (1305 m high), 40 Km East of Solo. Then continue further 1,5 Km to Cemoro Kandang (Central Java) or Cemoro Sewu (East Java) (1600 M).
2. From East Java, Madiun
   Travel to Lake Resort Sarangan, on the east slope of the mountain and then continue to Cemoro Sewu. Mt. Lawu stands peacefully in the South border of central and East Java.

From Cemoro Kandang

1. It’s 12 Km climb, normally it should take 7 hours walk.
2. There’s a registration station belonged to Forest Authority (Perhutani). Guide, supplies and information are available. For traditional stories of Mt. Lawu, Pak (Mr) Sumarsono can be contacted.
3. A climber shall walk thru dense wood, near the top, the vegetation are rare, then some specific mountain trees and bushes such as Santigi and Eidelweiss appear.
4. There are satisfactorily 5 huts (5 Pos), namely:
   • Pos 1 : Taman Sari Bawah (Lower Garden) (2300 M)
     The water of the river here contains sulphur.
   • Pos 2 : Taman Sari Atas (Upper Garden – 2.470 M).
     A fresh cool air amidst the green trees. There is an active crater, evaporating sulphur.
   • Pos 3 : 2760 M (Pos Penggik)
     Nearby a spring, by the name of Sendang Panguripan (life spring), producing a cool healthy drinking water.
   • Pos 4 : 3025 M
     This location is named Cokro Suryo, it is a large plain to enjoy the sunset and the picturesque panorama.
   • Pos 5 : 3150 M
5. Above these huts, there are
   

1. Pesanggrahan Argo Dalem (3170 M), small cottages.
2. The highest peak: Argo Dumilah

From Cemoro Sewu

1. It’s 9 Km climb, with steep stony path.
2. There are 5 huts to the top.
3. Contact Ibu (Mrs) Warno at the base camp. Guide, supplies etc are available.

The return journey to the base camp, one shall spend around 4 hours walk.

Ancient Mountain

Its old name was Wukir Mahendra, some believe the top of the mountain was the first kingdom on the island, the dwellers were Gods descending from Kahyangan (heaven), upon seeing an empty beautiful place like a paradise.

It was the retreat of King Brawijaya V, the last king of Majapahit Empire in the 15^th century. It has also a strong spiritual traditional relation with the rulers of Mataram Kingdom II and the Karaton (palace) of Surakarta and Yogyakarta.

Supernatural Tourism

Mt. Lawu has a strong power to attract supernatural tourists. Places considered as sacred for pilgrimage among other, are:

Sendang Panguripan (life spring, nearby Pos 3).
With holy water.

Sumur Jolotundo
About 1 hour walk from Argo Dalem, a good place for meditation. It’s a 5 m deep cave, there is light only during the day.

Gua Sigolo-Golo
Nearby Jolotundo, it’s also a favorite place to meditate.

Sendang Drajad
A spring nearby Argo Dalem cottages, contains holy water.

Argo Dalem
It was the place of King Brawijaya V or Eyang (grand-father) Sunan Lawu. The pilgrims pray here to God Almighty.

Argo Dumilah
The highest peak. There are several huts nearby, used by the pilgrims to achieve their holy goals.

Note:

1. The climbers to those five mountains: Lawu, Merapi, Merbabu, Sumbing and Sindoro are Tono Indroyanto and his friends, students from University of Muhammadiyah, Surakarta. The reports in Indonesian and photos are also made by them.
2. The sponsor is CV. Buana Raya Printing and Publishing Company Jl. Dr. Rajiman 687 A, Pajang, Solo.

Joglosemar Online thanks both parties for the cooperation.
Translated and edited by Suryo S. Negoro

Mt. Sindoro (3153 M)

Mt. Sindoro (3153 M)

The peak of this beautiful mountain is a large terrain with many beautiful flowers – edelweiss and Cantigi. The edelweiss of Sindoro has fragrant smell, so it is called Sundoro, which became the name of this mountain.

The view from this peak is breath taking beauty. Almost all mountain peaks in Central Java can be seen, in the east are Mts. Lawu, Merapi, Merbabu, in the South Mt. Sumbing, in the West Mts Slamet, Dieng Plateau and Ciremai of West Java.

The trekking route to the top is comparatively leisure, that’s why during school-holidays there are a lot of natural-lovers adoring this mountain.

Mountaineering Routes

There are 2 routes to the summit

1. The Kledung Route
2. The Sigedang Route

Both are located on the green mountainous area of Temanggung and Wonosobo, on the way up to Dieng Plateau.

Mt. Sindoro and also Mt. Sumbing, they are twin mountains, originated from the same source and period.

The Kledung Route

Located on south slope of the mountain. The base camp address is:

The village of Kledung
District Parakan
Temanggung, Central Java 56254
Mr. Bejo Hasan of Grasindo (Natural Lovers Association)

There is also Dieng Kledung pass Hotel and restaurant nearby, the room rate is about Rp. 50.000/day

The transportation from Yogya, Semarang and Solo is easy. Take the bus to Wonosobo, get out at Kledung. The cost is about Rp. 5.000,-
From Solo is around Rp. 3.000,- more expensive
From Yogyakarta – Magelang – Secang – Temanggung – Kledung.
From Semarang – Bawen – Secang – Temanggung – Kledung.
From Solo – Bawen – Secang – Temanggung – Kledung
From Solo – Yogyakarta – Secang – Temanggung – Kledung

(The exchange rate of Oct. 16, 1998: US $ 1= Rp. 9.000)

There is modest facility in the base camp. A trekker can take rest, before and after the climbing in the base camp. The registration fee is Rp. 500/person. Guide service Rp. 50.000 per day/group.

The Climbing

The normal time to the peak is 6 to 7 hours, around 7 Km. The route is not to hard, so it is good for beginners.

1. Trekking thru the farms and forest of Pinus and edelweiss garden, passing 3 shelters, namely Sibajing, Cawang and Seroto.
2. Before these shelters, there is a place locally named as Watu Gede, after a really big stone. This place is considered as the gate to the Mt. Sindoro. The shelter III has astonishingly picturesque panorama. It’s really splendid!
3. Straight up to the peak

The society is traditional villagers, preserving their ancestors’ tradition. They would not climb to the peak at the Javanese day of Wage (every five day) it is forbidden.

Every Javanese new year at the 1^st of Suro they go for pilgrimage to the ancient abode of Kyai Santri, whom they consider as their ancestor, the first settler in the village. All climbers are requested to behave accordingly. Women who is having period is not allowed to climb.

The Sigedang Route

The base camp is in:
The village of Sigedang
District Kejajar
Wonosobo, Central Java
Contact: Bapak/Mr. Amin

The registration fee is Rp. 500/person

Guide Rp. 50.000/day/group

The base camp has modest facility. Plenty hotels and inns are in the city of Wonosobo. Sigedang is located between Wonosobo and Dieng. It’s 20 Km from Wonosobo and 30 Km from Dieng.

For those who comes from Yogyakarta, Solo or Semarang take the bus to Wonosobo, Dieng and get out at Rejosari.

The bus fare to Wonosobo is approximately Rp. 5.000,-
From Wonosobo to Rejosari with minivan Rp. 1.500,-
From Rejosari to Sigedang with small van Rp. 500,-

The Climbing

It is normally 5 to 6 hours of trekking.

1. Pass thru tea plantation for one hour.
   There are 3 shelters, used by the tea plantation authority.
   
2. Pass thru the forest for another hour
3. Climb thru savannah to the peak.

The route is the shortest way to the peak, it’s rather steepy and stony, but it is not too hard.

There is dead crater on the top. During and after the rainy season, it is plenty of water which can be used by the mountaineers. The tea plantation is an ideal place for relaxation, enjoying the pure and clean air amidst the greenery.

The people of Sigedang is traditional. They are either farmers or workers of the tea estate. They always make traditional ceremonies on the top of Mt. Sindoro, in the 1^st of Javanese Month Suro, 10^th of Suro and end of Suro to make pilgrimage to the ancient abode of Kyai Santri, considered as the first shelter of the village.

Every Tuesday Kliwon, no local village shall climb to the peak, it is forbidden traditionally since along time ago.

All mountaineers and visitors to Sindoro are requested to behave politely and should not wear a red stone.

Note:

1. The climbers to those five mountains: Lawu, Merapi, Merbabu, Sumbing and Sindoro are Tono Indroyanto and his friends, students from University of Muhammadiyah, Surakarta. The reports in Indonesian and photos are also made by them.
2. The sponsor is CV. Buana Raya Printing and Publishing Company Jl. Dr. Rajiman 687 A, Pajang, Solo.

Joglosemar Online thanks both parties for the cooperation.
Translated and edited by Suryo S. Negoro

Mt. Merbabu (3142 m)

Mt. Merbabu (3142 m)

This is a favorite mountain for local and foreign mountaineers. The average temperature in its top is around 15 grade Celsius during the day, of course in the night, it’s biting cold. The magnificent Merbabu is in the middle of Central Java Province, comes from the word "Meru" means mountain and "Babu" means female or lady.

For years it has been known as a sleeping mountain, but in fact it has 5 calderas, namely:

Condrodimuko, Kombang, Kendang, Rebab & Sambernyowo. Mt. Merbabu last eruption was in 1968 which caused a lot of erosion. Usually it gives a tranquile atmosphere to its green beautiful environment.

Mountaineering Routes:

There are 2 routes to the summit i.e. From the North thru village of Tekelan’ Salatiga and the South route is thru Selo village, Boyolali.

The North Route

The nearest town is Salatiga. It’s about one hour drive from Semarang or Surakarta. The bus fee from both city to Salatiga is Rp. 2.000,- (The exchange rate of October 1, 1998 is US$ 1 = Rps. 11.000,-)
From Yogyakarta it’s about 2 hours by bus, the fee is Rp. 3.000,-

From Salatiga take another bus to Kopeng resort. It costs Rp. 1.000,- then walk or take ‘an ojek’ (motor bike Taxi) for Rp. 2.000,- - to the village base camp:

Register to Arie Wijaya A.Md (or Bapak Sunaryo) the fee is Rp. 750,-. Guide fee to the peak and return again in the same base camp is Rp. 25.000,-

The address is:

POSKO MERBABU
Tekelan No. 96, Kopeng
Salatiga 50774
Central Java.

The base camp has a capacity to accommodate about 450 people. It provides modest bathrooms and worship houses: Mosque, Church and Vihara. There is a clear mountaineering route to the top, safety and supervision is conducted by Perhutani (Forest Authority) of Kopeng.

The village of Tekelan daily temperature is around 19 grade of Celsius. In this village live peacefully its inhabitans of 688 persons. They are traditional farmers growing vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, cabbages, carrots and also tobacco. The name of the village comes from the founder and ancestor of the villagers-mbah (grand father) Thekel, where his graveyard is in the village Cemetery. Tekelan village has a good reputation, it has a grammar school and groups of arts such as: KETOPRAK-traditional drama with gamelan accompaniment, Javanese dance of warriors, musical orchestra etc.

Up to present date they stick to their old tradition, they live in harmony and helping each other (gotong royong). Some little girls (until the age of 4 years old) are with uncombed and uncutted loose hair (rambut Gimbal) it is believed to free them from evil temptation and to be in safety. The cleaning of the hair must be done in ritual, lead by an "old" man. The springs in village are considered sacred and should not be bothered.

The Climbing

Note: The water springs are found nearby base camp, shelter Pending and nearby the 5 craters.

1. The last village on the North slope, Tekelan is 1596 M.
   From Kopeng is 1,8 Km by walking or 3,5 Km by motorbike. From Arie Widjaja’s basecamp walk about 1 hour thru the garden to shelter Pending (1800 m)

   

2. Then walk another 1,5 hours to shelter 1-Gumuk (2260 m)
   After crossing a small river (Kethekan), (a spring is found here) and passing a deep ravine (Pereng Putih 2200 m). In this area grows small bamboo trees which are used by locals to produce bamboo-crafts.
3. Climb further 1 hour to shelter II Lempong Sampan (2450 m) thru a forest. There a 2 routes.

   

   

4. From shelter II to shelter III about 1 hour walk – Watu Gubug (stony hut) (2610 m). There are 3 routes, with their own specific forest panorama. Some beautiful hairy flowers are growing attractively here The Watu Gubug are big stones with a hole as big as cave which could give shelter to 100 people. It is considered as sacred place. The climbers are advised behave accordingly. Do not urinate nearby Watu Gubug or the crater Condrodimuko. Do not put feet into the crater’s water spring.

   

5. Climb another 45 minutes to shelter IV-Gunung/Mount Watu Tulis – 2896 m.
   The view from here is quite amazing. The climbers can see several summits of Merbabu. From shelter III up to summits is green savannah with some beautiful mountain trees and flowers: acacia, Kemlandingan, Strawberry, orchid and of course the famous breath-taking Edelweiss. From time to time, the climbers shall encounter a group of various singing birds, jungle fowls, monkeys, deers and be careful of ....... Tigers. There is a radio communication here.
6. Go forward to shelter V-(2898 m) for another 30 minutes from shelter IV. This place is surrounded by the magnificent summits of Merbabu. About 150 m from here are the dead-craters, there is spring nearby. To the right, there is Gunung (Mount) Kukusan (2928 m).

   

7. Now, this is the heaviest trek, the so-called 627 m long "Jembatan Setan" – The Satanic Bridge, normally it takes 45 minutes to pass. There are deep ravine on the right and left side, until a place locally called Plawangan Ondorante (a crossroad to last summits).
8. The Peak of Pregodalem (3119 m)
   According to legend, there was a house in this peak, guarded by Kyai Syarif and mbah (grand-pa) Kerto. That’s why this peak is also called: Syarif or Kerto.

   

9. The Peak of Kenteng Songo (3142 m)
   From the crossroad, climb another 45 minutes, and here it is, the highest peak by the name of Kenteng Songo. Three are 9 stones in the form of mortar for pounding rice. Some believe, this peak is the "unseen" resident of a couple of ascetics by the name of Kyai and Nyai Rogodewo (body of god).

The picturesque natural view lures climbers to remain here for quite a long time. To the west are the blue summits of Sumbing and Sindoro, just a ‘few meters’ to the south is the aggressive Mt. Merapi. To the North are green and peaceful mounts Telomoyo and Ungaran. Mt. Lawu is standing pridely in the South-East

In the month of Suro (in the night of Javanese new year), the inhabitants living in the North Slope of Merbabu, make traditional offering in the craters of Merbabu.

From The South Route

Bus fee from Semarang to Boyolali Rp. 2.500,-
Bus fee from Solo to Boyolali Rp. 1.500,-
Bus fee from Yogya to Boyolali Rp. 2.000,-
Bus fee from Boyolali to Selo Rp. 1.000,-

Selo village is situated between Mt. Merbabu & Mt. Merapi.

In Selo, there are some inns.

1. From Pasar (Market) of Selo, walk to the village bordering with the forest. Find the house/base camp belonged to Pak Sunarto. There is modest bathroom, mosque and a warung (small shop). In the Javanese month of Sapar, there is a ritual ceremony, the villagers give a traditional offering in the spring, as it provided a good life to them.
2. Climbing from this side, the climbers can always see the beautiful view of Mt. Merapi and Mt. Lawu on their back.

From shelter I-Balong, shelter II-Pentur and shelter III. The climbers can walk leisurely under the shadow of big forest trees. The name of Balong according to local legend, is to remember Eyang (grand-pa) Citranala conquered a tiger. In that fight, his cloth was holed by the tigers’ bite (cloth=gombal; hole= bolong; gombal bolong, the abbreviation is Balong)

From shelter IV up to summit, there are savannah and some flowers like a special kind of Edelweiss, named The Snowy Edelweiss. The most Tiring trek is the climbing to this shelter.

The shelter V is the peak of Kentong Songo. The climbing from the south route takes around 6 hours time.

It is advised to the mountaineers, the best way is to climb Mt. Merbabu from the North, Tekelan village and descend in Selo. Afterwards, depends to availability of time and energy, climb over Mount Merapi.

Note:

1. The climbers to those five mountains: Lawu, Merapi, Merbabu, Sumbing and Sindoro are Tono Indroyanto and his friends, students from University of Muhammadiyah, Surakarta. The reports in Indonesian and photos are also made by them.
2. The sponsor is CV. Buana Raya Printing and Publishing Company Jl. Dr. Rajiman 687 A, Pajang, Solo.

Joglosemar Online thanks both parties for the cooperation.
Translated and edited by Suryo S. Negoro

Mt. Sumbing (3371 M)

Mt. Sumbing (3371 M)

It is a bold challenge for climbers to reach the second highest peak in Central Java. The summit of Mt. Sumbing is unique. Coming up from Base camp Cepit, Parakan, the mountaineers shall arrive in the rocky calderas. With many salfataras where sulfuric gas continuously blows. The last climb to the top, is thru narrow strenous stony path. It needs energy and bravery. At last, after a normal trekking of 8 hours, here it is ………. the peak of Mt. Sumbing, with its exotic panorama. (Sumbing means harelip)

Mountaineering Routes:

There are two routes to the peak i.e. from the sub-village of Cepit, 7 Km from Parakan, Temangsung and from the village of Garung, Wonosobo.

The Route from Cepit

It’s about 125 Km from Yogyakarta or Semarang, located between the towns of Temanggung and Wonosobo, on the way to Dieng Plateau. The base camp Cepit is on the east slope of Sumbing.

From Yogyakarta, take a bus to Wonosobo, passing thru Magelang, Secang, turn left to Temanggung, Parakan. The bus fare is about Rp. 4.000,-

From Parakan to the sub-village of Cepit (7 Km) with a small van, the fare is Rp. 1.500,- with ojek-motorbike taxi is Rp. 3.500,- (the exchange rate of Oct. 16, 1998 is US $ 1= Rp. 9000,-)

From Semarang, take a bus to Wonosobo, via Bawen, Secang, turn right to Temanggung, Parakan. The bus fare is almost the same.

From Solo, one can take the route thru Yogya or Bawen. It should be around Rp. 3.000,- additional transportation fee.

Register to Bapak / Mr. Karyo Rejo. The sub-village head of Cepit, with a very small/voluntarily fee. Guide fee for every group is Rp. 25.000/day. There is modest facility in this basecamp: bathroom, small shop, mosque and health care. The address is:

Base camp Cepit
Village of Pagergunung
Sub district Bulu, Temanggung
Central Java.

The villagers of this cool mountainous region are mostly successful tobacco growers. The location of the village on the eastern slope of the mountain with good and enough sunshine, the right altitude and climate, produce only high quality tobacco-leaves.

They conserve their ancestors’ tradition to present date. Thrice a year they make pilgrimage to caldera of Mt. Sumbing, where an ancient respected ascetic – Ki Ageng Makukuhan’s graveyard is in the Kawah (Caldera) zone, in the Javanese new year of Suro, 21^st of Pasa (Fasting month) and new year.

Some children are still with Rambut Gimbal (uncombed and uncutted loose hair) to protect them from evil deed. The traditional arts of Ketoprak (dance drama accompaniment with Gamelan Music) and Kuda Lumping/Jathilan are frequently performed in each dusun (sub-village). (Click: People’s Culture for detail)

The climbing

Before climbing be sure of the supply, especially water as there is no spring along the trek. Usually it starts at 9.00 p.m., so at about 05.00 a.m., early in the morning, at sunrise the top of Mt. Sumbing is reached. All trekkers are requested to honor local customs which are positive, among other: Don’t ruin the trees. Don’t throw garbage. Be careful when make fire. Be polite, don’t complain too much. Don’t urinate at certain places etc.

1. One hour walk thru the village garden
2. Then another 2 hours walk in the forest, continued in the savannah.
3. Passing the locally known as Batu Kasur (Stone Mattress) and Batu Lawang (Stone door)
4. Arriving in the zone of ‘Kawasan Kawah’ (caldera Zone), consist of:
   1. Laut Pasir (sea sand)
      
   2. Caldera with salfataras where sulphuric gas continuously blows. This area is surrounded by high wall. In this area too, is the location of Ki Ageng Makukuhan grave. There are some caves, the biggest is the cave Jugil.
      
5. The climbing to the top, must be done carefully. It’s strenous, narrow path. It needs a strong energy. And then the view from peak is ……….. heaven.

The Route from Garung

The address is:
Village of Garung
District: Kalikajar
Wonosobo

In this basecamp, Bapak/Mr. Hubroni can be contacted or Stickpala Mountaineering club.

Registration fee is Rp. 500/person

Guide fee is Rp. 50.000 per day/group.

The route from Yogyakarta, Solo or Semarang is just the same with the way to Cepit. The only different is do not get out at Parakan, go further and get-out at Garung. The bus fare is about Rp. 1.500 more expensive. From Garung to Basecamp by ojek (Motorbike taxi) for Rp. 1.500,-.

There is a Hotel and Restaurant nearby, it’s comfortable, the name is Dieng Kledung Pass. The room rate is about Rp. 50.000/day.

The Climbing

From the village of Garung to the peak is 7 Km trekking. The normal time is 6 to 8 hours. The route from here is steepy right from the very beginning.

1. Km. I – is from the village to the base camp.
2. Km. II & III – old and new route is thru the gardens of the villagers.
3. Km. IV & V – old route:

   Climb thru forest of Pinus and then in Km. V the path is steep and exhausting, it has two pass 2 steep hills, namely Genus and Sedlupak.

4. Km. IV & V – new route:

   Climb thru an area (Bos weisen) with Pinus trees, cross a river in Kedung, arrive in shelter II in Gatakan (2240 M)

5. Pestan is the meeting point of old and new path. In Pestan, one may take a rest or raise a tent.
6. Km. VI includes Pestan, there is no tree here. Pasar Watu (market of stones) – there are a lot of stones and then Watu Kotak (a big stone like a box) usually used as shelter by the climbers against rain and strong wind.

   

7. Km. VII

From Watu Kotak to Tanah Putih (white land) and then to the peak, it takes around one hour. The path is stony and strenuous.

To go to the calderas, take the path to the right direction, as straight up route leads to the peak. For the calderas’ situation see above explanation (Cepit route). This Garung village is located in the North Slope of Sumbing, somewhere between Mt. Sumbing and Mt. Sindoro.

The villagers, whose majority are farmers keep the tradition of their ancestors. They go for pilgrimage in the Mount’s Calderas every 1^st Suro (Javanese New Year) and 21^st of Pasa (fasting month).

Note:

1. The climbers to those five mountains: Lawu, Merapi, Merbabu, Sumbing and Sindoro are Tono Indroyanto and his friends, students from University of Muhammadiyah, Surakarta. The reports in Indonesian and photos are also made by them.
2. The sponsor is CV. Buana Raya Printing and Publishing Company Jl. Dr. Rajiman 687 A, Pajang, Solo.

Joglosemar Online thanks both parties for the cooperation.
Translated and edited by Suryo S. Negoro

Mt. Merapi (2968 m)

Mt. Merapi (2968 m)
With its famous "Puncak Garuda" - Garuda Peak

This fire mountain remains one of the most active and dangerous volcano in the world. It can be seen from its name – Merapi from Javanese world Meru means mountain and Api means fire. The latest eruption
In the early morning of Saturday, July 11, 1998, at 4.59 a.m, the volcano erupted again after days of ominous rumblings and minor tremors. At once, following the explosion, a black smoke rose up to more than 3000 m above its peak, spewing heat clouds and volcanic ash and debris several kilometers away. The ash hit the area as far as 60 Km away on the West of the mountain. Many surrounding towns were blanketed with white ash. The most dangerous killers are the heat clouds. This 3000 ⁰ Celsius heat substance should melt and burnt easily anything found on its way. "Luckily, this cloud blew to an uninhabited area west of the mountain. In 1994 sudden eruption, 66 people of the South-West slope have been killed by this heat cloud.

The local people call this heat cloud in Javanese Wedus Gembel (Wedus – a sheep; gembel – thick curly hair), as it looked like. Usually the local inhabitants should flee from their villages only after seeing the emergence of the "curly sheep", as considered the real menace of the "Merapi Rulers". In 1997, thousand of Merapi villagers have been evacuated when it began spewing ash and lava.

The worst eruption was in 1930 which killed about 1300 people. People did not know exactly how many thousand or even million times, Merapi has been erupted since its birth. In the 10^th century, its ashes had buried totally a temple 15 km southward. Probably its unbearable activity had pushed eastward the Hindu Mataram kingdom from Prambanan, central Java to East Java in the 10th century.

But Merapi does not act always as "a bad guy", most of the time "it is a good guy", handsomely gives tremendous fertility to the land, stands strongly guarding the nature

Mountaineering Routes
There are 2 routes lead to Mt. Merapi. The first is thru Yogyakarta from the South, the second is thru the village of Selo, Boyolali from the north.

From Yogyakarta
From the city of Yogya, a climber shall travel to Kaliurang – a small nice 1300 m high mountain resort, 27 Km north of Yogya and then continue to Kimahrejo village, the last village to the top. A guide, sufficient supply (water etc), any information are available here. Normally, it shall take 6 hours of climbing to the peak.

The path should lead to the border of last vegetation, the timberline, Kendit. Going to the peak, walk thru labile and stony paths, the journey is strenuous. On the peak, one can see the sulphur crater and heavenly panoramic views. It is strongly advised to all mountaineers to prepare themselves adequately, before any climbing. Be careful of accident which could happened due to stone sliding or falling down.

Unfortunately this path is closed since November 1994 due to dangerous activities of the mountain, until further notice. If a climber insists, he could climb only until Miji Hill, from where he can enjoy the beautiful nature. A special permit is needed to enter the Miji hill, which is considered as a dangerous area.

Ritual Ceremony

Every year the Karaton – Palace of Yogyakarta gives regular offering in Ngestiaji, north of Kimahrejo village. The ritual starts from the house of mbah (Grand-father) Marijan, a native of the village, assigned by Karaton of Yogya as the gate keeper (Juru Kunci) of Merapi. The offering are meant for the welfare of the Sultan and the people of Yogyakarta and prosperity of the country, to commemorate the coronation of the Sultan. This year is due on November 20 and 21, 1998.

Trekking in Kaliurang
Besides mountain climbing, there are other natural tourist activities, organized to adore the breath-taking beauty of Mt. Merapi. Interested party can easily contact

Vogels Homestay
Jalan Astanamulya 76
Kaliurang, Yogyakarta
Phone. 0274-895208
Contact person: Mr. Christian Awuy, who has developed these activities since 1990 with high dedication.

What are the offer?

1. Mt. Merapi daily lava Tour.
   Starting from 03.00 a.m in the morning until 08.00 am. Including local breakfast in a hut by the side of river Kuning.
   The group shall go up to Miji hill, about 1,5 h walk from Vogel’s.
   Sunrise can be enjoyed from here, and if lucky, a traveler could see the sliding of the burning lava from the top.
2. Village Tour
3. Bushwalk and rice field tour

Quite frankly, these nature oriented outdoor sport and adoration activity have been followed by more and more tourists, local as well as foreign. A traveler could see easily the rivers where the hot lava flows, as in the river of Boyong, in the South slope.

The comments of some travelers are self-explanatory:

"The Merapi got be some kind of myth ……. a great experience to see mother nature so close and it is a must if you visit Yogya" (Martin, Frankfurt)

"Mt. Merapi is very impressive – that lava can really move. Don’t forget warm clothes. It can get really chilly- up there, especially while sitting in the pre-down watching the stars and lava." (Karen, Canada)

From Selo Village, Boyolali
The other route is thru Selo village, from the north of Merapi. This cool hilly village (1500 M high) located on the slopes of Mt. Merapi, in the south and Mt. Merbabu in the north. It’s about 40 Km, north-west of Solo city.

The climbers could prepare supplies in this village, there are some nice accommodations here. Tour guide is also available, by contacting Pak Warsito of Lencoh village, Selo. Normally, the climbing to the peak should take 6 hours. The way back to Selo, is approximately 4 hours.

Most climbers prefer to start early hours at 2.00 or 3.00 a.m from Selo base camp, catching the sunrise from the peak and avoiding thick fog which usually appears mid-day.

The climbing

1. First from the village base camp, the climbers shall walk 1 km upward to a small Joglo house.
2. Then take a small path thru tobacco and vegetable gardens, pass a pine wood until "Pole 1".
3. From Pole 1 to Pole 2, walk thru open hill with strong wind.
4. From Pole 2 until a place locally known as Pasar Bubrah (Ruined Market), the vegetation are rare, the wind blows very strongly.

It has to be noted that Selo trekking is very steep from the start, a climber should walk carefully thru a small sandy and stony path with deep ravine on the right or left side. Pasar Bubrah, is a stone plain right under the peak. It shall take another hour to climb to top of Mt. Merapi. One has to climb adroitly, passing thru the labil sharp stones and windy road.

The Garuda Peak

Reaching the peak, a stony plain with gigantic active crater, with strong smell of sulphur vapor. The most top peak is a huge stone in the form of Garuda Bird (Indonesia mythological bird) looks like a flying Eagle. A climber should be very proud and happy to be here.

Look at the beautiful panoramic view around, enjoy the crystal clear sunrise, see the other peaks of mountains as Mt. Sindoro, Mt. Sumbing, Mt. Lawu, located hundred km away and the blue South Sea, southward of Yogyakarta and might be a bit worried to watch very closely the active crater with real hot lava inside.

The Ritual Ceremony
Every year in the Javanese New Year, 1^st of Suro, the Selo villages make traditional offering to Mt. Merapi, called "Sedekah Gunung" (Mountain offering). They hope to live in safety and good welfare with enough crops from their land. The process of offering starts at the village house and then the burial of a Buffalo head shall take place on the peak of Mt. Merapi, or if the condition is dangerous then it shall be buried in Pasar Bubrah.

More about Merapi’s eruption

1. When Merapi erupted in the morning July 11, 1998, about 3 million cubic meters of volcanic ash and toxic debris have been spewed from the crater.
2. After eruption, it "coughs" many times, the noise is like flying supersonic jet. It indicates the boiling magma under the earth is pushing upstairs, it’s blazing.
3. The blazing process "followed by the emergence of dangerous hot clouds.
   The height of hot cloud is about 4 M, and could flow as far as 3 to 4 Km away.
4. Sometimes it is repeatedly "booming" with horrible sound from inside the crater.
5. Hot clouds also follow volcanic lava flows.
6. At present, about 4 million cubic meters of lava are in the mouth of the crater. Its flow must be anticipated soon. Some "lava canals" have been built around the slope to channel its flow.
7. And then, the time comes when Merapi is again at peace. High, green, beautiful. That’s nature.

Note:

1. The climbers to those five mountains: Lawu, Merapi, Merbabu, Sumbing and Sindoro are Tono Indroyanto and his friends, students from University of Muhammadiyah, Surakarta. The reports in Indonesian and photos are also made by them.
2. The sponsor is CV. Buana Raya Printing and Publishing Company Jl. Dr. Rajiman 687 A, Pajang, Solo.

Joglosemar Online thanks both parties for the cooperation.
Translated and edited by Suryo S. Negoro