Embarking on Mount Merapi Hike from Yogyakarta City Center !

Mount Merapi, located near Yogyakarta, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world?

Merapi is one of approximately 500 volcanoes in Indonesia, with at least 129 of them being active volcanoes situated in the volcanic arc scattered along the Asia-Pacific islands, also known as the “Ring of Fire.”

Living in the shadow of an active volcano feels like sitting on a time bomb, especially when mentioning Mount Merapi, the volcano that dominates the center of Java island.

However, despite its frequent eruptions, Mount Merapi is crucial for the lives of kings and the Javanese community.

Why is that? Because through its eruptions, Merapi spews lava, ash, and minerals onto the surrounding areas.

All of this provides nutrient-rich soil and makes the region around Merapi one of the most fertile in the world, consequently becoming one of the most densely populated areas.

How to Travel from Yogyakarta to Mount Merapi

Mount Merapi, a beautiful natural landscape in Yogyakarta, becomes an enticing adventure destination for tourists. With its stunning scenery and thrilling activities, Mount Merapi offers an unforgettable experience. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reach Mount Merapi from the city center of Yogyakarta.

Mode of Transport	Estimated Time	Cost	Additional Notes
Bus TransJogja	1 hr	IDR 2,700 – 2,600	Longer travel time, but budget-friendly
Private car	1 hr 47 min	IDR 10,000 (parking fees, doesn’t include fuel cost, and entrance ticket)	Comfortable for group or family trip
Private motorbike	1 hr 32 min	IDR 5,000 (parking fees, doesn’t include fuel cost, and entrace ticket)	Quick and time-effective!
Online motorbike	1 hr 32 min	IDR 140k – 150k	Energy-saver and easy to navigate through traffic

source: Traveloka.com

Note: All costs are approximate and may vary based on specific circumstances and travel conditions.

Read More: Travel from Jakarta to Bromo: Unveiling Transportation Choices

How to Get There?

Mount Bromo tourism has been reopened and can be visited by tourists from all regions. For those of you from Jakarta, get ready to buy train or bus tickets.

You can also reach it by a private vehicle. In addition to land transportation, trains or buses, you can also go to Bromo by using air transportation, planes.

1. Travel from Center of Yogyakarta to Mount Merapi by a Bus

Some intercity trips or buses also provide routes to the Mount Merapi area. Remember to check the departure times and recommended travel plans. You can arrive by train at Giwangan Station or Jombor Station.

From Jombor Station, you can take TransJogja bus route 8 and then alight at Jogokariyan. Afterward, you only need to walk approximately 720 meters, around 10 minutes, to reach the entrance of Mount Merapi.

You can also use public transportation like the City Inter-Provincial Transportation (AKDP), which has 5 bus routes in Yogyakarta with 162 bus stops.

From Kyai Mojo Street, the bus will stop at Jogja-Tempel and then proceed to National Road III as the 9th stop.

Next, it heads towards Jogja-Parangtritis, traveling along Sisingamangaraja Street 35.

2. From Yogyakarta to Mount Merapi by an Online Motorbike Ride

For a more flexible experience, you can use online motorbika ride like GoJek or Grab. This option can be quicker and offers customization to suit your journey.

This is especially suitable for those coming from out of town and not bringing their own vehicle, especially for solo travelers.

The distance between Yogyakarta city center and Mount Merapi is 56 km. If the online motorcycle taxi fare per kilometer is Rp2,500, you should budget around Rp140,000 – Rp150,000 for a one-way trip.

Source: Moovitapp.com

Source:tripjogja.co.id

3. Tourism Spot of Mount Merapi, Bunkerkaliadem

Mount Merapi, still active, has now become one of the tourist attractions in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta.

There are several places around Mount Merapi that have turned into tourist spots, although they were once impacted by eruptions. One of them is Bunker Kaliadem in Hargobinangun, Cangkringan District, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta.

This bunker, located about 4.5 kilometers from the summit of Mount Merapi, indeed boasts a charming panorama. During clear weather, the erupting summit of Mount Merapi, emitting smoke, can be clearly observed.

Visitors typically take advantage of this beautiful backdrop for photography or content creation.

Route to Bunker Kaliadem by Using Private Car or Motorbike

Although once affected by Merapi’s eruption, Bunker Kaliadem is accessible by private vehicles such as motorcycles and cars.

From Yogyakarta city, the journey can be made through Kaliurang Road. Continue north on Kaliurang Road until Kilometer 22.

Turn right at the intersection, leaving Kaliurang Road towards Kaliadem. Cross the Kali Kuning Bridge, then turn right, following the main road at the dead-end after the bridge. Then, at the second dead-end intersection, turn left towards Kaliadem.

Keep going straight, and you will pass a toll booth. The per-person fee is quite affordable, at Rp 4,000.

Continue straight until the end of the asphalt road where the Missile Monument is located; there will be an intersection.

Turn right at this intersection. After turning right at the intersection, continue straight, follow the road, and the journey will lead to the Bunker Kaliadem tourist area.

Source: Kompas.com

What to Do?

The local society highly respects the formidable power of Mount Merapi.

Each year, on the Sultan’s coronation anniversary, offerings (labuhan) are brought from the Yogyakarta Palace to Mount Merapi. Simultaneously, similar offerings are also presented to the southern part of the Indian Ocean.

Both offerings are intended to appease the spirits guarding the mountain and the sea, bringing prosperity to the Javanese population.

Read More: Connecting from Yogyakarta to Bromo by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

Currently, Merapi is continually monitored by earthquake monitoring posts that can warn residents if an eruption is imminent.

Despite frequently emitting smoke, Merapi still attracts the interest of pedestrians, hikers, and more recently, adventurers intrigued to explore the cooled lava flows from the last eruption.

Whether you’re an expert in vulcanology or someone who loves the adventure of hiking or driving a jeep on the dangerous slopes of Merapi, here are some activities you should consider when visiting Merapi:

1. Explore Volcanoes at the Merapi Museum

To gain a deeper understanding of volcanoes, you can visit the Merapi Museum. Located in Kaliurang, on the slope of the mountain, approximately 25 km north of Yogyakarta, the museum is dedicated to the scientific study of volcanoes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. It was opened to the public on October 1, 2009.

Occupying an area of 3.4 hectares, this two-story museum with a total area of 4,470 square meters features different themes on its first floor, such as Volcanic World, Traces of Mount Merapi, Humans and Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunamis, Land Movements, Dioramas, and Extraterrestrial Volcanoes.

Meanwhile, the second floor is utilized for displaying images and films related to Mount Merapi. It also highlights notable individuals who visited the victims during the last devastating eruption.

2. Observing the Mighty Mount Merapi from the Kaliurang Observation Tower

Numerous places have been specifically established for gazing at the majestic Mount Merapi, but the best spot that you might desire is the Kaliurang Observation Tower. Situated just 7 kilometers from the crater of Mount Merapi, this distance is considered relatively safe for observation activities.

There is an extensive garden surrounding this two-story tower, where you can linger in the cool air while enjoying Wedang Ronde, a warm ginger drink.

Kaliurang Observation Tower Address: Hargo Binangun Village, Pakem, Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta

Source: Traveloka.com

3. Heading to Lava Merapi Jeep Tour

Merapi Hike! 5 Climbing Routes to Take You There!

Mount Merapi is a mountain located in two provinces: Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta. With an elevation of 2,930 meters above sea level, it stands as one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes.

Geographically, the southern slope is within the jurisdiction of Sleman Regency, while the remaining area extends into Central Java Province, covering Magelang Regency to the west, Boyolali Regency to the north and east, and Klaten Regency to the southeast.

The forest surrounding Mount Merapi’s peak has been designated as the Mount Merapi National Park since 2004. Mount Merapi is frequently chosen for climbing activities.

Of course, adherence to the applicable regulations is essential when engaging in climbing activities on Mount Merapi. Here are the 5 climbing routes of Mount Merapi!

1. The Shortest Route

This trail begins at an approximate elevation of 1,600 meters above sea level and represents the shortest route to the summit of Mount Merapi.

The Shortest route takes about 4 hours on average to climb, starting from Joglo II, located above Plalangan Village, Selo District, Boyolali Regency.

Ascending Mount Merapi through the Selo Route involves initially traversing a footpath surrounded by agricultural land on both sides.

After about 30 minutes, climbers enter a forested area. To reach Terminal 1 Selokopo Ngisor, there are two road branches. Choosing the right path leads climbers over a ridge with numerous inclines, while the left path takes them along the cliff side.

After passing Terminal 1 Selokopo Ngisor, climbers proceed through Terminal II Selokopo Nduwur, where the route is steep, with loose rocks and reduced vegetation. The journey from Selokopo Ngisor to Selokopo Nduwur takes approximately 1 hour.

The subsequent leg of the journey is towards Terminal III Pasar Bubar. At Pasar Bubar, climbers can take a break and enjoy views of Mount Sindoro, Mount Sumbing, the Dieng Mountains, as well as Mount Slamet. Mount Merbabu can also be seen to the north, and Mount Lawu to the east.

2. Babadan Route

Climbers will experience a different adventure when ascending Mount Merapi through the Babadan Route.

This route is slightly more challenging, but the scenery is more breathtaking. Visitors will traverse four winding upstream rivers.

Opting for the Babadan route to climb Mount Merapi ensures the presence of experienced guides ready to accompany climbers to the summit at any time.

Terminal I on the Babadan route is called Bukit Pathuk, accessed via a pedestrian path that is not too steep to reach.

On clear nights, climbers can witness the city lights shimmering, while during the day, they can see the summit of Mount Merapi along with its lava dome. Climbers can also observe traces of lava flows and pyroclastic clouds.

After Bukit Pathuk, climbers proceed towards Terminal II Bukit Kejen, a journey taking approximately 1.5 hours.

Passing through Bukit Kejen II Station, climbers can continue towards Pasar Bubar III Station. The travel time from Bukit Kejen to Pasar Bubar takes about 2 hours.

The total ascent to the summit of Mount Merapi from the Babadan route requires around 5 hours.

3. Sapuangin Road: The Longer Trail

Source: goajomblang.com