Mount Merapi, standing proudly at 2,930 meters above sea level, is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia and a defining landmark of Yogyakarta. Known as the “Mountain of Fire,” Merapi has shaped the land, culture, and way of life of the people living around its slopes. Despite its eruptions, the foot of Mount Merapi is now a thriving tourism area where adventure, education, and cultural immersion come together.
For travelers who feel bored visiting Malioboro street every time come to Jogja, let’s try to visit the foot of Merapi offers a different side of Yogyakarta: raw natural beauty, unique attractions and unforgettable experiences. Below are the best spots and activities you can explore around Merapi’s foothills.
Lava Tour Merapi (Jeep Adventure)
The Lava Tour Merapi is arguably the most iconic activity at the foot of Mount Merapi, attracting both domestic and international visitors who seek adventure while learning about the volcano’s history. Using rugged 4×4 jeeps, the tour takes you through the dramatic landscape left behind by Merapi’s 2010 eruption. The ride itself is exhilarating—bouncing across rocky terrain, volcanic sand plains, and narrow tracks carved out by lava flows.
The tour usually includes several significant stops. One of the highlights is the Sisa Hartaku Mini Museum, also known as “My Remaining Treasure Museum,” where you’ll find remnants of daily life left behind after the eruption, such as burned motorbikes, twisted household tools, and family photographs, all preserved as silent witnesses of tragedy.
Another stop is the Alien Stone, a massive volcanic rock eerily shaped like a human face, which has become a popular photo spot. The tour also takes you to the Bunker Kaliadem, a concrete shelter built as a refuge but which tragically became the final resting place of two volunteers during the 2006 eruption.
There are several tour packages available, ranging from short routes (1.5–2 hours) to longer adventures (up to 4 hours), with options for sunrise and sunset trips. The rental price for the Merapi Lava Tour Jeep generally starts from around IDR 350,000 to IDR 650,000 per jeep, depending on the package (Short, Medium, Long, Sunrise) and the service provider.
Ullen Sentalu Museum
Ullen Sentalu Museum is located at Jalan Boyong KM 25, Kaliurang Barat, Sleman which is often praised as one of Indonesia’s best cultural museums, and for good reason. Its architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding gardens and lush greenery, creating a peaceful and mysterious atmosphere right from the entrance.
Unlike many conventional museums, Ullen Sentalu does not allow visitors to wander unguided; instead, every guest joins a mandatory guided tour, which makes the experience far more engaging and insightful.
The museum’s collections center on the history and culture of the royal families of Yogyakarta and Surakarta, the heirs of the Mataram Kingdom. Inside, you’ll find exquisite batik textiles, traditional clothing, ancient manuscripts, paintings and personal letters that reveal the lives of Javanese princesses and nobility.
The stories told by the guides go beyond objects they unravel Javanese philosophy, women’s roles in the palace, and how art has been used to convey values for centuries. One of the most fascinating sections is the “Guwa Sela Giri” underground gallery, which feels like stepping into another world, filled with dim lighting and mystical carvings that reflect Javanese cosmology.
Klangon Hill (Bukit Klangon)
Klangon Hill, also called Bukit Klangon, is one of the best spots for witnessing the majesty of Mount Merapi up close. Located in Glagaharjo, Cangkringan, Sleman, this hill is only about 4 kilometers away from the volcano’s peak, which makes it one of the closest safe viewing points. Because of its elevation and open landscape, visitors can enjoy a crystal-clear view of Merapi’s cone, especially during sunrise when the sky turns golden and the mountain silhouette stands dramatically against the horizon.
The main highlight here is the wooden viewing tower, built on top of the hill. Climbing to the top gives you an even wider panoramic view not just of Merapi, but also of the surrounding valleys, forests, and rural villages. It’s a favorite spot for photographers and drone hobbyists who want that perfect symmetrical shot of the volcano.
Telogo Putri
Telogo Putri is also one of the main highlights of the Kaliurang Resort area, offering a refreshing escape in the cool mountain air at the foot of Mount Merapi. This natural lake is surrounded by lush pine forests and gentle hills, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and family outings. The name “Telogo Putri” translates to “Princess Lake”, and local folklore connects it to the tales of Javanese royal figures who once enjoyed the beauty of Kaliurang’s landscape.
The lake itself is small but scenic, with facilities for paddle boat rides, allowing visitors to leisurely glide across the calm water while admiring the view of Merapi in the distance. Around the lake, there are food stalls and picnic areas, where you can sample traditional mountain snacks such as jadah tempe (sticky rice with tempeh), fried bananas, and steaming hot tea or wedang jahe (ginger drink)—perfect companions in the chilly weather.
On weekends or holidays, Telogo Putri often becomes lively with cultural performances, including traditional Javanese dances, gamelan music, and even reog shows, bringing an artistic atmosphere to the natural setting.
Plunyon Kalikuning
Plunyon Kalikuning is the last of the most iconic spots at the foot of Mount Merapi, a place where nature’s recovery after the 2010 eruption has created a serene and photogenic landscape. Located in Umbulharjo, Cangkringan, Sleman, this eco-tourism area is nestled in a lush valley where rivers flow gently through volcanic terrain, surrounded by bamboo forests and pine trees. The fresh mountain air, combined with the dramatic backdrop of Merapi’s peak, makes Plunyon a favorite destination for hikers, cyclists, and especially photographers.
The most iconic feature of Plunyon Kalikuning is its hanging bridge, a long bamboo-and-wooden structure that spans across the valley and river below. This bridge gained national fame when it was featured in “KKN di Desa Penari”, one of Indonesia’s most popular horror films, turning Plunyon into a must-visit spot for fans who want to relive scenes from the movie. Today, many visitors come not only for the natural beauty but also to pose on the bridge with Merapi’s cone rising majestically in the background.
So from many Merapi mount spots above, which one would you visit at first once arrived to Jogja?
