Thrill seekers are always looking for their next big adventure and adrenaline-fueled rush. Are you a thrill seeker? Then come to Indonesia for a volcano jungle trek, an adventure you'll never forget. Be it you are youthful and energetic, or aged with experience, there's a volcano lurking for you. Once you have conquered your mountain volcano, chill out on Indonesia's best beeches.
The beaches and tropical Islands are some of the best destinations to head to for a tropical holiday. The fact that there are active volcanoes in Indonesia only increases your excitement. But why do so many do it? They come to Indonesia to trek to a mountain summit, against all odds. Lots of reasons:
In any case it's also the sense of achievement of conquering a mountain and reaching the top. Because you've got to muster the strength and determination to succeed. With Indonesia it's something special because the mountain is a volcano. Few have a volcano within easy reach back home.
And each of us have different feelings of volcanoes and their fiery history. There is danger and excitement, many volcanoes are still smoldering, waiting. Each volcano is a magnificent beast when you are staring up at it from the valley floor below. Huge and threatening. You feel passive about going up there. Your heart pounds with every exciting step as your guide eggs you on.
Setting off, to begin with, all kinds of emotion swell inside you. There is a lot of drama, as a group, any member may catch sight of something:
Something new that makes everyone stop and huddle around a new experience. it's important to scale a volcanic mountain as part of a group. You do so for encouragement and companionship from one another. It's a long journey, to be sure.
This guide will highlight the 5 best, and most accessible volcanic mountains to trek. Most of our readership going to Indonesia are unlikely to be adventure oriented. But you still ponder on any possibility of climbing your own miniature Mount Everest. Come to Indonesia and it's possible.
The Island of Lombok has amazing beauty in the form of its many rice terraces. If you decide to trek through the rainforest jungles, you cannot help but fall on them. Standing at the bottom of the terraces looking up in bewilderment at how you'll reach the top.
The volcanic mountain rises to unbelievable heights, greater than 2,700 meters. Not only is it one of Indonesia's highest mountains it's an active volcano. Does that put you off trekking towards the top? It shouldn't because it's considered to be safe. Safe:
Although it is not arduous to trek you should set off with an experienced, local tour operator. A guide who knows the lay of the land. You will not be able to trek to Mount Rinjani in one day alone by the way, it will take you at least 2 days. That means you are spending one night on the side of the mountain but at least you will likely be part of a group. On long treks, having companionship is a big deal.
The Rinjani is a top choice for you, with previous experience trekking a mountainside. You do not need to be super fit but being healthy and fit makes it easier for you. The Rinjani trek can be difficult in places, be wary. We do not recommend this trip for those with no or little experience mountain trekking. If you consider yourself to be a novice, then choose a different volcano.
Opting for a 3-day, 2-night trek will give you the widest possible experience of the mountain. You ascend for the sunset and continue to the crater. The lake and also spending time at the hot springs on the descend. The extra day and night also cut you a little slack. You are not trekking as many hours in the day as you would be on a 2-day, 1-night trek.
The best time to trek this mountain is during the dry season. That piece of advice goes pretty much for most volcano mountains in Indonesia. For Rinjani that happens to be between April and late October, early November. Do prepare yourself for a little rain which isn't unheard off at such heights.
One more volcano mountain trek that can be challenging. If you are willing to attempt the trek expect it to take over 4 hours for you to reach sight of the summit. A popular mountain for backpackers and those who love camping. There are two routes to the summit:
Use a taxi to take you to and from Selo Village (the base camp), from Jogjakarta City. Once at the summit there are near perfect viewpoints onto Mount Merapi. This active volcano has erupted ever since the mid 16th century. Note that there are national park fees and other costs involved based on the number of days trekking:
Then there will be fees or charges for a homestay, if you're not camping. Before you can trek in the national park you must register on the national park's website. Opted for a paid tour? Then those costs will be inclusive, the operator will likely register your trek for you.
Many tourists manage the summit and return to base camp in one day. You may decide on spending a night or two in the national park camping? If you've a love for camping, of course you will.
In east Java there is this stunning volcano, Mount Bromo.
There are two well-worn routes you can take. Which one you end up with may depend on your tour operator but either route is spectacular. But read on and you can decide for yourself. The northern route begins from Probolinggo some 60km away. The road leads south first before finding its way up the mountain ending at the town of Ngadisari. This is where there is adequate accommodation for beginning your trek from. The other route stems from Pasuruan passing through several small towns, or villages. Until you reach Tosari and then from there, onwards to Mount Penanjakan.
This second route is the most favorable one of the two for better views of the sunrise over Mount Semeru. It's the highest point in the immediate area and has delicious panoramic views of the Earth below. Unbelievable views actually. Keep walking around looking out and down your heart beats fast as you come to terms with where you are. You can't imagine anything else coming close to it.
You leave early in the morning to do the ascent. You are hopeful of reaching either the point of Mount Penanjakan or Mount Semeru. Depending on which route you took, you are in time to witness the sunrise.
If you have never trekked a volcano before and you're wondering if it's all worth it, it is. In the center where the caldera is there are four distinct peaks jutting out. The crater floor has a lot of vegetation growing over deposits of fine ash sand. You can't believe how beautiful it is, teetering on the edge of this gaping hole, looking inside.
It is easy to get to the mountain. Tour operators who will take you there and back again from Surabaya, Malang and Bali. The best time to trek Mount Bromo is between the months of June until October when it's the dry season.
Situated on the Island of Bali. Thousands of tourists each year scale this volcanic mountain for the sights of a new sunrise. Bali is the most perfect honeymoon destination. There is no doubt in our minds you'll want Mount Batur to be part of your honeymoon dream.
Not the tallest of Indonesia's volcanoes, at 1,717m. And not the toughest either but you still must be healthy or fit to tackle the mountain. That goes for most treks, in fact, the healthier you are the easier it is. There is nothing more thrilling than to be standing at the summit watching clouds roll by, past you. It's a three-hour trek to the top, moving past many villages on your trail. The volcano enjoys UNESCO World Heritage site status.
You understand why later, with those incredible views leaving you spellbound.
There is a second volcanic mountain on Bali that continues to be active. So is Mount Agung, one more of our favorites for stunning dawn views. Mount Agung and Batur are Bali's only active volcanoes. It's recommended you trek with guidance, either a local guide or with a tour operator. In local Balinese mythology Mount Batur depicts a woman and Mount Agung depicts a man.
Together both bring harmony to Bali and this myth plays on your mind climbing back down. Because you feel invigorated, refreshed and energized. Untroubled.
With many volcanic lakes you are fortunate to be able to swim in many of them but not on this occasion. The lake has a high degree of acidity. One more caution to be wary of are fissures. The more you climb the mountain, the more troubling steam seeping out cracks and fissures can be. With that, the strong smell of Sulphur is never far away. You must wear a mask to protect your lungs. It is ill advised to climb the mountain without a protective mask.
You put on the mask at the first signs of the Sulphur, and it is safe to remove after passing the worst of it. Not every tour operator will provide a mask to you so check and if not, then buy a quality mask before your trek.
The best time to trek this particular mountain is at night. After dark at the lake, you can see Sulphur gas ignited as blue flames, which is a pretty amazing sight. One of the best volcanic experiences of all in Indonesia.
Mount Batur has a lake but it's not the only volcanic lake found in Indonesia ― there are many others. There is Lake Toba, for example, created out of a deceased volcanic crater. The lake must be 100km in length at least and no one knows for sure how deep. Some speculate 800m deep and others say it's deeper still at 1200m. It's unimaginable to think what lies at the bottom. A little like Loch Ness and it's legendary tale of Nessie.
As with all volcanic mountains throughout Indonesia the surrounding scenery is beautiful. This lake will capture your heart too.
With the overnight treks, it doesn't mean you must lug around camping gear. If you are on a road trip with a motorbike and you have your own gear, then you are good to go. Otherwise, you ascend the mountains with a reputable tour operator. They'll provide you with all the equipment required.
Pack enough clothes for several days including a weatherproof jacket and sturdy boots. Food supplies bought from a local market or store. Your tour operator will be best to tell you further.
You do not appreciate the scale of these volcanic monstrosities, not until after you set off. Luckily in Indonesia they've made it easy to reach your goal of getting to the top. Of the five volcanoes in our list to climb, Mount Bromo by far is the most popular.
What amazes you to begin with is the sheer scale of the volcano. Which is why you must be fit, to tackle any volcano. A lot of the challenge is down to endurance. You stand there dwarfed by the volcano, yet you can't help but smile to yourself as you are set on taming it. It's one of those most profound times in your life when you feel you are going to do something great. And few things in life can be as great as climbing a volcano.
Whichever volcanic you choose; you are going to have bragging rights for many years to come. Camping out overnight, darkness is your new friend. Unfiltered, there is the vast universe above you. Falling asleep under the stars is amazing anyway but the difference this time is being so darned high up. You are one step away from touching the heavens.
Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.