Are you looking for an unforgettable adventure in Indonesia? Do you want to witness the power and beauty of nature up close? If yes, then you should not miss the opportunity to visit Merapi volcano in Yogyakarta, one of the most active and spectacular volcanoes in the world. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about Merapi volcano, from its unique features and history, to its different ways of exploration, to its practical tips and precautions. Whether you want to enjoy a scenic jeep tour, a challenging hike, or a thrilling flight, you will find the best option for you to experience Merapi volcano in Yogyakarta.
What Makes Merapi Volcano So Unique and Fascinating?
Merapi volcano, which means “Mountain of Fire” in Javanese, is a stratovolcano that lies on the border of Central Java and Yogyakarta provinces. It is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a belt of volcanoes and seismic activity that encircles the Pacific Ocean. Merapi volcano is one of the most active and explosive volcanoes in the world, having erupted more than 80 times since 1548. The most recent major eruption occurred in 2010, which killed over 300 people and displaced over 400,000. The eruption also created a large lava dome, which is a mound of solidified lava that forms at the summit of the volcano.
Merapi volcano is not only a geological wonder, but also a cultural and historical treasure. It is considered sacred by the local people, who believe that it is the home of the spirits of their ancestors and the guardian of the nearby temples. The volcano is also associated with various myths and legends, such as the story of the Queen of the South Sea, who is said to be the consort of the volcano’s spirit. The volcano also played a role in the history of Indonesia, as it influenced the rise and fall of several kingdoms and empires, such as the Mataram and the Majapahit.
Merapi volcano also has a significant ecological and environmental impact, as it shapes the landscape and the climate of the region. The volcano is surrounded by a lush and diverse forest, which is home to many species of plants and animals, such as orchids, ferns, monkeys, birds, and reptiles. The volcano also affects the weather and the air quality, as it produces ash, gas, and heat that can alter the temperature, the humidity, and the visibility. The volcano also creates fertile soil, which supports the agriculture and the livelihood of the local people.
How to Experience Merapi Volcano in Different Ways?
There are many ways to explore and experience Merapi volcano, depending on your preferences, budget, and time. Here are some of the most popular and recommended options:
Jeep tour:
If you want to enjoy a fun and easy way to see the sights and the attractions around Merapi volcano, you can opt for a jeep tour. A jeep tour is a guided tour that takes you on a 4x4 vehicle through the volcanic terrain, where you can witness the aftermath of the eruption, such as the lava flows, the craters, the rocks, and the villages. You can also visit the Museum Sisa Hartaku, which displays the belongings of a family that survived the 2010 eruption, the Alien Stone, which is a large stone that was ejected from the volcano, and the Bunker, which is a concrete shelter where two people died in 2006 while trying to escape the ash. A jeep tour usually lasts for 2 to 4 hours, and costs around 300,000 to 500,000 IDR ($21 to $35) per jeep, which can accommodate up to 4 people. You can book a jeep tour online or on the spot at the base camp of the volcano.
Hiking:
If you want to challenge yourself and experience the thrill of reaching the summit of Merapi volcano, you can opt for a hiking adventure. Hiking to the top of Merapi volcano is a demanding and rewarding activity that involves trekking for about 8 to 10 hours, covering a distance of 18 km and an elevation of 2,930 m. You will start your hike at the base camp of the volcano, where you will register and pay a fee of 20,000 IDR ($1.4) per person. You will then follow a marked trail that will take you through the forest, the grassland, and the rocky slopes, where you will encounter various landmarks, such as the Pasar Bubrah, which is a flat area where you can rest and camp, the Garuda Peak, which is a rocky outcrop that offers a panoramic view of the surroundings, and the Lava Dome, which is the highest point of the volcano. You will also witness the stunning sunrise and the breathtaking scenery of the volcano and the nearby mountains, such as Merbabu, Sindoro, and Sumbing. You can hike to the summit of Merapi volcano independently or with a guide, depending on your skills and confidence. A guide usually costs around 500,000 to 800,000 IDR ($35 to $56) per group, which can accommodate up to 5 people. You can book a guide online or on the spot at the base camp of the volcano.
Flying:
If you want to experience the ultimate thrill and see the volcano from a different perspective, you can opt for a flying adventure. Flying over Merapi volcano is an exhilarating and unforgettable activity that involves soaring in the sky on a paraglider, a microlight, or a helicopter, where you can admire the majestic view of the volcano and its surroundings. You can also capture amazing photos and videos of the volcano and its features, such as the lava dome, the craters, the ash, and the smoke. Flying over Merapi volcano usually lasts for 15 to 30 minutes, and costs around 1,000,000 to 3,000,000 IDR ($70 to $210) per person. You can book a flying adventure online or on the spot at the base camp of the volcano.
What to Expect and Prepare for Visiting Merapi Volcano?
Before you visit Merapi volcano, you should know what to expect and how to prepare for your trip. Here are some of the most important tips and precautions that you should follow:
Check the weather and the volcanic activity:
The weather and the volcanic activity can affect your visit to Merapi volcano, as they can determine the visibility, the temperature, the humidity, and the safety of your trip. You should check the weather forecast and the volcanic alert level before you go, and avoid visiting the volcano during rainy, cloudy, or windy days, or when the volcano is showing signs of increased activity, such as eruptions, ash, gas, or tremors. You can check the weather forecast on various websites or apps, such as AccuWeather or Weather.com, and the volcanic alert level on the official website of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) or on their Twitter account @vulkanologi_mbg.
Bring the essential items and equipment: Depending on the option and the method that you choose to explore Merapi volcano, you should bring the essential items and equipment that will make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
Some of the items and equipment that you should bring are:
Clothing: You should wear comfortable and breathable clothing that can protect you from the sun, the heat, the cold, and the ash. You should also bring a jacket, a hat, a scarf, and gloves, especially if you plan to hike to the summit or fly over the volcano, as the temperature can drop significantly at higher altitudes.
Footwear: You should wear sturdy and comfortable footwear that can support your feet and prevent injuries. You should also bring socks, sandals, and plastic bags, especially if you plan to hike to the summit, as the trail can be wet, muddy, and slippery.
Food and water: You should bring enough food and water to keep you hydrated and energized during your trip. You should also bring some snacks, such as chocolate, nuts, or energy bars, especially if you plan to hike to the summit, as the hike can be exhausting and dehydrating.
Flashlight: You should bring a flashlight or a headlamp, especially if you plan to hike to the summit, as the hike usually starts before dawn and ends after dusk. You should also bring extra batteries or a power bank, as the flashlight can drain quickly.
Camera: You should bring a camera or a smartphone to capture the amazing moments and the stunning views of Merapi volcano. You should also bring a tripod, a selfie stick, or a drone, if you want to take better photos and videos. You should also bring a waterproof case or a plastic bag, as the camera can get wet or dusty.
Other items: You should also bring other items that can enhance your trip, such as sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, first aid kit, toilet paper, trash bag, etc.
Follow the safety advice and precautions: Visiting Merapi volcano can be a risky and dangerous activity, as the volcano can pose various hazards and threats, such as eruptions, ash, gas, heat, etc. You should follow the safety advice and precautions that can help you avoid or deal with these hazards and threats, such as:
Listen to the authorities and the guides: You should listen to the authorities and the guides, who have the expertise and the experience to guide you and inform you about the current conditions and the potential risks of the volcano. You should follow their instructions and recommendations, and respect their rules and regulations.
Stay on the marked trail and within the safe zone: You should stay on the marked trail and within the safe zone, which are designated by the authorities and the guides, and avoid wandering off or getting too close to the volcano. You should also avoid touching or picking up any objects or materials that may be hot, sharp, or toxic.
Wear a mask and goggles: You should wear a mask and goggles, which can protect you from the ash, gas, and dust that can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. You should also bring some water and tissues, which can help you clean your face and mouth.
Monitor your health and condition: You should monitor your health and condition, and be aware of any signs or symptoms of altitude sickness, dehydration, exhaustion, or injury. You should also inform your guide or your companion if you feel unwell or uncomfortable, and seek medical attention if necessary.
Merapi volcano is one of the most amazing and exciting attractions in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It offers a variety of ways to explore and experience its unique and fascinating features, such as jeep tours, hiking, or flying. However, visiting Merapi volcano also requires careful planning and preparation, as well as following the safety advice and precautions, as the volcano can be unpredictable and hazardous. If you are ready for an unforgettable adventure, you should not miss the opportunity to visit Merapi volcano and witness its beauty and power.
Have you ever visited Merapi volcano? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments section below or on our social media channels. Thank you for reading and happy travels!
