Mount Merapi

Solo during the golden days of royal Javanese Empire, was known as Surakarta. Though royal households and other royal constructions form the major sight seeing attractions in Solo, the vicinity of this laid back town offers exciting excursion possibility as well. Located a few kilometers away from Solo near Yogyakarta, Mount Merapi is an active volcano that offers trekking option to enthusiasts.

The conical shaped Mount Merapi is the most active volcano in central Java, Indonesia. The name Merapi literally means mountain of fire. Being true to its name this volcano has been erupting on a regular basis since 1548. The last eruption happened on July 11, 1998. With thick black smoke rising up to 3000 meter and a sea of red hot lava flowing down the mountain, people living in the foothill of this volcanic mountain were relocated to safer positions.

The main attraction of course lies in climbing up this mountain. There are two trekking routes. One route passes through Yogyakarta and the second route leads to this mountain after traveling through the Selo village. Traveling along the first route a climber reaches the foothill of the mountain after passing through Kaliurang mountain resort. The 2698 meter climb to the peak generally takes about 6 hours. However since 1994 the climb to the peak has been stopped. This was done due to the unpredictable and volatile nature of this volcanic mountain. However by a special permit you can climb up to Miji Hill. Even this track is considered dangerous so it is advisable to hire an experienced guide en-route to this hill. .

If you do not want to climb a volcano, take Mount Merapi Daily Lava Tour. The tour starts from 3 am and ends at 8 am. The tour is a good one to see molten lava flowing in a stream and burning up everything in its path to ash. Breakfast is served in a hut by the side of river Kuning. This tour is a good one to understand and appreciate the destructive potential of Mother Nature.