Merapi Volcano

Crater name: Pasar Bubrah, Pusung London, Kawah 48 and 56 | type: Strato, location: Yogyakarta, Klaten, Boyolali, Magelang | high: 2968 m.dpl (in 2001) | Geographical position: 70-32.5 LS degree and 110-26.5 BT degree | Climbing time: 7 hours | Climbing alternative route: Babadan post, Bebeng, and from Pakem-Kaliurang (very difficult)

Description:
Merapi Mountain is an active volcano, lately is on object for climbing. Most of the climbing routes are disappointed because of material explosion several times ago. To reach the top can be started from Selo through kampong Plalangan then to the Selopoko hill, finally to the top. It should be extra careful for mountain climber if they want to reach the top because the route is broken, risky, hot cloud (wedhus gembel), weather etc.

There are three routes to reach the top of Merapi; Kinahrejo/Kaliadem route is on the south, Babadan route through the west slope, and Selo/Plalangan route from the northern of Merapi peak.

Kinahrejo/Kaliadem route is the front route to Merapi. Started from “juru kunci” Merapi house, mbah Marijan, the front of Merapi is face to Kinahrejo. This route is quite hard with the slope 30 – 45 degree. For the climber the route is not recommended.

Babadan route is direct route from western. The direction in reaching the peak is hard because of the slope. In this route the atmosphere and scenery are not good because the activity of the volcano through this place and make the green of plants none. Volcano materials usually through this place so it is really dangerous for mountain climber.

Selo or Plalangan route is in the northern. This route is recommended because save and comfortable enough to reach the peak and as traditional route for the most mountain climber.

Without considering of the volcano activity, the best time to climb Merapi is in June – August. During those months, it comes to dry season and the wind does not blow fast.

The mountain climbers can stay overnight in Lencoh/Blumbungsari village, Selo district, Boyolali regency. There are some houses for rent and even provide some experienced guides.