Bunker Kaliadem Merapi — Attraction in Cangkringan

A Sunrise Trip to Merapi Park, Yogyakarta is an unforgettable experience, blending adventure, breathtaking views, and the raw power of nature. Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, offers a surreal and almost mystical atmosphere, especially in the early hours of the morning.

Personal Experience & Highlights: The Journey Before Dawn – Waking up in the middle of the night to start the trip adds to the excitement. The ride, often in a rugged 4WD jeep, through rough terrain in the dark feels like an adventure itself. The Magical Sunrise View – As the first light breaks over the horizon, the entire landscape transforms. Seeing the golden rays illuminate the slopes of Mount Merapi, with mist rolling below, is absolutely breathtaking. Sense of Power & Respect for Nature – Standing near an active volcano, knowing its history of eruptions, gives a humbling perspective on the forces of nature. The remnants of past eruptions, such as destroyed villages and lava trails, serve as a stark reminder of Merapi’s might. Cool & Refreshing Atmosphere – Unlike the city heat, the morning air here is crisp and fresh, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Challenges & Considerations: • Early Wake-Up Call – If you’re not a morning person, waking up at 3 AM can be tough, but it’s absolutely worth it. • Rough Jeep Ride – The off-road journey can be quite bumpy, so be prepared for a bit of a thrill ride. • Unpredictable Weather – Sometimes, clouds can obscure the sunrise, but the journey and experience itself are still amazing.

Final Thoughts:

A sunrise trip to Merapi Park is more than just a sightseeing activity—it’s an adventure filled with stunning landscapes, local history, and the raw beauty of an active volcano. If you love nature, photography, or just unique travel experiences, this should definitely be on your itinerary when...

Before 2006, Kaliadem was a beautiful camping site. Some flat areas north to the bunker with shady pine trees on the edge of Gendol ravine, with unobstructed view of Merapi through the pass between Plawangan & Klangon hill. I, and almost all Yogyakarta teenagers at that time, used to camp there, undisturbed by tourist because of undeveloped roads and not-so-trending place. However, since Geger Boyo ruptured at 2006, the pyroclastic flow went south, passed through Kaliadem valleys. The extremely high temperature volcanic current burnt the pine trees, buried the bunker, changed the beautiful valley into barren wasteland. And again, at 2010, a greater eruption came, Gendol became main pyroclastic flow route, lava filled the ravines & razed the valleys, buried the villages far south to it with ash, sand and stone. Kaliadem became popular, unique and attractive site of lava & volcano tourism. Now, 10 years have passed since the last eruption, trees & shrubs have grown over the valleys & hills. Only in few places, stone and sand are uncovered. But, Kaliadem still the best place for viewing Merapi. I suggest you to come there at the morning, since Merapi is not obtructed/covered by fog, so you can cleary see the peak and lava dome, and also the fissure on its slope caused by pyroclastic flow, facing directly...

A remnant of previously bunker(emergency shelter for volcano eruption)

Place that Instagram-able, educational purposes, and just chill enjoy the view of desert of merapi ashes.

Merapi eruption in 2010 killed "volunteer" that sheltered there. The bunker failed to help volunteer alive. The front door flooded by volcanic material. That volcanic materials were hot and abundant so that closed the door and increase bunker indoor temperature immediately. When temperature got hot, volunteer run into bathroom and sunk their body down into the water. Sadly water temperature can't help, water temperature also increase and boil, they die there.

Scenery and view - behind the bunker there is peak of Mt. Merapi beautifully stand with her woods. Taking selfies in this place is good and Instagram-able.

Desert of ashes - this desert is used by local as Jeep adventure track that can be rented by tourists.

Others - I really recommend to visit when summer bright. And sometimes you can found some vendor sell edelweiss...