Puncak Gunung Andong — Attraction in Central Java

Gunung Andong is a relatively small but scenic mountain located in the Magelang Regency of Central Java, Indonesia. Standing at an elevation of approximately 1,726 meters (5,662 feet) above sea level, it’s a popular destination for both novice and experienced hikers.

Key Features:

Panoramic Views: One of the main attractions of Gunung Andong is its panoramic view. From the summit, you can see a stunning 360-degree vista of Central Java, including views of other prominent mountains like Merbabu, Merapi, Sindoro, and Sumbing. The sunrise and sunset views from the top are particularly breathtaking.

Hiking Experience: The trail to the summit is considered moderate, making it an accessible hike for beginners. The ascent typically takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace, and the trail is well-marked, passing through pine forests, open ridges, and occasionally, more rugged terrain.

Summit Ridges: Gunung Andong is famous for its narrow summit ridges. The summit area is relatively small and consists of a narrow, elongated ridge, providing a thrilling experience as you walk along it.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance: Like many mountains in Java, Gunung Andong holds cultural and spiritual significance for the local Javanese people. It’s common to see locals making pilgrimages to the mountain for spiritual purposes.

How to Get There:

From Nearby Cities: Yogyakarta or Semarang: If you’re coming from Yogyakarta or Semarang, the drive to the base of Gunung Andong takes about 2 to 3 hours. The journey can be made by car or motorbike. Navigation apps like Google Maps will guide you to the base villages, such as Sawit or Ngablak, which serve as starting points for the hike. Public Transport: You can also take a bus or train to Magelang from Yogyakarta or Semarang. From Magelang, hire a local minibus or an ojek (motorcycle taxi) to reach the base of the mountain.

Hiking Route: Starting Points: The hike usually begins from one of the base villages, with Dusun Sawit and Dusun Ngablak being the most common entry points. Trail: The trail is well-trodden and easy to follow. You’ll pass through picturesque landscapes, including pine forests and open ridges, before reaching the summit.

Practical Tips:

Best Time to Hike: Early morning or late afternoon are ideal times to start your hike to avoid the heat and to catch the sunrise or sunset at the summit. What to Bring: Pack enough water, snacks, and a light jacket, as temperatures can drop at the summit. Stay Safe: The narrow ridge at the summit requires caution, especially during windy conditions.

Gunung Andong is a rewarding hike that offers beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a favorite among hikers in...

I took the route from Pesona Alam. This route is less desired. There is no particular Basecamp. Just a narrow parking area with a ticketing post that is usually open only on the weekend. The transit house is next to a small mosque. You need to pay 6.000 per person and 10.000 for a motorbike. A bit pricey for the parking.

It took me 1 hour and a half to reach the summit. There are 3 main hills you need to hike up. All beautiful. Breathtaking scenery and landscape. Be early because usually after 9 the fog/mist will block the view. Bringing tracking pole is recommended.

At the summit (Andong) you can go to the warung. They sale hot drink (tea coffee) mineral water and simple meal such as noodle and fried Tempe.

Camping during the weekend is not suggested because it would be very crowded and a bit noisy. The dust at the summit...

Gunung yang ramah jalurnya tapi mewah pemandangannya . Gunung yang sangat ramah sih. Saking ramahnya kita bisa ketemu banyak dedek2 kecil nan lucu dipuncak karena jalur nya emang friendly sekali.

Terdapat 2 jalur untuk menuju ke puncak. Jalur lama dan jalur baru. Kemarin saya naik lewat jalur lama yang jalurnya dibuat seperti anak tangga (ini yang bikin lelah sebenernya) dan tanah menanjak biasa. Sepanjang jalan kita akan dimanjakan dengan pemandangan hutan Pinus yang cukup cantik dan kalau mendaki di malam hari bisa melihat kerlap-kerlip lampu kota dan bisa melihat lampu senter pendaki yang sudah sampai puncak duluan (ini sih yg kemaren bikin Amaze* maklum for the first time).

Terdapat 3 pos. Yg paling nyaman pos 2 sih. Gubuknya bisa untuk tiduran hehe. Sebenernya di pos 3 ada gubug juga tapi sangat membumi, alas nya tanah hehe. Untuk sampai puncak dengan jalan kaki santai dan keseringan berhentinya -+ 2jam perjalanan lah kira2 *pengalamankemarin para pemula yg g pernah olaharaga dan kebanyakan drama . Oh ya Kalau malas bawa jajan tenang saja diatas ada warung yg jualan aneka minuman dan makanan ringan (tapi lebih baik tetap bawa bekal takutnya warung tutup kan puasa jadinya hehe).

Karena gunung andong seperti bukit, Camp groundnya tidak terlalu luas. Dan , sesaat sebelum sampai di puncak andong akan langsung tercium bau yg sangat menyengat dari pendaki yg buang kotoran di semak2. Ada banyak botol berisi cairan kuning pekat, dengan tanpa tata krama-nya ditinggalkan begitu saja.

Sungguh kucing saja kalau buang kotoran harus gali tanah dulu setelah buang ditutup kembali. Lha ini dimasukin botol ditinggalkan begitu saja, tidak diminum sekalian ?. Soal sampah ? Jangan ditanya dengan sgt bertanggung jawabnya gunung di oleh2 i dengan bungkus2 sampah yg merusak keindahan dan kelestarian. Mohon jika sudah terlanjur melakukan tolong jgn diulangi. Bagi yang belum dan berencana mendaki ke gunung manapun, tetap jaga tata Krama dalam bersikap dan bertindak. Bawa pulang jgn hanya foto tapi sampah ! Jgn merusak apapun kecuali kenangan bersama mantan ! *Eh. Karena jika gunung dan tempat2 lain sudah rusak kalian mau menghirup udara segar dimana ?...