That was my first sight of living volcano. I was excited and word less when the clouds become clear and we can saw the volcanoes smoke. this is a beautiful place. Every body should go there.
Mount Merapi, Gunung Merapi (literally Fire Mountain in Indonesian and Javanese), is an active stratovolcano located on the border between Central Java and Special Region of Yogyakarta provinces, Indonesia. It is the most active volcano in Indonesia and has erupted regularly since 1548. It is located approximately 28 kilometres (17 mi) north of Yogyakarta city which has a population of 2.4 million, and thousands of people live on the flanks of the volcano, with villages as high as 1,700 metres (5,600 ft) above sea level.
Smoke can often be seen emerging from the mountaintop, and several eruptions have caused fatalities. Pyroclastic flow from a large explosion killed 27 people on 22 November 1994, mostly in the town of Muntilan, west of the volcano.3] Another large eruption occurred in 2006, shortly before the Yogyakarta earthquake. In light of the hazards that Merapi poses to populated areas, it has been designated as one of the Decade Volcanoes.
On 20 October 2010, the Indonesian government raised the alert for Mount Merapi to its highest level and warned villagers in threatened areas to move to safer ground. People living within the range of a 20 km (12 mi) zone were told to evacuate. Officials said[who?] about 500 volcanic earthquakes had been recorded on the mountain over the weekend of 23–24 October[vague], and that the magma had risen to about 1 kilometre (3,300 ft) below the surface due to the seismic activity.[4] On the afternoon of 25 October 2010, Mount Merapi erupted lava from its southern and southeastern slopes.[5]
The mountain was still erupting on 30 November 2010, but due to lowered eruptive activity on 3 December 2010, the official alert status was reduced to level 3.[6] The volcano is now 2930 metres high,[2] 38 metres lower than before the 2010 eruptions.
After a large eruption in 2010, the characteristic shape of Mount Merapi was changed. On 18 November 2013, Mount Merapi erupted smoke up to 2,000 meters high, one of its first major phreatic eruptions after the 2010 eruption. Researchers said that this eruption occurred due to the combined effect of hot volcanic gases and abundant rainfall.[7] The most recent eruptions so far were on 3 March 2020[8 and...
Read moreDidn't expect too much, but it's beautiful. Not volcano, but views around. During the rain season you will have amazing clouds and wonderful colors, stories and shadows. It's possible to do climbing and go back in one day.
If you want to climb: Dont listen anyone. It's completely doable and not so hard. If you ever hike anywhere it's okay. Even if you never go mountain - it's really okay. It will take you from 2 to 4 hours to reach peak. Depends on your living habits, haha. Prepare warm clothes. Prepare some food and snacks. Consider a time you gonna climb. Take a water with you. Consider a time you gonna climb. Take a comfortable backpack. Take a raincoat.
Answers to all questions: No, it's not dangerous climbing. Basically it's normal hiking. Yes, it can be done extremely quick. 2 hours if you skinny and sporty. Yes, its colder. But we did it in t-shirts. Yes, girls, kids, not sportsmen can do it. Just control your speed, take rest, come more early and no need hurry. No, there are no shops during climbing. But all Indonesians are exceptionally friendly. If you forget water, food - they will help you, just ask. No, rainy weather is not dangerous. Yes, rainy weather give you a chance to check hundreds of views during the short trip. Clouds, fog, rain, moving clouds, sudden sun, and so on. No, you don't need to buy pro equipment, special clothes and so on. Yes, can take a Grab or gojek from Yogyakarta. Just give some tips, it's not a profitable drive at all.
Yes, of course...
Read moreMount Merapi, located on the border between Central Java and Yogyakarta, is one of Indonesia’s most active and iconic volcanoes. Known as the “Mountain of Fire,” it has erupted regularly for centuries, leaving behind a dramatic landscape. Despite its volatility, Merapi holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Javanese people, often regarded as a sacred guardian.
I had the opportunity to hike Merapi through the New Selo route in 2014. This path offers a unique perspective of the mountain, taking trekkers through lush forests and rugged terrain, all while providing an excellent view of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, you’ll pass remnants of previous eruptions, with hardened lava flows and volcanic ash fields marking the mountain’s powerful history.
The hike is challenging, especially nearing the summit, where the air thins and the terrain becomes steeper. However, the reward is immense. Reaching the top, I was able to witness the breathtaking sunrise and panoramic views of Central Java. The 2014 photo I took during the climb captures the surreal beauty of Merapi, with its smoldering crater and vast volcanic landscapes stretching out below.
What struck me most during my hike was not just the mountain’s raw power, but the resilience of the local communities. Despite Merapi’s frequent eruptions, people continue to live and work in its shadow. Visiting Merapi is not only an adventure but a reminder of nature’s strength and the enduring spirit of the people who call...
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