Mount Merapi

warningbox|Mount Merapi is an active volcano. Further volcanic activity in the area including explosive eruptions, lava flows, lahars, hot ash, pyroclastic heat clouds and molten debris remains always feasible.

The volcano is always dangerous regardless of inactivity. There are exclusion zones around the volcano. Authorities can at appropriate times limit access to areas within 10 km. Mount Merapi is always monitored by observatories, even when inactive. There are 3 stages of warning; every stage can limit access several kilometers away from the volcano (10 kilometers in the highest stage). Climbing at non-active times with a local guide is always recommended.

In May 2023, several phreatic eruptions have occurred and the status alert has been raised one level above normal. Everyone must stay at least 3 kilometers from the peak. Phreatic eruptions include no lava, rather consisting of hot moisture with ash, however the burst can be very high, up to 5.5 kilometers above the peak. Flights have so far been unaffected.

Mount Merapi (Gunung Merapi, 2,911 m) is a volcano in Central Java, looming over the cities of Yogyakarta and Solo (Surakarta).

Mount Merapi Halal Explorer

Literally "Fiery Mountain", Mount Merapi is the most active volcano in all Indonesia — no mean feat — and it has erupted at least 68 times since 1548. The volcano is thought to be largely responsible for the downfall of the Central Javanese Hindu Mataram kingdom in 1006 and the desertion of the huge temple complex at nearby Prambanan.

Recent eruptions include 1994 (64 killed), 2006 (there were no immediate deaths, but a prelude to an earthquake that killed over 5,000) and 2010 (30 dead).

Anyone thinking of climbing the mountain must first check if it is safe to do so. While climbing the mountain with a qualified guide is recommended it is not necessary or mandatory (local residents will tell you otherwise in the interest of a quick buck) as the tracks to the summit are wide and clearly marked.

Travel to Mount Merapi

There are more than three different routes to access Mount Merapi, though recent eruptions and the tendencies of the lahars, ash clouds, and other hazards have favoured the northern access point from Selo, which lies between Mount Merapi and Mount Merbabu.

Selo

Selo is the last village on the way to Merapi. A taxi from Yogyakarta airport to Selo and back will cost you around Rp 2,000,000. Most of the drivers will happily wait for you while you climb Merapi and will take you back to your hotel.

Selo has local guides who will take you to Merapi.

Another option you can hire a scooter in Yogyakarta around Rp 85,000/day and ride out to the summit. Ride north out of Yogya on Jl. Magelang for 45 min. When you reach Mungkid turn right onto Jalan Boyolali - Mungkid and head towards Ketep. At Ketep turn right and continue following the Jalan Bololali - Mungkid into Selo. From Selo ride up the steep road (on the right as you come into Selo) to the trail entrance where you can leave your scooter .

Kaliurang

Guide books in the 1960s and 1970s had regular references to Kaliurang-based guides. However, as the eruptions of the last 20 years have shot hot gases and eruptive materials in a more southward direction, Kaliurang is no longer the popular point of access it was in the 1970s and 1980s. In that era, Vogels homestay in Kaliurang was legendary for its hospitality and connection with walking up the southern slope to the peak. In the 1990s and 2000s Kaliurang has varied between being a part of a prohibited zone designated by government officials and not a very safe place to visit.

Other routes

Volcanology Observation posts existed in Dutch colonial times at Babadan (north-west slope) and more recently Plawangan (between Merapi and Kaliurang) - in most cases walking trails from the observation posts existed in the past. However due to the last 4 or 5 major eruptions and these points of access need clarification.

How to get around in Mount Merapi

There are a few ojeks (motorcycle taxis) offering informal transport around the area.

In the villages around the base of Merapi, almost any vehicle you see on the road is a potential lift (for cash), so don't be shy.

See and do

Climbing Merapi

Trekking on and around Merapi is a popular activity (at least when the volcano isn't spewing out hot gas and ash). From Selo and the nearest village on the north slope, it is 3 hours hike to the summit for the fit and healthy. For others it will take mm ore than 4 hours to climb, and nearly the same time to get back down again.

Carry a small pack with some food, a good flash light, with spare batteries (available for purchase in Selo village), and at least 2.5 litres of water per person. Also make sure to bring warm clothes and jacket and perhaps gloves, since the wind and sweat can make you really cold.

The track to the top is a reasonable grade and is clearly defined and easy to follow. Once through the tree line the track is less defined and the final climb to the summit (after the memorial plaque) is a very steep scramble over loose and broken rock. While not in itself dangerous, do take your time on the last section. Recommended to use GPS-based map offline apps in your phone like Maps.me or OSMAnd that already includes the tracks to the top of Merapi.

Most climbers start at about 00:30-01:00 to be sure of reaching the summit by sunrise at 05:30. Night climbing is wise in any case, as the upper reaches of the mountain are completely treeless and the sun can fry you to a crisp. The sunrise views across East Java are quite stunning.

Pay attention also on the way back, since the trail is extremely slippery and it's easy to fall down.

Organized trekking

Irregularly 9-km organized trekking is done along the Merapi slope with more than 1,000 participants begins and ended at tourism village Pulesari. Trekking fee is only Rp 65,000 and includes a t-shirt, meals, insurance, and lottery coupons. For further information you may ask at Sleman Culture and Tourism Agency.

Other

There are more 800 jeeps built in the 1950s and 1960s to serve Mount Merapi, but their reliability and safety are questionable. In June 2023, one person died and another got injured when an open jeep without roof lost control due to a defective steering wheel.

The less active should not feel left out as there are far less strenuous treks around the base of the mountain. Ask around in Selo.

Depending on the state of volcanic activity you may be able to witness molten lava flows way down the slopes of the mountain. Take local advice.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Mount Merapi

A signboard at the entrance of the Merapi Plateau reads: "Leave nothing but tracks, take nothing but photographs"

Halal Restaurants in Mount Merapi

Selo and the surrounding area has plenty of Warungs and Bakso carts serving delicious Indonesian Street food at very affordable prices. You will not find any upscale restaurants.

Muslim Friendly hotels in Mount Merapi

Homestays

• Ratri Homestay | Clean rooms Tea or coffee is provided anytime, by request. There is a Merapi viewpoint area, and the owner can provide a transport service and organise volcano and camping trips for guests. Monday Sony is the owner and is also the leader of guide at Selo.

• Satria Homestay - Closest homestay to the New Selo sign and beginning of Merapi ascent. Rp 200,000 and 150,000 clean/basic rooms including breakfast. The manager, Wondo, is extremely friendly and helpful. Speaks good English and will escort you up Merapi for Rp 750,000 or will arrange a non-English speaking guide for 250. He also has extra warm clothing and torches if he doesn't think you're well equipped. He has more information about other "soft-trekking" opportunities around the beautiful highlands up there.

• Superman Homestay is next to Ratri Homestay.

Various other budget homestays around the area - simply ask around and you can get a room for less than Rp 200,000 per person. Consider looking for a place with hot water, since it can get chilly also in the village.

Muslim Friendly Camping Places in Mount Merapi

There are no explicit rules which prohibit camping on and around the mountain. You will need to bring in all your own equipment and you must keep yourself fully briefed with the latest safety reports. Also make sure you bring in enough water, as the springs and streams on the mountain are very sulphurous.

Stay Safe

It is hard to think of many more dangerous volcanoes anywhere in the world.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Mount Merapi

• Borobudur and Prambanan are two hours drive away.
• Yogyakarta is also about two hours by car.
• For more adventure, plan a climb to Mount Bromo for more active volcanoes.

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