The 7 things to know before climbing Gede and Pangrango

How to go to Gede Pangrango?

Cibodas and Gunung Putri are the two villages by which Gede and Pangrango are accessible. These villages can be reached by well-over from Jakarta, but the town of Bandung is closer and it has an international airport. to arrive from Bandung is better because the transfer will be shorter and we will avoid the legendary traffic jams of Jakarta.

How to go to Cibodas?

From Bandung

• Go to Leuwi Panjang Bus Station
• Found a bus heading to Merak through Puncak route (IDR 25,000/person)
• Stop at Cibodas, take a minivan (angkot) to go to National Park Office (IDR 5,000/person)

From Jakarta

• Go to Kampung Rambutan Bus Station
• Found a bus heading to Garut or Tasikmalaya through Puncak Route (IDR 25.000/person)
• Stop at  Cibodas, take minivan (angkot) to go to National Park Office (IDR 5.000/person)

How to go to Gunung Putri Basecamp?

From Bandung

• Go to Leuwi Panjang Bus Station
• Found a bus heading to Merak through Puncak route
• Stop at Cipanas Traditional market.
• Take minivan (angkot) to go to Gunung Putri Basecamp (IDR 5.000.person)

From Jakarta

• Go to Kampung Rambutan Bus Station
• Found a bus heading to Garut or Tasikmalaya through Puncak Route (IDR 25.000/person)
• Stop at  Cipanas Traditional Market, take minivan (angkot) to go to Gunung Putri Basecamp (IDR 5.000/person)
• You can also use Ojek (motorbike taxi) to go to Gunung Putri Basecamp (IDR 10.000-20.000/person)

When to go to Gede Pangrango?

Mount Gede Pangrango is usually closed for climbing activities from January to April. The best time to climb to Mount Gede Pangrango is from June to October during the dry season.

Is there an entrance fee and how much?

• Foreign Tourist Weekday : IDR 320.000/person for 2days/1night
• Foreign Tourist Weekend : IDR 470.000/person for 2 days/1night
• Local Tourist Weekday : IDR 29.000/person for 2days/1night
• Local Tourist Weekend : IDR 34.000/person for 2days/1night

Where to sleep?

Because Puncak is a tourist area, it will be very easy for you to find lodging accommodation that fits your budget. Many variations of lodging are offered ranging from luxury hotels to guest house classes.

Where to find guides and porters? Is it necessary to use a guide?

The hiking trail of Mount Gede is very safe to climb without the help of a guide. But if you want to climb to Mount Pangrango, it is highly recommended if you use the services of a guide.

You can find the services of a guide and porter in the Climbing Post area. You only have to ask the officer if you want to use the services of a porter or guide.

Where to find Climbing equipment?

It is highly recommended to bring your personal climbing equipment because it is rarely found the rental of climbing equipment  in this area.

What to do around Cibodas?

• Soft trekking to Cibereum Waterfall
• Bird watching trek in Cibodas
• Bogor Botany Park

Ascension of Gede and Pangrango Volcanoes

Gede Pangrango: Located in the province of West Java, the Gede Pangrango National Park is rich in flora and fauna and is covered with montane and subalpine forests. Accessible from Jakarta via Bogor, Cibodas is just a 2-hour drive from Bogor. The active Gede volcano (2.958 m) and the triangular shaped Pangrango volcano (3011 m) are favorite trekking destinations for many Jakartans (so avoid the weekend). Waterfalls, hot springs, dense jungle, fresh air, cool weather, and friendly local communities will be happy to host your visit.

Hiking and trekking of Gede and Pangrango with Go-Volcano

The highlights of the trip:

• Beautiful edelweiss meadow
• Perfect escape from the Jakarta

Hiking and trekking of Gede and Pangrango in 3 days 2 nights

• Duration : 3 days
• Price : Start from IDR 5.000.000/pax
• Level : 3.5/5

Detailed Program and Itinerary

1st day : Jakarta/Bandung – Gunung Putri – Surya Kencana Savannah

pick up at 6 am from your hotel in Jakarta or Bandung and transfer to Gunung Putri (about 3 hours). You will start trekking in the forest for about 3 hours until you reach the Savannah of Suryakencana. Dinner and overnight at Suryakencana campsite.

Accommodation : Tent ( 1 tent for 2 people)
Meals : Lunch, Dinner

2nd Day : Surya Kencana – Top of Gede Volcano – Top of Pangrango – Mandalawangi

Wake up at 4 am and hike to the top of Gunung Gede. Hot tea or coffee will be provided before the climb. You will be at the top for the sunrise and you will enjoy the view and the landscape (The active crater of Gede and the triangular shape of Pangrango). Breakfast will be served at the summit. Then you will continue to Kandang Badak campground and then to the top of Pangrango volcano and you will go down to Mandalawangi camp. Late lunch will be served at Mandalawangi Campsite. Night and dinner in tents.

Accommodation : Tent (1 tent for 2 people)

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3rd Day : Mandalawangi – Cibodas – Jakarta/Bandung

Wake up at 5 am, breakfast and walk to Cibodas for 6 hours with a stop at the hot spring and the waterfall. You will have lunch in Cibodas and from there transfer to Jakarta or Bandung.

Accommodation : –
Meals : Breakfastm Lunch

Price

Facility

Included

• The services of an experienced English-speaking Go-Volcano guide (Francophone depending on availability) all along the trek.
• Experienced local guide and porters for camping gear.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (6 meals). Beverages are NOT included.
• Private car with air conditioner
• Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
• Mineral water, snacks and fruits during the hiking
• Camping equipment (1 tent / 2 persons, sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, inflatable pillow, camping chair, toilet tent)

Excluded

• Tips & personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs)
• Flight ticket
• Travel Insurance & Assistance
• Articles that are not mentioned in “included”

The mountains or gunung Gede and Pangrango

The summit of Mount Gede consists of several craters or caldeiras interlocked or overlapping: Baru, Gumuruh, Lanang, Kawah Leutik, Ratu, Sela and Wadon. A caldera three kilometers wide by five kilometers in length is only in the form of a ridge consisting of its south-east rim, the rest of the caldera being covered by another crater. The latter, in the form of a horseshoe open towards the north, contains smaller ones.

Eruptions of Gede and Pangrango volcanoes

Two powerful eruptions accompanied by debris avalanches formed two deposits, one of which occupies the site of the city of Cianjur.Since the arrival of Europeans in Indonesia in the 16th century, the eruptions of Mount Gede have generally resulted in brief explosions of moderate intensity. Volcanic explosive index of 1 to 2, they are sometimes accompanied by phreatic explosions. The first observed is that of 1747 to 1748 and 25 others followed, including 4 uncertain, until the last on March 13, 1957. Its most powerful eruption is that of November 12 to December 11, 1840. Of explosive index volcanic of 3, it produced fiery clouds that caused damage.

We will try to answer all the questions that we can answer about this volcano and its ascent and the different possibilities of trek in the region of Bajawa.

Then for those who do not want to have the least hassle and who want to delegate the organization and logistics of the trek to Go-Volcano, you will find the program and all the corresponding prices here.

8 Things to Know Before Ascending the Inielika Volcano and Wawomudha Crater

How to go to Inielika Volcano and Wawomudha Crater?

To get there, the easiest way is to start from the small town of Bajawa. The best is to get there by motorbike or scooter (to rent in Bajawa about IDR 100000/day) or find an ojek (motorcycle taxi at about IDR 15000). The starting point of the trek is about 10 minutes from Bajawa but you can also ride a motorbike (paths taken by farmers to access their coffee plantations).

How to go to Bajawa?

Bajawa is accessible by road via the transflores route. It is located about 4 hours from the city of Ende, and between 4 and 5h from the town of Ruteng.

From Labuan Bajo it takes about 10 hours to reach Bajawa.

There are collective taxis making the connection Ruteng-Bajawa and Bajawa-Ende for about IDR 100000/person. There are also Travel sort of minibuses that shuttles.

Bajawa also has a rather distant airport (1 hour drive) which is located in Soa on the road to Riung. Soa is known for its hot springs.

When to go to Inielika volcano and Wawomudha crater?

The best time for the Inielika volcano and Wawomudha crater is in the dry season between April and November.

How much does the entrance fee to Inielika and Wawomudha cost?

According to where you come a fee of IDR 10000 or 20000 is payable in the village of Ngora Nale.

Where to sleep and where to eat?

In Bajawa, there is no real hotel, rather basic homestay. But as Bajawa is located at almost 1200m altitude the climate is very pleasant.

To eat the choice of restaurants is quite limited but sufficient.

Do Inielika and wawomudha ascent, with or without a guide?

It is possible to do the Wawomudha crater alone, but with the number of small trails, it can be difficult to find. For Inielika, this volcano / crater is almost never climbed, so here the guide is more than necessary.

Where to find the guides?

At Bajawa

What to do in Bajawa and around Inielika?

• Hiking on the crater chain of Wolobobo located southeast of Bajawa (Wolobobo is on the same crater chain as Inielika and Wawomudha).
• Hiking activity of the Inerie volcano
• Hiking activity of the Ebulobo volcano
• Visit the traditional village of Bena
• Visit of the eroded hills of Watu Nariwoto
• Visit the various hot springs of the region (around the Inerie and the village of Bena, in Soa)
• The deserted beaches at the south of Inerie

Ascension of Inielika Volcano and visit of Wawomudha Crater

Wawomudha Crater Tour and Trekking

As said above we can access the crater of Wawomudha by motorbike or scooter if the track is dry. It should be known that before the surprise eruption of 2001 the Wawomudha crater was cultivated with coffee and maize like the other craters and surrounding grounds.

But it is still better to do it on foot. You will see the other craters grown high (you will walk on the edge of the craters) and you will have the calm of the countryside around Bajawa, the surrounding villagers on their agricultural fields, the view of Bajawa below and volcanoes close to the sea. Inerie and Ebulobo.

Wawomudha is a crater that came into the world in 2001 as we know it today, when a big explosion transformed the top of the mountain. You can go around the crater and even go down to see it all (about 1 hour more). When going downhill you have to be careful the ground is rather unstable.

The crater contains orange-colored temporary lakes during the rainy season and soon after the lakes disappear (before there were 2 green lakes and a blood-red lake, the colors change with time).

The visit to Wawomudha Crater is a short visit that should give you time to visit other places around Bajawa such as traditional villages (Bena), hot springs, or the Wolobobo crater which offers a view and a magnificent panorama of the region and the volcanoes Inerie and Ebulobo, or even the eroded hills of Watu Nariwoto (where it is said that in the olden times the executions was done by throwing the convicts in the precipices)

Ascension of Inielika

The climb of the Inielika is

Gunung or Mount Inielika

Eruptions and Activities of Inielika (Wawomudha Crater)

Only two eruptions are known on Inielika. The first is that of November 1905 which was manifested as a phreatic explosion of volcanic explosivity index of 2. It gave birth to a new crater inside that of Wolo Inielika.

The second eruption occurred from January 11 to March 2001. Explosions, again phreatic and volcanic explosivity index of 2, were born from the opening of a crack in the ground. The first of these, of small magnitude, occurs on the evening of January 11 at 19:15 and deposited a layer of volcanic ash half a millimeter thick in Bajawa, eight kilometers to the south. Two days later, at 7 am, three explosions formed a volcanic plume 300 to 1,000 meters high above the crater. They are accompanied by rumblings and a tremor (volcanic earthquake), which motivates the authorities to raise the alert level of Inielika. Until January 16, new explosions give rise to other volcanic plumes of a height similar to the first and deposits of ash and lapilli occur around the place of explosions. It was not until January 21 that Indonesian volcanologists discovered the birth of three new craters on the flanks of the volcano: one 50 meters in diameter and 10 meters deep, the other 20 meters diameter, 1.1 meters deep and open towards the northwest and the last located at the end of a crack 300 meters long and 20 meters wide. With the decrease in the number of explosions and the epicentres of earthquakes that are getting deeper and deeper, the alert level of the volcano is lowered in early February by the authorities who declare the eruption ended in March. Since then, the rains periodically fill some of these small craters, forming lakes with red colored waters.

In this article, we will give you the maximum information and links on the ascent of the volcano Agung.

At this moment due to the eruption of Mount Agung, all climbing activity are prohibited and canceled. However an observation of the erupting Agung volcano can be made from some spot.

8 Things to Know Before Climbing Agung Volcano

How to go to Agung?

To climb to Mount Agung you can choose from 2 available paths, through Pura Pasar Agung or Pura Besakih. Generally, more climbers who choose the path through the Pura Besakih because it is more crowded with a closer distance.

How to go to Pura Besakih (Besakih Temple)?

By Private Car or Motorbike

If you decide to rent a motorbike or car in Bali then you can drive directly to Pura Besakih. Starting from Denpasar, drive east towards Klungkung. From Klungkung drive north while looking at the of traffic signs. After driving for approximately 2 hours from Denpasar and passing the uphill road you will arrive at the Besakih Temple.

By Public Transportation

From the place you stay or from hotels in the Bali, first head to Ubung Bus Station. From there look for a car to Klungkung. From Klungkung station, look for transportation to Besakih Temple. Transportation there is also called a bemo. This Bemo usually does not reach Pura Besakih, but before the road car, order to transfer to the temple. Later the driver will take you to the temple for an additional fee (or you can use ojek).

How to go to Pura Pasar Agung?

There is no public transportation to go to Pura Pasar Agung, so you are advised to use a private car or rent a motorbike in Bali that is easy to find.

You only need to drive towards the direction of Karangasem, then you can see the signs on the road that show directions to Pura Pasar Agung. The trip from Denpasar will take approximately 3 hours drive

When to go to Agung?

It is better to climb the Agung during the dry season (from April to September) and preferably between June and September. The rest of the time the paths can be slippery and dangerous.

Climbing the Agung Volcano is forbidden when there is a ceremony at Besakih Temple (usually most of April) and at Pasar Agung Temple.

In addition, women who have menstruation period should not climb the sacred mountain.

If these bans are broken Balinese believe then that will happen a misfortune to climbers.

Is there an entrance fee and how much?

• Foreign Tourist IDR 100.000/person
• Local Tourist IDR 25.000/person

Where to Sleep?

In Bali the accommodation offer is the best in Indonesia you will find everything for all tastes and all price ranges.

If you make an ascent through the south face of Agung, I recommend the village of Sideman with beautiful accommodations in the middle of rice fields, with a view of the Agung volcano.

If you climb the north face of Agung, the best accommodations are in Amed by the sea.

Where to find guides and porters? Is it necessary to use a guide?

Because Mount Agung is one of the sacred mountains in Bali, it is highly recommended to use the services of a guide. This is also to avoid prohibitions that apply in the area of Mount Agung.

You can find a guide to climb Mount Agung around the foot of the mountain, both from Pasar Agung Temple and Besakih Temple

Where to find camping equipment?

It is strongly recommended to bring your own climbing equipment because it is very difficult (if practically impossible) to get or rent climbing equipment around the base camp of Mount Agung

What to do around?

Bali is a tourist island of Indonesia. I can not give you a complete list of things to do in Bali. But you can do:

• Diving in Amed
• The ascent of Batur volcano

Customary rules that you must obey when climbing Mount Agung

• Maintain cleanliness
• It is prohibited to carry logistics that contain beef
• Do not take water at random
• It should not damage the flora nor disturb the fauna in Mount Agung
• It is forbidden to climb for women who are in their menstrual period
• Maintain the value of decency
• It is forbidden to climb during mourning times

Ascension of Agung Volcano

Several routes lead to the summit of Mount Agung. The two most popular routes start from Besakih temple on the south-west side and Pasar Agung temple on the south side.

Ascension of Agung volcano from Pasar Agung temple

This route requires less walking because a good road north of Selat joins the Pasar Agung temple perched at almost 1500 m on the southern slope. The climb is still very demanding: it goes up constantly and then it comes down just as brutally. You will not be able to go to the highest point and you will not be able to see the south of Bali, but the views are incredible.

Ascension of Agung volcano from Besakih Temple

Pura Besakih, the most sacred temple in Bali, dedicated to the Agung. There are still 19 other temples, which are still used for daily offerings and for important religious ceremonies, spread across the trek to the summit, which speaks volumes about the incredible spiritual significance of the Agung volcano for the Balinese. Much more challenging than the southern route this route requires excellent physical fitness. Count at least 6 hours to climb and 4 to 6 hours to go down.

From the summit, you can contemplate the entire island of Bali, as well as the incredible view of the neighboring islands of Lombok and Nusa Penida.

Hiking and Trekking of Agung Volcano

The highlights of the trip:

Detailed Program and Itinerary

1st Day : Denpasar – Karangasem

Upon arrival at the airport I Gusti Ngurah Rai, you will be met by our guide and transferred to Karangasem. Night at the homestay or guest house.

2nd Day : Karangasem – Sidemen

Breakfast at the homestay or guesthouse. Transfer to the starting point of rafting on the Telaga Waja River (class III-IV rapids it is said to be the longest and wildest rafting in Bali, 12 km). Lunch will be provided at the point of arrival. After lunch, transfer to the village of Sidemen and homestay accommodation for dinner and overnight.

3rd Day : Trekking Mount Agung – Denpasar

Departure for the trek very early via the temple of Pasar Agung. A box of breakfast and a hot drink will be provided. Climbing through the dense jungle and rocky surface to the crater. After sunrise return to Sidemen village for rest and lunch. Transfer to the airport

Prix

Facility

Mount Agung or Gunung Agung

High and majestic, according to the Indonesian language, the Agung dominates not only the entire Balinese landscape but also the thousands of Hindus who devote him a particular cult. Its crater 800m in diameter is the home of the Gods (according to the Balinese Hinduism) and that is why by climbing it, people must never carry noble materials (gold, silver). On the slopes of this volcanoes was built the most important Balinese temple, the Pura Panataran Agung of Besakih. On the occasion of the centennial ceremony of this temple, in 1963, the sacred mountain was suddenly torn with anger, killing 1148 people. The temple was miraculously spared, lava flows were passed a few dozen meters. Three quarters of Bali were covered with ashes and the high priests had a hard time interpreting this divine warning, especially since the previous disaster had occurred 613 years ago.

Eruptions of Agung volcano

The eruption of Mount Agung is happening right now! The explosive index of this volcano is 5 on a scale that goes up to 8. For comparison the eruption of Mount St. Helens 1980 is ranked 5.

In recent times (March 2018) the eruption has subsided but the Agung volcano still remains very active and alert.

Below is a video taken by a Hindu monk of the erupting volcano Agung

Map of exclusion zones around Agung (probable flow of lava, burning clouds and lahars)

Agung Volcano Activity Report 05 December 2017

Activity level: MAXIMAL

Visual observations of Mount Agung

• The summit of the mountain often seems covered with fog. A high column of low pressure white vapor in the crater of the peak can be observed from the north, northeast, south and southwest slopes at 1000 m.
• rays of incandescent lava at night have been observed. Effusive effusions still occur slowly.

On December 02, there were a number of reports of dead animals in the area 0-5 km from the crater, presumably due to sulfur dioxide poisoning. So it’s a dangerous place.

Earthquake caused by the Agung

Recorded:

• No Harmonic Tremor permanently associated with a fine gray-white vapor for 6 hours.
• Tremor harmonic 1 time.
• low frequency earthquake 18 times.
• Shallow volcanic tremor 2 times.
• Deep volcanic tremor 3 times.
• Local Tectonic Tremor is nil.

Exclusion zone around the volcano

no activity should be done in the Danger Zone:

• Within a radius of 8 km from the summit
• In the south-west, south, south-east, north-east and north sectors up to 10 km from the summit.

Conclusion of the day of 05 dec 2017

The effusive eruption (lava in the crater) continues slowly.

Analysis of monitoring data of Agung volcano (21/11 to 01/12/2017)

Visual observations of Mount Agung eruption

After experiencing a series of volcanic earthquakes in September and October 2017. On November 21, 2017 at 17:05 WITA, an eruption began at Mount Agung, Bali (3031 m altitude). This eruption produced volcanic ash and gas that reached heights of 700 m above the summit. According to the observations of stations of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) station, during the following week, the height of the ash columns increased as follows:

• November 25, 2017, 17:20, 1500 m above the summit.
• November 26 and 27, 2017, 3000 m above the summit.
• November 28, 2017, 4000 m above the summit.

Higher peak altitudes of plumes have sometimes been reported by the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center because they account for clouds containing ashes drifting downwind of the volcano. The ground observations of the Volcanology Center make it possible to estimate the height of the ash cloud by measuring only the vertically drawn plume that contains ashes (before the ashes are dispersed).

• Then, on November 29, 2017, the height of the ash column decreased to 2000 m above the summit.

These columns of ash were gray in color and produced ashes falling downwind.

Since November 30, 2017 and up to today (December 1, 2017), the column has been observed white and has reached a maximum height of 2000 m above the summit.

From the beginning of the eruption until today, a red glow has been observed from the summit crater of Mount Agung. We attribute the red glow to the presence of high temperature lava in the crater. The red glow of the lava in the crater is reflected on the riser of ash and steam and gives a red color to the bottom of the column of ashes.

Lahars have occurred since the onset of ash eruptions on November 21st. They flowed from the summit along the rivers in the southern sector of the volcano, including Tukad Yehsa, Tukad Sabuh and Tukad Beliaung, as well as in the northern sector, including Tukad Bara. These lahars did not kill. However, the lahars have had an impact on homes, roads and agricultural areas.

Seismic observation of the Agung volcano eruption

The high-frequency volcanic earthquakes continue at Mount Agung, and include shallow (and proximal) and distal earthquakes, although the occurrence rate has decreased from September to October 2017. The The number of volcanic earthquakes is due to the fact that there is now a more open path for the magma to rise to the surface. However, high frequency earthquakes continue to occur and show that the volcano is very active and able to build up pressure to cause ongoing eruptions.

A continuous tremor occurred from November 28, 2017 to today (December 1, 2017). The tremor is the result of eruptions of gas and ash that cross the summit crater.

Low frequency earthquakes have also occurred and are attributed to the movement of magmatic fluids as they rise to the surface and erupt into it.

Deformation of the Agung volcano

GPS network data did not reveal any significant changes until the November 21 and November 25 eruptions. In August and September, there were several centimeters of inflation probably caused by the accumulation of magma under the volcano. In addition, tilt-meter data show inflation before the onset of eruption and deflation during eruption, as is common in other volcanoes.

Agung eruptive material composition

The laboratory analysis of the ash from the initial eruption of November 21, 2017, shows the existence of juvenile fragments (ie, new magma) as well as fragments of old lava from deposits located below the eruptive orifice (vent), such as those formed during the eruption of 1963 and before. Therefore, we conclude that the initial eruption of November 21, 2017 was phreatomagmatic (that is, it occurred when the new magma of 2017 interacted with the groundwater below the crater.
Prior to the November 21, 2017 eruption, CO2 gas was measured at high concentrations by MultiGAS devices piloted with a drone. However, very little SO2 gas was detected until after the November 21, 2017 eruption. SO2 measurements were highest from November 26 to November 27, 2017; the concentration of SO2 has decreased somewhat since then. These data are consistent with the presence of magma rising deep during the long period of seismic disturbances and reaching the summit crater of Mount Agung at the time of the November 21 eruption.

Satellite remote sensing of lava volumes from Agung

Satellite data also indicates that the lava eruption continues in the summit crater. These data have recorded high temperatures corresponding to new lava in the crater on 27, 28 and 29 November 2017. The volume of lava in the crater is currently about 20 million cubic meters, which is equivalent to about a third of the crater’s total volume.
Satellite data recorded a hot zone in the crater on 27, 28 and 29 November 2017 with temperature ranges estimated at around 300 degrees Celsius. For technical reasons, they are considered as minimum temperatures. The lava in the crater is much warmer, probably in the order of 900 to 1200 degrees Celsius, according to the comparison with the lava eruption of Mount Agung in 1963.

Conclusions from the period of 21/11 to 01/12/2017

Based on a multiparameter data analysis and by this date (1 December 2017), we conclude that volcanic activity at Mount Agung is still high. It is an eruption in progress. Therefore, the alert level remains at level IV. It is recommended that the communities around Mount Agung, as well as climbers / visitors / tourists, do not climb or do activities in the danger zone, especially in the area of ​​Mount Agung crater and within 10 km sectors north and northeast and southeast, south and southwest of the crater. An 8 km radius from the summit also applies to all other areas. For more details on hazardous areas, please refer to the map of risk areas around Agung (above). This is a dynamic situation and the nature and extent of the danger zone can be changed at any time.
It is still considered safe for travel to Bali outside the danger zone described above.

Source: Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Geological Agency Center for Volcanology and Geological Risk Mitigation

Tambora, Isolated on the island of Sumbawa, and culminating at 2850m. It is this volcano that holds the sad record of the world’s deadliest eruption. From an altitude of 4300m, the gigantic eruption of 1815 would have reduced it to 2850m and formed a caldera of about 6 km in diameter and 1,110 m deep!

8 Things to Know Before Climbing Tambora

How to go to Tambora?

Mount Tambora can be climbed through three climbing points, all of which are in the Dompu district. The first track was in Pancasila Hamlet, Tambora Village, the second track was in Doropeti village and the third track was in the Doro Ncanga savanna, Sorotatanga Village. Of the three hiking trails, two lanes are the usual hiking trail for mountain climbers while the other is the vehicle’s hiking trail.

How to go to Pancasila Village?

From Dompu

• From Dompu Bus Station, you can take the Dompu – Calabai bus, stop at Kadindi
• From Kadindi you can use ojek (motorcycle taxi) to go to Pancasila Village

From Denpasar

• From Denpasar you can use a plane with the Denpasar – Bima route
• From Bima Airport, you can take a bus to Dompu.
• Continue by taking the Dompu – Calabai bus, stop at Kadindi
• From Kadindi you can use ojek (motorcycle taxi) to go to Pancasila Village

From Port of Sape (from Labuan Bajo direction)

• You can use the bus to go to Sumbawa Besar, stop at Dompu
• From Dompu take a bus with the Dompu – Calabai route, stop at Kadindi
• From Kadindi you can use ojek (motorcycle taxi) to go to Pancasila Village

How to go to Doro Ncanga

You can take the bus to Dompu, then proceed to the Manggalewa Sub-District precisely in the Cabang Banggo. From here you still have to wait for the bus that will go to Doro Ncanga.

How to go to Doropeti?

For main transportation to Doropeti you can use the bus from Dompu Bus Station. From there there is a bus that serves the Dompu – Doropeti route.

Note: Keep in mind that buses are the main mode of transportation in this area. Therefore you can be on the bus together with livestock. It’s also possible that you have to sit on the roof of the bus. The bus departure schedule can be canceled at any time if there is damage or other things. If you decide to use public transportation, you should arrive at Dompu bus station in the morning. If you don’t want to bother, it is recommended to use a private vehicle or use the services of a Tour Operator.

When to go to Tambora?

The best time to visit Mount Tambora is in the dry season, between April and October. On April 10, usually Mount Tambora will be very crowded with climbers, they will come in commemoration of the eruption of Tambora.

How much the entrance fee cost?

• For foreign tourist : IDR 150.000/person
• For local tourist : IDR 5.000/person

Where to sleep?

It would be very difficult to find lodging in this area. You might find some basic homestays or you can also take a break at the Mount Tambora Climbing Post.

Climbing Tambora, with or without guide?

For those of you who are first time it is advisable to use a guide service because some tracks in Tambora can mislead you.

Where to find guide and porters?

You can ask at Climbing Post when you need a guide and porter service

Where can I get climbing equipment?

It is strongly recommended to bring your personal climbing equipment, because in this area no one rents climbing equipment.

What can be done around Mount Tambora?

• Visit Satonda and Moyo Island
• Climbing Sangeang Api Volcano

Climbing Tambora with Go-Volcano

Climbing Description:

• Caldera is almost 6 km in diameter with a depth of 1,110 m
• Be outside the tourism route, because it is located in a remote area
• Beautiful view of eastern Indonesia

Hiking and Climbing Tambora 5 days 4 nights

Detailed Program and Itinerary

1st Day : Bima – Pancasila Village

Upon arrival in Bima, you will be picked up at the airport and escorted to the village of Pancasila. Lunch will be provided on the way to the village. You will eat and spend the night at the guesthouse in the village of Pancasila.

2nd Day : Pancasila Village – Post 5

You will start climbing as soon as you have finished breakfast. Pass the lane with rainforest vegetation to reach post 3 where you will stop for lunch. Then you will continue the climb to Post 5, where you will spend the night in the tent.

3rd Day : Post 5 – Summit of Tambora – Pancasila Village

Wake up at 3 o’clock in the morning, to start the climb towards Tambora Peak (after a few hot drinks to warm you up). Breakfast will be served at the top while enjoying the sunrise and views of the crater. After that you will go back down to Pancasila Village to spend the night at the guesthouse

4th Day : Pancasila Village – Bima

After breakfast, leave for Bima. Lunch will be served in Bima, then check-in at the hotel and free time to explore the city. In the evening we could go to Danatraha Hill to enjoy the sunset before dinner.

5th Day : Bima

Transfer to the airport.

End of the program!

Price

Facility

Mount Tambora

Mount Tambora is located on Sumbawa island which is part of the Nusa Tenggara archipelago. This mountain is part of the Sunda arc, a rope from volcanic islands that make up the chain south of the Indonesian archipelago. Tambora forms its own peninsula on the island of Sumbawa called the Sanggar peninsula. On the north side of the peninsula, there is the Flores sea, and on the south there is the Saleh bay with a length of 86 km and a width of 36 km. At Saleh bay mouth, there is a small island called Mojo.

In addition to seismologists and volcanologists who observe the activity of the mountain, Mount Tambora is an area for scientific research in archeology and biology. The mountain also attracts tourists to climb mountains and wildlife activities. Dompu and Bima are the cities closest to this mountain. On the slopes of Mount Tambora, there are several villages. To the east is Sanggar village. To the northwest, there are the villages of Doro Peti and the village of Pesanggrahan. To the west, there is the village of Calabai.

Tambora stretches 340 km to the north of the Java trough system and 180-190 km above the subduction zone. This mountain is located both on the north and south side of the oceanic crust. This mountain has a convergence rate of 7.8 cm per year. Tambora is estimated to have been on the earth since 57,000 BP (standard radiocarbon dating). When this mountain rises due to the geological process below, a large magma kitchen is formed and empties the contents of the magma. Mojo Island was also formed as part of this geological process where Saleh bay was originally an oceanic basin (around 25,000 BP).

According to geological investigations, a high volcanic cone was formed before the eruption in 1815 with the same characteristics as the stratovolcano shape. The diameter of the hole reaches 60 km. The main hole often emits lava which flows down regularly with heavy down the steep slopes.

Since the eruption in 1815, at the very bottom there are deposits of lava and pyroclastic material. Approximately 40% of the layers are represented by 1-4 m thin lava flow. Thin Scoria is produced by fragmentation of lava flows. At the top, lava is closed by scoria, tuff and pyroclastic rocks that flow downward. [13] At Mount Tambora, there are 20 craters. Some craters have names, for example Tahe (877 m), Molo (602 m), Kadiendinae, Kubah (1648 m) and Doro Api Toi. The crater also produces basal lava flows.

Tambora and its Eruption

Tambora eruption, 1815

The Tambora eruption in 1815 reportedly emitted 30-33 km3 of DRE volcanic products (solid or non-vesiculated rock equivalent), which until now was considered the strongest eruption of the last three millennia before being derived from the discovery of the Samalas (Rinjani) 1257 eruption around 40 ± 3 km3 DRE (equivalent to solid rock or non-vesiculated magma) from volcanic products.

Before the 1815 eruption, Tambora was at an altitude of 4300m. The eruption of 1815 brought it to 2850m and formed a caldera with a diameter of about 6 km and a depth of 1,110 m! About 100km3 of material was ejected (for comparison, Krakatau took out 18km3 of material during the eruption of 1883). -Attention: do not disrupt the emission of volcanic products (Lava, ash …) that originate from the depths of the earth and especially from the magma chamber and ejected material which in addition to volcanic products including all the rocks removed by volcanic explosions, know the missing Tambora peak. –

The Tambora eruption has cooled the planet which has had a devastating effect on North America, Europe and China which has exacerbated the crisis, hunger and war.

Chronology

Mount Tambora experienced inactivity for several centuries before 1815, known as the “sleeping” volcano, which is the result of cooling the hydrous magma in a closed magma kitchen. Excessive pressure in the magma chamber around 4,000 to 5,000 bars (58,000 to 73,000 psi) is produced because temperatures range from 700 to 850 ° C.

In 1812, the Tambora mountain caldera began to rumble and produce black clouds. On April 5, 1815, an eruption occurred, followed by thunder sounds heard in Makassar, Sulawesi (380 km from Mount Tambora), Batavia (now Jakarta) on the island of Java (1,260 km from Mount Tambora), and Ternate in Maluku (1400 km from mount Tambora). This thunderous sound was heard up to the island of Sumatra on April 10-11, 1815 (more than 2,600 km from Mount Tambora) which was originally considered a gunshot sound. On the morning of April 6, 1815, volcanic ash began to fall in East Java with the sound of thunder being heard until April 10, 1815.

At 7:00 a.m. on April 10, the eruption was getting stronger. Three lines of fire emitted and joined. The entire mountain turned into a large stream of fire. Floating rock with a diameter of 20 cm begins to rain at 8:00 a.m., followed by ash from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. Hot pyroclastic flows flow down into the sea on all sides of the peninsula, annihilating Tambora village. A big explosion was heard until the afternoon of April 11. Ash spread to West Java and South Sulawesi. The smell of “nitrate” smelled in Batavia and large rains accompanied by falling tephrite ash, finally subsided between 11 and 17 April 1815.

The eruption entered on a scale of seven on the scale of the Volcanic Explosivity Index. This eruption is four times stronger than the eruption of Mount Krakatoa in 1883. An estimated 100 kmrok of pyroclastic trakiandesite was released, with an estimated mass of 1.4 × 1014 kg. The density of ash falling in Makassar is 636 kg / m². Before the eruption, Mount Tambora had a height of approximately 4,300 m, one of the highest peaks in Indonesia. After the eruption, the height of the mountain was only as high as 2,851 m.

The Tambora eruption in 1815 was the biggest eruption in history. The eruption was heard as far as 2,600 km, and ash fell at least as far as 1,300 km. Darkness is seen as far as 600 km from the top of the mountain for more than two days. Pyroclastic flows spread at least 20 km from the peak

Then for those who do not want to have any worries and who want to delegate to Go-Volcano, the organization and the logistics of the trek, you will find the program and all the corresponding prices here.

The 7 Things to Know Before Ascending the Ebulobo Volcano

How to go to Ebulobo volcano?

To get to Ebulobo Volcano, the easiest way is to start from the small town of Boawae 53km east of Bajawa (about 1h30). Then from Boawae you have to find an ojek (motorcycle taxi) for the village of Molakoli at 925m above sea level.

How to go to Boawae and Molakoli?

Boawae is accessible by road via the transflores route. it is on the Ende-Bajawa road. 1h30 of Bajawa and 2h30 of Ende.

There are collective taxis making the Ende-Bajawa connection for around 100000IDR / person. There are also Travel sort of minibuses that shuttles. You have to see Bajawa to try to get a travel.

To go to Molakoli you have to find an ojek about 25000IDR for 40min of journey.

When to go to Ebulobo volcano?

The best time for Flores is in the dry season between April and November, in March and December it is the beginning / end of the rainy season.

How much does the entrance fee to Ebulobo cost?

You must register at the office of kepala desa (village hall) for about IDR 10000 until 20000.

Where to sleep and eat?

In Boawae, there is no real hotel rather basic homestay.

To eat, the choice of restaurants is limited.

Hiking of Ebulobo, with or without guide?

it is almost impossible to find the right path in the forest (cultivated forest).

A guide is more than necessary.

Where to find guide services

At Molakoli

Ascension of Ebulobo Volcano

Climbing to the summit of Ebulobo is relatively easy. It takes approximately 2 hours to hike through a pleasant cultivated forest, before leaving the trees for 30 to 40 minutes of final climb to the rocky and active summit. On a clear day, you will have a magnificent view of the valley around Boawae and on the west to the conical summit of Inerie.

The trail is very steep for about 15 or 20 minutes, but then has a more moderate slope to the edge of the forest. After about 2 hours of regular walking, you should reach the edge of the forest at about 1800 m altitude. We think we have arrived but it’s misleading and you still have 400 m altitude to climb to the top. The rocky climb is a bit steeper but unlike the Inerie the ground is very stable.

When you reach the peaks, you will see a tangle of rocks surrounding a crater that looks more like a crack crossing the summit. There are strong smells of sulfur coming and going in the breeze. The real summit is on the other side of the crater, directly to the west. it will take you less than 15 minutes to go slightly to the left and go around the crater to go to the western edge. It’s not dangerous, but be careful because the rocks are big and entangled, and there are deep holes and cracks, some rocks move. In addition, when the wind is no longer felt the sulfur fumes can be very strong and irritating. Many people go to the highest point (2137 m) because from there, you get the best views to the west on the Inerie. The view on a clear day is magical.

The descent is the same way and takes about 1h30 to 2 hours. It is a beautiful hike, the volcano is clean without any waste. It’s the perfect volcano for those who want to think outside the box. When you return, the village of Molakoli is fully awake and alive.

For this climb, you must know that at night and in the morning it is quite cool. at the top there can be a lot of wind. So you will of course need good hiking shoes, a fleece and a windbreaker, can also be a hat for the summit.

Mount Ebulobo

Ebulobo, also called Amburombu or Keo Peak, is a symmetrical stratovolcano located in the center of Flores Island, Nagekeo District, Nusa Tenggara Timur Province. The summit of Gunung Ebulobo, 2124 m high, contains a lava dome with a flat summit. The crater at the top of the volcano with steep sides, 250 m wide, is pierced on three sides. The Watu Keli lava flow traveled from the northern breach to 4 km from the summit in 1830, the first of only four recorded historical eruptions of the volcano.

Eruptions and vulcanic activities of the Ebulobo volcano

Ebulobo eruptions usually consisted of lava flows that quickly formed mounds but never resulted in sudden eruptive explosions. The last eruptive activity took place in 1941 (1969?) And consisted of a lava flow.

Ebulobo has a dedicated observation post and two seismic instruments. The observation of Ebulobo’s activity is carried out from its surveillance post located in the village of Ekowolo, sub-district of BoaWae, and is carried out visually and according to the tremors. Monitoring is performed using a VR-60 type seismograph and an L4C Seismometer. The readings are transmitted by a telemetric system.

Weekly report from March 08 to 14, 2017

On March 12, 2017, an Ebulobo ash plume had reached an altitude of 3 km above sea level (800 m above the summit) and drifted west.

Eruption in August 2013

The CVGHM (Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation) reported that observers at the Ebulobo Observation Post in Ekowolo, BoaWae District, had noted that in August, plumes of sparse consistency, of white color, under low pressure had reached a height of 5 to 30 m above the summit. The volcanic tremor was detected as of August 10, 2013. From August 21 to 23, incandescence was visible at night on the north side of the summit. Observations made during the night of August 22-23 revealed that the bright spots remained unchanged. The glow was considered abnormal (incandescence was last observed in 2011). The alert level was raised to 2 (on a scale of 0 to 4) on August 23. Residents and tourists were not allowed within 1.5 km of the crater. The exact cause of the incandescent regions has not been reported. No new cracks, lava flow or pyroclastic flow have been reported. The glow was then extinguished, as indicated in an October follow-up report.

In June 2013, the system recorded the earthquakes shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Summary of seismicity recorded at Ebulobo. Dashes mean cases without reported data. Excerpt from the CVGHM reports of August 26 and October 17.

From 1 to 22 August 2013, the seismic system also recorded tremors of maximum amplitude between 0.5 and 15 mm.

The glow decreases and the alert level decreases (up to I). From September to October, white plumes rose up to 100 m above the crater. Despite this, the glowing area was absent after August 27th. On October 17, the CVGHM reduced the alert from II to I (Normal, on a scale up to IV).

The History of Ebulobo Eruptions

Source for Eruptions of Ebulobo: Center for Volcanology and Mitigation of Geological Disasters and the Smithsonian Institution

We will try to answer all the questions that we can ask about this volcano and its ascent and the different possibilities of trek in the area of Bajawa and Inerie.

Then for those who do not want to have the slightest hassle and who want to delegate, to the Go-Volcano, the organization and logistics of the trek, you will find the program and all the corresponding prices.

8 things to know before climbing the Inerie Volcano

How to go to Inerie volcano?

To go to the Inerie volcano, the easiest way is to start from the small town of Bajawa. Then from Bajawa you have to find a taxi or an ojek (motorcycle taxi) IDR 25000 heading to the village of Watumeze.

How to go to Bajawa?

Bajawa is accessible by road via the transflores. It is located about 4 hours from the city of Ende, and between 4 and 5h from the town of Ruteng.

From Labuan Bajo it takes about 10 hours to reach Bajawa.

There are collective taxis making the connection Ruteng-Bajawa and Bajawa-Ende for about IDR 100000/person. There are also Travel sort of minibuses that shuttles.

Bajawa also has a rather distant airport (1 hour drive) which is located in Soa on the road to Riung. Soa is known for its hot springs.

When to go to Inerie volcano?

The best time for the Inerie and Flores is in the dry season between April and November.

How much the entrance fee of Inerie Volcano?

There is no tax or ticket

Where to sleep and where to eat?

In Bajawa, there is no real hotel, rather basic homestay. But as Bajawa is located at almost 1200m altitude the climate is very pleasant.

To eat the choice of restaurants is quite limited but sufficient.

Climbing of Inerie, with or without guide?

It is possible to climb alone, but you have to be very cautious when going downhill because the slopes are very steep and the ground quite hard with small volcanic pebbles that make the terrain slippery and the company dangerous.

A guide will allow you to take the best possible paths and will assure you on slippery or dangerous passages.

Where to find the guides?

At the village of Watumeze

What to do in Bajawa and around Inerie Volcano?

• Hiking on the crater chain of Wolobobo located southeast of Bajawa.
• Hike on the crater of Wawomudha which had a surprise eruption in 2001 and before that was a coffee field like the other craters around (Wawomudha is on the same crater chain as that of Wolobobo but its located in north of Bajawa)
• Ascent of the volcano Inielika which is the crater or volcano most north of the chain of craters of Wolobobo. It’s easy to see why there is so much hot spring in the Bajawa and Soa area.
• Ascension of the Ebulobo volcano
• Visit the traditional village of Bena
• Visit the eroded hills of Watu Nariwoto
• Visit the various hot springs of the region (around the Inerie and the village of Bena, in Soa)
• The deserted beaches in the south of Inerie

Ascension of the Inerie Volcano

Inerie is one of the most popular summits of Flores (popular in Flores that means that you will find maybe a dozen tourists trying to climb, we are far from hundreds of trekkers like on Semeru in Java or Rinjani in Lombok). The Inerie has a pyramida shape almost perfect and is visible for miles around. The inerie has not erupted for a few centuries but this volcano has a deep and impressive crater.

The ascent of Inerie starts from 3:30 WITA from the village of Watumeze (about 20 – 30 min from Bajawa). Why start so early? To avoid the heat and the burning sun of the day, especially since the ascent is done by the east of the volcano where the sun is rising.

The first part of the climb is quite easy, it starts at an altitude of about 1000m and it takes place in a kind of savanna with eucalyptus trees until 1350m. Then the slope becomes steep but the soil remains relatively stable. Once this part is finished (towards the 1800m of altitude) we will enters the really difficult part of the trek of the Inerie, the ground becomes unstable with many small pumice stones or volcanic pebbles which make the trek slippery, and when we heading the rock cone. There are deep gullies on each side.

After about 2 or 3h walk, you will arrive at the small summit of the Inerie where the ground is a little more stable but remains very steep, and which is the lower edge of the cratere (about 2100m). From here, we have a magnificent panoramic view of the surroundings area, where we can see all the craters facing south-north to the east of the Inerie and where we can see the Ebulobo volcano at 27km to the east and the Savu Sea to the south. From there you will follow the right (north) side path of the crater, after a short descent you will go up to the top where there are 3 metal crosses (we are in Catholic country in Bajawa).

From the top you will have a 360 ° view of the landscape with a magnificent glowing sunrise, you will all dominate the Bajawa region and the Savu Sea. To the north, you will see an extremely eroded terrain with vertiginous slopes (almost cliffs) that can be done in trek, but it is very dangerous. these eroded hills are called Watu Nariwoto.

During the descent, it will be necessary to be very careful and to be very concentrated because of a vertiginous slope and the combination of hard rocky soil and small volcanic pebbles which serve as slippery balls. A little advice, it would be interesting to have gloves to protect your hands in case of falls or when we held the surrounding rocks during the descent because the stones are very sharp.

On the way back from the small summit of the Inerie, you will pass by a terrain made almost exclusively of volcanic pumice scree and small volcanic pebbles (unlike the climb when we seek a land that is the most stable possible) on this way you can step on the slope quickly.

For those who climb without a guide, you will have to take some precaution on the descent so you do not go wrong and go to a ravine. which will force you all to go back in the best cases to find the right path.

This climb is not recommended for people who have subject of vertigo.

You must have enough water with you, there is no water source on this trek.

One of the very good point about the Inerie is that the hiking trail is very clean without the slightest waste.

The climb takes about 2h30 and you need about 2h to go down. it depends on your physical condition and if you are accompanied by a good guide.

For this climb, you must know that at night and in the morning it is quite cool. at the top there can be a lot of wind. So you will of course need good hiking shoes, a fleece and a windbreaker, can also be a hat for the summit. As the descent is by day and the sun hits hard you need sunglasses, hat and sunscreen.

Inerie Volcano

The Inierie is a stratovolcano of Indonesia located on the island of Flores. Culminating at 2,245 meters above sea level, it is located near the village of Bajawa. This symmetrical volcano located in south-central Flores overlooks the Savu Sea. It is the highest volcano on the island. A small crater with steep walls is oriented east-west immediately east of the summit of the conical stratovolcano, whose upper slopes are without vegetation.

A chain of volcanoes from North-North-West / South-South-East extending to the east of L’Inerie, including WoloBobo, culminating at 1400 m. These are part of the Pleistocene Bajawa ash cone complex, located northeast of the Inerie volcano. A column of “smoke” is sometimes visible from the crater, as was the case in June 1911. The age of the last eruption is not known, although the volcano is mapped as a Holocene and a WoloBobo’s eruption is dated to carbon at around 10,000 years ago. there are hot springs on the north side of the volcano and other geothermal areas are to the east and northeast.

Merapi (2911masl), is located in the center of Java, near the city of Yogyakarta. It is the most important of the Javanese volcanoes and the most dangerous, according to the volcanologist.

But you wonder: How to climb the Merapi and reach its summit? Where to start? How and when to go to Merapi? How much does it cost to do the Merapi trek? Where to find guides? What are the most important mistakes?

How is the climb going? what are its stages? Many unanswered questions!

The purpose of this article is to give you all the information you need to climb the Merapi and the mistakes to be absolutely avoided.

Then, for those who do not want to have the least hassle and who want to delegate, to the Go-Volcano, the organization and logistics of the trek, you will find the program and all the corresponding prices.

Finally, for the curious, at the very end of the article we will talk about the Merapi volcano, the beliefs and legends that surround the volcano. As well as its eruptions and its volcanic activity.

The 7 things to know before climbing the Merapi Mountain

How to go to Merapi?

The Merapi is accessible from the village of Selo. Selo is accessible from Yogyakarta which has an international airport, but also from Solo (Surakarta).

How to go to Selo?

From Yogyakarta

Once in Yogyakarta, it is quite easy to find a transport to go to the mountain village of Selo, from where the Merapi ascension begins. A vehicle with driver can be chartered. It is strongly recommended to bring your driver the next day, as it can be difficult to arrange transportation from Selo. The journey takes about 2 hours (it depends on the traffic).

From Surakarta (Solo)

Solo is also a little less than 2 hours drive from Selo.

When to go to Merapi?

The climbing activities of Mount Merapi are usually open throughout the year. But in some conditions such as an increase in volcanic activity, the climbing activities will be limited to Pasar Bubrah or even totally closed for climbing activities.

Is there an entrance fee and how much?

• Foreign Tourist : IDR 150.000/person/day
• Local Tourist : IDR 15.000/person/day

Where to Sleep?

Selo has very few lodging options. You can stay in the vicinity of Yogyakarta or SOlo, which has more lodging options ranging from Dormitory to 5-star Hotels.

Is it necessary to use a guide?

Hiking and trekking in Mount Merapi is very safe to do without using the services of a guide.

Where to find guides and porters?

Guides and porters can be found directly at Selo.

What to do around Yogyakarta?

It is a tourist region, and it is the center of the Javanese culture with different sultanates and Kraton (Palace), the most famous is that of Yogyakarta. You will find the Hindu temple of Prambanan and one of the largest Buddhist temple in the world, Borobudur.

But there are also several volcanoes in addition to the most watched and most dangerous of all the Merapi, Merbabu, Sindoro, Sumbing and Dieng plateau a magnificent volcanic plateau located between 1500 and 2000m.

There are also beaches activities on the Indian Ocean.

Ascension of Merapi Volcano

There are two routes to the summit: New Selo in the north and Kaliurang in the south.

Kaliurang is only a few minutes drive from the city of Yogyakarta, but this route is forbidden because too dangerous. Instead, the Merapi base camp is located in New Selo.

Most hikers start at midnight to reach the summit at dawn. Although there are one or two places on the trail where it is possible to pitch a tent, the largest camping area is Pasar Bubrah at about 2,675 m under the cone of the summit which has one or two monuments. It is the ideal place to rest a few hours before dawn, although it is a huge field of blocks without grass.

From the base camp, follow the road for 20 minutes to the big sign of NEW SELO next to some warungs. This place is a very popular point of view for local tourists because you can enjoy great views of Gunung Merbabu through the mountain pass as well as on Selo and the surrounding fertile agricultural area. During the first 30 minutes after the sign, the trail follows steeply the large plantations with a sharp fall to your left. This small path can be very dusty during the dry season, but still offers a lot of grip when going up.

When the last fields are abandoned, you are at an altitude of almost 2,000 meters, and little by little, the forest trees become smaller and more distant from each other. As the wood becomes less dense, the path begins to become more and more rocky. Once past the sign indicating the national park, it will take you about 45 minutes of climb to reach the post 1 (2 150 m) which is closed and protected by big rocks and offers a welcome protection against the winds often very strong.

After 30 to 40 minutes, the summit of the next ridge is reached. The numerous commemorative plaques (2,400 m) recall that the greatest care must be brought to the top of this very active volcano.

From there, the trail is fairly flat for a short distance of 300 to 400 meters before climbing quickly to a new memorial (2011). From there, you are five minutes walk in the middle of a huge block field known as Pasar Bubrah, often filled with tents on the weekends. There are large rocks that can be used as wind shelter, but it is a rather exposed area and camping can be more comfortable – and warmer – lower down the track.

On the right, you should be able to see the twin cones of Sumbing and Sindoro. On the left is a small but harmonious summit that marks the beginning of an alternative route down the eastern side of the mountain that brings hikers to the village of Deles.

From Pasar Bubrah, the steep rocky cone of Merapi is clearly visible above you and it takes 45 minutes to reach the edge of the crater itself. This part is very tiring and it is not uncommon to see people give up halfway. Inevitably, your shoes will also fill with small stones and volcanic sand. As you climb, the view becomes more and more beautiful. To the left (east), you should be able to see the great Lawu mountain that dominates the clouds in the distance.

In the end, you will reach an area where you feel that the soil is getting a lot hotter and that in a few areas you will pass several mouths where hot volcanic steam comes out of the mountain. From this area, it will take you about 15 minutes to reach the edge of the crater. The last 100 meters reveal an incredible mountainous world of scree and huge volcanic rock debris created during the huge eruptions of 2010. The smell of sulfur can be overwhelming.

Map of Merapi Climbing Route

Hiking and Trekking of Merapi with Go-Volcano

Hiking and Trekking Merapi 2 Days and 1 night

Detailed Program and Itinerary

1st Day : Jogjakarta – Selo

Arrival at Adi Sutjipto International Airport in Yogjakarta, you will be met by our guide and transferred to the Selo mountain resort at the foot of the Merapi volcano. On the way, stop at Prambanan Temple. Breakfast in a local restaurant. Dinner and overnight at the hotel Selo Pass.

2nd Day : Selo – Merapi Summit – Yogyakarta

Wake up at midnight. Transfer to the start of the Merapi ascent trail and start the hike at 1am. With the objective of the summit at sunrise. Then you will get off at the Pasar Bubrah campsite for breakfast and finally go to the Selo Pass Hotel and have lunch. Then return to Jogjakarta airport or extend your stay in Jogjakarta (Optional excursions can be arranged for Prambanan, Borobudur and other, the area and full of things to see)

Price

Facilities Included

Volcano of Merapi

Merapi literally means “mountain of fire”. It is around this volcano that gravitated the core of the Hindu and Buddhist culture of ancient Java. The Prambanan complex and the famous Borobudur are at its feet where one of the highest densities of population is today.

The Merapi was born 400,000 years ago. This andesitic volcano 28 km in diameter, 2911 meters above sea level, located 26 km from Yogyakarta has been in constant activity since the 6th century with alternating explosive and effusive phases that continually modify its relief and altitude.

Merapi is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. Nearly 300,000 people live in the endangered area. There was a major eruption in 2006 but nothing on the scale of what happened in October and November 2010. Today (2018), the Merapi has entered a new eruptive phase.

Merapi and Its Eruption

Since 10 centuries, 63 eruptions have been recorded, including 23 major ones with many losses in human lives.

• 1672: 3000 victims
• 1931: 1390 victims
• October 22, 1994: 64 victims, many missing and 500 burned
• October 1995: 41 victims and 280 burned
• October 26, 2010 to the beginning of 2011: 353 victims

The activity of Merapi is characterized by the regular extrusion of very viscous lava which accumulates in the form of unstable domes that collapse generating pyroclastic collapses often disastrous (avalanche of blocks and ashes – burning clouds – breaking waves – lahars) . The continuous emission of andesite lava on the surface of the dome is estimated at 300,000 m3 per day.

Often its eruptions are announced by renewed seismic activity or by deformations of the summit but sometimes they also take place without any precursory sign.

The fiery clouds or pyroclastic flows (local people call it “Wedhus Gembel”) always located on its southwest-south-south-south-east flanks (directly above the city of Yogyakarta) can reach and even exceed a development of 10 kilometers.

“Breakers” oriented in the same directions often reach 10 to 17 km. As for the lahars that remobilize these primary products some can go and even exceed 23 km and reach the city of Yogyakarta (as it happened in the year 2004).

Today the dome continues to grow and reaches an uneven volume since it is measured. Many fractures appeared at the top of the volcanic edifice and in particular on the southern flank testifying to a growing imbalance that could lead to massive collapse.

The magma reservoir of Merapi (probably of gigantic size) is located about 9 km below the summit (this depth was obtained by reasoned interpretation of the seismic waves). It is possible that a shallow magmatic reservoir is located about 1,000 meters below the summit. (The opinion of the volcanologists is divided as to its hypothetical existence). Nevertheless, there is an seismic zone at this depth directly beneath the dome that occupies the active crater.

Eruption of Merapi, 2010

The eruption of the Merapi in 2010 is a volcanic eruption that took place on the Merapi from October 26, 2010 to early 2011. Marked by fiery clouds and lahars, this eruption claimed the lives of 353 people, including Mbah Maridjan, the “juru kunci” of the volcano. For scientists, this is the strongest eruption since 1872.

The previous eruption of the Merapi occurred from March 2006 to August 9, 2007. Typical of the Pelean eruptions, it resulted in the formation of a lava dome, which gave rise to a leaky lava flow escaping crater. Nevertheless, fiery clouds occurred during explosions of volcanic explosivity index of 1. The volume of lava emitted is greater than 4106 m3. Despite the evacuation of threatened populations, the eruption caused several deaths and damage.

After two and a half years of rest, the Merapi shows signs of waking from March 2010, with a swelling of the volcano from 0.1 to 0.3 millimeters per day. This phenomenon accelerates at the end of the summer to reach 1.1 millimeters daily on September 16th, 0.6 centimeters at the end of September, 10.5 centimeters on October 21st and 42 centimeters on October 24th. At the same time, a seismic crisis appears at the beginning of September and the lava dome warms up from the end of October. In addition to these measures, there are phenomena such as an avalanche of debris on September 12 and the formation of a white volcanic plume rising 800 meters above the summit of Merapi. The authorities are then convinced of the imminence of an eruption and raise the alert level to level 2 on September 19th, level 3 on October 21st and level 4, the highest on October 25th. On the same day, they make a recommendation to people within a 10-kilometer radius of the summit, between 11,000 and 19,000 people, to immediately evacuate their villages.

The eruption begins on October 26th at 5:00 pm local time with explosions producing fiery clouds flowing down the west-south-west and south-east flanks. This series of fiery clouds, which last for the most part between two and nine minutes apart from two which develop for 33 minutes, ends at 18:54. These fiery clouds are accompanied by muffled sounds, a volcanic plume rising to about 4,500 meters above sea level and the reddening of the lava dome is visible from the north.

After this first eruptive episode, the activity resumed more vigorously on the night of October 29 to 30 at 1:10. Volcanic ash falling ten kilometers from the volcano and the explosions being louder, thousands of people still living in the evacuation zone flee at night, bringing the number of refugees to 50,000.

On November 3, in the face of the intensification of the explosions, the authorities carry the radius of the evacuation zone to fifteen kilometers around the summit of the volcano. The next day, the explosions continue, gaining even more power. The volcanic plume is eight kilometers high and the many hot clouds sweeping down the south flank are up to nine kilometers long.

From November 18, the eruption diminished in intensity with a drop in seismic activity, the number of hot clouds and the altitude of the volcanic plume reaching between 4.5 and 6 kilometers of altitude. Lahars begin to form on the slopes of the volcano in November 2010. Those of January 3 and 9, 2011 cause destruction, death, injury and evacuations. The volcanic risk scale is lowered to 3 on a scale of 4 on December 4, 2011 and to 2 on January 9, 2011, reflecting the end of this eruption.

The fiery clouds of the first day of the eruption killed 34 people including Mbah Maridjan, juru kunci of Merapi. The latter refused to evacuate his village of Kinahrejo despite repeated requests from the authorities and many people present with him in his house. Thirteen of them were killed instantly with him by the gases and volcanic ash at 1000 ° C from a fiery cloud that destroyed the village. The body of Mbah Maridjan was found the next morning in a prayer position, fulfilling his spiritual role by a team of rescuers. Given the power of the eruption, the evacuation order is fairly well respected, but especially by women, children and the elderly, men preferring to stay to look after their fields or their animals. On November 1, the human toll rose to 38 dead. On November 4, the volcanic ash is released into the atmosphere so that the authorities ask the airlines not to approach more than twelve kilometers from the volcano. Although remaining open, the two closest airports to Merapi see some companies cancel flights.

In total, the number of victims stands at 353 dead on December 3, more than 150 injured and the number of displaced more than 320,000 people on November 8. The authorities estimate the damage cost at Rs 5,500 billion, or 500 million euros, at the beginning of February 2011, and this amount is still increasing due to the lahars.

For the agriculture sector alone, losses exceed US $ 100 million, affecting the livelihoods of local people. Most of the crops destroyed by the eruption are volcanic ash rains: more than 2,500 hectares of crops in the Sleman kabupaten, 5,000 hectares of salak and 100 hectares of rice lost in the Magelang kabupaten, several thousand hectares of crops in Boyolali and Klaten kabupaten. 1,961 heads of cattle died during the eruption.

Since the eruption ended in early February 2011, the destroyed villages are the subject of a black tourism which benefits especially the inhabitants of the affected areas of which some have converted into small sellers.

During the expansion of the exclusion zone on 3 November, the crisis management plans usually used are overwhelmed by the scale of the evacuation: no refugee camp was planned to accommodate the one million people leaving the country. area threatened by intensification of the eruption. Makeshift solutions are in place, such as hosting more than 21,900 refugees at the Maguwoharjo stadium in the Sleman kabupaten; other smaller camps are open around. The eruption of 2010 will have highlighted the need to review the evacuation plans and the measures to be taken at the next alert.

Source : Wikipedia

History of Merapi

• Pre-Merapi (400,000 years ago): only Bibi hill remains.
• Ancient Merapi (between 8,000 until 60,000 years ago): activity characterized by large basaltic effusions and fiery clouds.
• Middle Merapi (2000 to 6000 years ago): large andesitic flows, violent Saint Helens explosion (1980) during which the south-west flank partially collapsed, leaving an iron crater in place horse and a wide depression of 7 × 5 km. It is the magma reservoir located under this flank that has exploded violently.
• Recent Merapi (between 600 and 2000 years): emission of fiery clouds and phreato-magmatic eruptions favored by the vast depression at the summit. Indeed, these eruptions require a large crater to collect rainwater and long periods of eruptive calm to allow these waters to infiltrate in depth. The magma in contact with these layers causes the vaporization of the water and it is the eruption.
• Contemporary Merapi (600 years ago): the increase in the frequency of eruptions then made it difficult to recharge the aquifer and little by little the magma arrived at the surface to form lava domes. We thus witness the alternation of construction of very viscous lava dome and their destruction by explosions that generate fiery clouds. Therefore, the absence of a gaping crater at the top of the volcano makes the phreatomatic magmatic eruptions unlikely.

Typical activity of Merapi

The Merapi volcano has two main types of eruptive activity:

Growth periods – destruction of the summit lava dome

The very viscous magma favors the formation of a lava dome at its exit point. This dome can be unstable and generate avalanches of blocks along the flanks of the volcano. However, the eruption in the strict sense is generally triggered by the injection into a superficial magma chamber (about 1 km deep) of a magma from a deeper chamber (9 km). This magmatic thrust causes the dome to collapse on the surface in the form of fiery clouds.

A fiery cloud (or pyroclastic flow) is a mixture of burning gases, ashes and blocks that run down the slopes of a high-speed volcano, devastating everything in its path. Some are gravitational only, that is to say that blocks fall off the dome that is located in the crater. Others result from an explosion at the dome but their density is such that instead of rising in the atmosphere, they collapse along the flanks of the volcano.

The new magma then arrives on the surface and immediately forms another dome. Its position may be slightly modified compared to the previous dome. This type of eruption is preceded by a sharp increase in seismicity and by the increase of temperature of fumaroles. This cyclical formation-dome destruction activity has been common to Merapi for centuries.

Paroxysmal eruptions that cause the destruction of the dome without it being immediately rebuilt.

This kind of activity suggests that the explosion is not triggered by a supply of new magma. The explosion is most likely to occur when the open-system degassing characteristic of dome formation stops due to obstruction of the exit point. The pressure of the gases increases abruptly in depth until the explosion.

This kind of very explosive eruption was observed on the Merapi in 1768, 1823, 1849, 1972, 1930.

They are characterized by vertical projections which then fall violently on the side of the volcano in the form of devastating pyroclastic flows.

Two eruptive dynamisms: closed system (explosive eruption) and open system (formation of a lava dome).

The eruption of 1930 reached its climax on December 18 and 19, 23 days after the eruption began. Burning clouds swept up to 15 km away and a huge depression opened to the west. This eruption made 1369 victims. An effusive phase began in January 1931, forming a dome in the upper part of the crater, the introduction of which was accompanied by many hot clouds. The activity stopped in mid-September 1931, but important hot lahars started with the rainy season.

There are also periods of rest at Merapi: 1943 – 1952, 1961 – 1967, 1986 – 1990, which generally follow violent explosions and which account for the restoring time of a magma chamber. Their duration varies with the intensity of the eruption that has just taken place.

Eruptive activity of Merapi since 1768

Monitoring and forecasting at Merapi

From the 60 small Indonesian volcanological observatories, 5 belong to the Merapi area. In each of them located in Kaliurang – Bababadan – Ngedos – Jrakah and Selo, three men take turns day and night to monitor the activity of the volcano. Every day, by radio, the observations are communicated to the central observatory based in Jogja – MVO (Merapi Volcano Observatory). This centralizes and analyzes the scientific data which are then transmitted to the Volcanological Survey of Indonesia (VSI) in Bandung.

Merapi is the most complete volcano in all of Indonesia:

• 10 seismological stations
• 16 inclinometer stations (10 at the top – 6 at the base)
• 2 extensometers at the top
• 6 magnetic stations
• 1 gravity network of 20 points
• 1 GPS network of 15 points
• Geochemical measurements (temperature – composition of fumaroles as well as daily analysis of SO2 levels)

The 4 levels of Merapi activity defined by the VSI are as follows:

1. Normal – (Normal) 1: Normal level (visual observations and normal seismic data).
2. Warning – (Waspada) 2: The seismic data show a recovery of activity.
3. Ready – (Siaga) 3: Seismic activity is getting stronger, Earthquake energy is increasing, The eruption is likely, almost certain but in how long? Everyone must be ready to leave at any time.
4. Warning – (Awas) 4: The eruption is near (siren), evacuate in an army truck.

In February 1994, 6,000 people were evacuated (for almost 1 month), which considerably reduced the number of casualties.

Updated January 2019: The Krakatau has partially collapsed at sea its current size is estimated around 100m

The 4 things to know before going on an excursion to Krakatau

How to go to Krakatau volcano?

To go to the volcano of Krakatau, there are two options either from Anyer or Carita on Java, very accessible from West Jakarta or Kalianda on Sumatra, accessible from Bandar Lampung or from Bakauheni ferry terminal connecting Java and Sumatra.

Go to Krakatau from Java

We are not going to make you a chapter on how to go to Jakarta? From Jakarta, take the toll road towards Merak. You have several options:

Exit at Cilegon and follow the bumpy road (The roads are improving fast enough in Indonesia right now) to Anyer and Carita exit at Pandeglang and head towards the coast at Labuhan. Then follow the north road to Carita and Anyer. The first option is easier to navigate, but the second option has better roads.

From Carita, there are several boats going to Krakatau.

For Accommodations there are several options in Anyer and Carita. Carita is a lot cheaper.

Go to Krakatau from Sumatra

Bandar Lampung has Raden Inten II Airport with domestic connections to Jakarta-Soekarno-Hatta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Semarang, Batam, Palembang and Bengkulu (see tiket.com)

To go to Kalianda, take a DAMRI bus to Bandar Lampung (if you come from java) and to Bakauheni if you are coming from Bandar Lampung and get off at Kalianda. Then go to Canti Harbour and take a boat to Sebesi.
For accommodation several options in the region of Kalianda.

When to go to Krakatau?

The best time is from May to October, which corresponds to the dry season, April and November are a little more rainy. From December to March it will depend on the condition of the sea.

See here Climate and rainfall of Java

Is there a permit to go to Krakatau?

The permit will normally be arranged by your boat captain.

There is a Water Source in Krakatau?

No source of fresh water on the islands. You have to provide enough for your drinking water, your water for cooking (it’s not a good idea to cook rice noodles or pasta with sea water!) As well as fresh water for your little toilet.

Climbing the Krakatau Volcano

There are several companies offering day trips from the resorts of Carita and Anyer on Java or Kalianda on Sumatra. It is much cheaper to rent a boat on the Sumatra / Sebesi side but it takes a lot longer to arrive from Jakarta. From Carita, it takes about 1.5 hours by speedboat to reach the island group of Krakatau. The usual approach if you set foot on Anak Krakatau, is to sail between the impressive cliff of Rakata Island and Anak Krakatau and dock on a small sandy beach at the back of Anak Krakatau . There is a forest desperately trying to grow at the foot of the volcano, but only a few meters beyond, all you will encounter is black volcanic rock and sand.

The top of the Anak Krakatau can be very dangerous, especially if the volcano is in activity. Frequently the volcano ejects bombs (large fusions or very hot rocks) that can easily reach the small forest at the beginning of the hike. However, during calm phases, you can climb to the top of the crater. It takes a little less than 2 hours to reach the summit. There is a fairly flat ridge with beautiful views of Rakata Island and other surrounding islands. From here you can also admire the black and steep volcanic cone and watch the sulphurous gases rise from the ground.

Beyond that, it is dangerous, but it is possible to climb on the crater itself, if the Krakatau is very calm. It’s a steep black sand slope, so very exhausting and difficult to climb … 3 steps forward for 2 steps back, if you’re lucky, and you do not go 3,4 or 5 steps back. There is often a lot of sulphurous gas and the black sand is hot. For those whose attraction and excitement the Anak Krakatau is stronger than the fear and prudence that breathes our spirit. From the edge of the crater, the views are incredible, especially on steep cliffs. the neighboring island of Rakata, which is 813m high, is the highest remnant of the original island of Krakatau, all the rest is under water. The crater of Anak Krakatau itself really looks like the devil’s cauldron! The bubbling mud, thick gases, hideous rock walls and a narrow, slippery crater rim make it a terrifying but fascinating place to explore.

Small note, considering the activity of this volcano at the time you read this, the summit may already be completely different, which even knows the island can radically change (after all less than a century ago, it no longer existed and a century and a half ago, the island was huge, wooded and high.

Note: This just happened again on December 22, 2018 when the volcano collapsed at sea, causing the deadly tsunami of the Sound of the Probe on December 22, 2018.

In condition of the Krakatau’s unpredictable activity, you can descend very quickly to get “safe” (it’s almost like a landslide or running down a powder slope) and back on the boat in no time. There are good places for lunch, camping, swimming and diving on the surrounding islands. Pulau Sertung probably offers the best view of the volcano. If you are lucky during the trip, you will also encounter many monitor lizards and flying fish.

Hiking and Trekking Krakatau

• Duration : 3 Days
• Price : Starting from IDR 5.000.000
• Level: 2/5 (1 being the easiest and 5 extremely difficult)

The highlights of the trip:

• Attend the birth of the earth
• Panoramic view of the Sunda Strait with the neighboring islands.
• Trek on one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world

The hiking and trekking of Krakatau with Go-Volcanoes, happens as follows:

Detailed Program and Itinerary

1st Day: Your arrival to Jakarta – Carita

You will be greeted by your guide upon your arrival in Jakarta (airport or other) and you will head for the beach of Carita. Lunch at Carita then hike / trekking at Curug Gendang waterfall. Then return to Carita. You will sleep and dine at Villa Mangris. (link to opinion)

Accommodation : Mangris Villa
Meals included : Lunch and dinner

2nd Day : Carita – Krakatau

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the marina harbour to cross the Strait of Sunda to Anak Krakatau by speed boat (about 1 hour, depending on weather conditions) Arrival at Anak Krakatau where you will climb. Then have lunch on the beach. Then you will sail to the island of Sertung where you will camp at night, free time for the beach, snorkeling, dinner at the campsite.

Accommodation : Tent (1 tent for 2 person)
Meals included : Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

3rd Day : Krakatau – Carita – Jakarta

Breakfast at the campsite. Free time for the beach and snorkeling. Return to Carita for lunch. Shower in Carita. Then transfer to Jakarta.

Contact us for more information and reservation.

Gunung Krakatau (Krakatoa)

Gunung Krakatau, Krakatao or as poorly transcribed in Western literature Krakatoa. In this article we will use the Indonesian name, called Krakatau.

The Krakatau, located in the middle of Sunda Strait, between Sumatra and Java, about 40 km from the coast. Huge crater of more than 8 km in diameter, mainly underwater, whose visible parts form 3 islands: Rakata island, Sertung island, and Panjang island. Since its catastrophic eruption of 1883 which made 36417 victims (according to the Dutch colonial authorities of the time), the Krakatau remained silent until the appearance, in 1927, of a terrible new child, Anak Krakatau. This new island, in the heart of the other three, is in fact only the lava dome that irreparably inflates in the center of the giant crater. Currently, its altitude already exceeds 300 meters for three to four kilometers in diameter, and it counts anger almost annually. It is the world’s most famous volcano: it is estimated that more than 8000 articles have been published about it. On August 29, 1983, Indonesia for the first time officially commemorated the centenary of its catastrophic eruption.

Map of Krakatau and Sunda Strait

The Eruptions of Krakatau

Historical time of Krakatau

The geography of Krakatau has been upset several times

In historical times, the Krakatau volcano was a circular island of 11 km in diameter and 2000m altitude. A cataclysmic eruption destroyed the entire volcanic cone, (perhaps the 416 eruption that destroyed the land bridge between Java and Sumatra, according to the ancient Javanese chronicles, or a much older eruption) leaving only 3 small islands of a few dozen meters high. (today called Sertung, Rakata kecil and Panjang)

First Eruption of Krakatau Recorded in 416

The date of the first historically documented eruption for Krakatau is debated. It is usually dated 416, but the date of 535 is sometimes proposed. The Book of Kings “Pustaka Raja Purwa”, a Javanese chronicle written in the sixteenth century, records that in the year 338 of the Saka era, or 416 of the Gregorian calendar:

“A thunderous sound was heard from Batuwara Mountain (today called Pulosari). The whole earth was mightily shaken, a total darkness, violent lightning and storms. Then came a furious gale of wind, torrential rains and a deadly storm darkening the whole world. A great flood came from Batuwara Mountain and spread east to Mount Kamula (now called Gede). When the waters receded, one could see that the island of Java was divided in two, creating the island of Sumatra. “

It should be known that in the eastern part of the Sunda Strait, the maximum depth is only 20 meters and about 20km wide (which makes the hypothesis of the Javanese chronicle on the separation of Java and Sumatra very plausible) . It is not an easy strait for navigation, with many sandbanks and powerful tidal currents. It has been an important shipping route for centuries, especially when the Dutch East India Company moved its goods from the Maluku Islands (mainly cloves and nutmeg) to Europe or India. Today, its narrowness, shallow depth and lack of maps have led the Strait of the Sunda to be abandoned in favor of the Strait of Malacca, between Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. (To this information, it is better understood why in the article of the “Illustrated World” below, the journalist and the colonial authorities of the time are worried about navigation in the strait).

The Geography and eruptions of the Krakatau between the 9th century and 1883

Later volcanic activity will resume, giving birth to the volcano Rakata (830m altitude for a diameter of 5km). Then to a second volcanic cone called Danan (450m above sea level) which was sold to Rakata. Finally, to a third volcanic cone Perbuatan (120m above sea level) which is welded to the other two (see map of Krakatau before the eruption of 1883 below).

The island of Krakatau is 9 km long and 5 km wide.

Between the 9th and the 16th century there are 7 major eruptions of the Perbuatan volcano.

In 1680, a very violent eruption accompanied by a tidal wave caused a large number of casualties. (this eruption has been reported in religious chronicles).

From 1680 to 1883, during 203 years no activity. The island is entirely wooded and uninhabited. It is visited only by sinners and woodcutters.

Krakatau: Eruption of 1883

Map of Krakatau before the 1883 eruption

• Sertung corresponds to the Dutch name of Verlaten
• Rakata Kecil is the Dutch name for Lang

Chronology of the Krakatau eruption

• From April 20 to May 10, 1883: Violent seismic crisis in South Sumatra and West Java (but at this time there is no link between this seismic activity and Krakatau).
• May 10-19, 1883: The earthquakes intensify causing damage and victims.
• May 20, 1883: After 203 years of sleep, eruption of the small volcanic cone Perbuatan, the sound of the explosion is perceived within a radius of 160km! The height of the eruptive plume reaches 13000 meters. The shockwave stops all the clocks until Jakarta (name of the colonial era: Batavia)
• May 26, 1883: Volcanic activity decreases in intensity. During three days, the height of the eruptive plume stagnates between 1000 and 1500 meters of altitude. Taking advantage of this lull, maritime excursions are organized around the Krakatau.
• May 27, 1883: The Dutch mining engineer Schurman arrives on the island of Rakata / Krakatau (We owe him the first scientific report of this eruption) and declares that there is no longer a leaf on the trees and that 60 centimeters of basaltic black ash cover 30 centimeters of very clear pumice (dacitic). This observation was the starting point for the explanation of the terrible eruption that will follow.
• From May 29 to end of June 1883: recovery of the explosive activity with a height of plume of about 5000 meters.
• July 1, 1883: brutal recrudescence in explosive violence. The eruptive column rises to 18,000 meters then gradually decreases until August 10 when it reaches barely 1,000 meters. During this period, fragments of pumice fall back to 1900 km west of Krakatau. There is a permanent halo around the sun, the moon turns blue.
• August 10, 1883: a captain of the topographic service of the Dutch army, Ferzenaar will be the last person to land on the island of Krakatau. He declares: “All the branches of the trees are broken, the thickness of ash reaches 2.5 m and we perceive some small explosions on the Danan volcanic cone”.
• August 11, 1883: brutal awakening of the Danan volcanic cone. 11 eruptive chimneys simultaneously enter into activity and project their plume to some 6000 m of altitude. This activity will continue until August 26th.

From this date, the reconstruction of the following events is largely based on recordings of measuring devices, volcanic deposits and the testimony of some captains of boats crossing the Sunda Strait or sailing near the coast. from Sumatra (south of Bengkulu) whose boat did not sink! Because no one living near the volcano has survived.

• August 26, 1883:
  • At 10:00, the eruptive column reaches 11,000 meters.
  • At 13:00, it rises to 21,000 meters.
  • At 15:00, 26,000 meters. In the space of 7 hours, a 27 meter layer of ash will fall on the small neighboring island of Sertung (6 centimeters per minute).
• August 27, 1883:
  • at 5.30 am, the series of huge explosions that will be seen in a radius of 3000 km begin.
  • at 7:00, the eruptive column reaches 43,000 m in height.
  • At 9:58, the largest of all the explosions occurs, which will be seen in a radius of 5000 km, where the noise will arrive a little more than 4 hours later. (If this same explosion took place in Paris, it would have been heard both east of Quebec, Kazakhstan or Ivory Coast). The shock wave is so powerful that all the windows shatter within a radius of 500 km, it will travel around the world 7 times! This colossal explosion is accompanied by a huge tidal wave (Tsunami). The height of the wave crashing on the coast of Java and Sumatra, the height is estimated at 47 meters. This huge wave will take 2 hours to reach Batavia the capital (Jakarta today). A gunboat, the Berouw, with 10 crewmembers will be found 5 km inland from Sumatra after climbing over a 15 m hill (see map of tsunami affected areas below). krakatau from 1883). It was noticed, a few days after the eruption, an abnormal rise of waters at Mont Saint-Michel (see books of the town hall, index of the tide of the year 1883).
  • The height of the volcanic plume reaches 48,000 m. Darkness is total within a radius of 400 km. Pyroclastic flows of pumice and incandescent ash fluidified by the gas move on the surface of the sea over long distances (some 170 km for some) at a speed of 360 km / h or 100m / s. The ashes released by the volcano fall on an area of 700 000 km², the largest fallout area ever recorded. The finest ashes are orbited around the planet and will take more than a year to fall.
  • 14:30, the night is now total within a radius of 600 km around the eruptive center. 4/5 of the area of the island of Krakatau have disappeared. There is nothing left of the Danan and Perbuatan volcanoes and only the eastern part of Rakata. In place of the collapsed island now opens a caldera 290 m deep, under the sea.
  • At 16:00, the eruption decreases, the height of the eruptive plume is only 25,000 m.
• August 28, 1883: it is the end of the eruption that lasted 39 hours. The balance is heavy. 40,000 victims, hundreds of villages destroyed. The volume of material expelled by the volcano was 20 km3. The energy developed by this eruption corresponds to 100,000 bombs of Hiroshima.

Map of the areas flooded by the tsunami generated by the eruption of Krakayau in 1883

Map of travel time of tsunami wave triggered by 1883 Krakatau eruption

Map of Krakatau after the 1883 eruption

Why was the eruption of Krakatau so massive?

What is the trigger for an eruption of such intensity?

We must remember the observation made by the Dutch mining engineer Schurman: “60 centimeters of black basaltic ash covers 30 centimeters of very clear pumice (dacitic). “

This proves that the volcano was made up of very different compositions. It is therefore likely that an intrusion of very hot basaltic magma occurred in the reservoir or magma chamber filled with less hot dacitic magma. Viscosity and different temperature, the convection was instant where the enormous mixing in the tank, with accelerated degassing and the enormous pressure that results. When the phenomenally increasing pressure exceeds the resistance limit of the tank roof, the tank fractures and explodes. The sea then rushes inside the magma reservoir at 1300 degrees. The colossal eruption called “phreato-ultraplinian” starts. Instantaneous vaporization of the mixture of sea water and highly explosive magma. The explosions perceived within a radius of 5000 km are the emission of several atomic plumes of ashes and pumices, breakers called “fiery clouds” which will orchestrate this natural disaster.
The 4/5 of the island are gone. It did not explode as originally thought but it sank in the waves. The roof of the magma reservoir has collapsed creating a caldera 10 km in diameter under the sea.

What is the cause of the violent explosions of Krakatau in 1883?

The final explosions of very strong intensity were probably caused by the penetration of seawater in enormous quantity in the magma chamber. This mixture of seawater and magma is highly explosive.

Other, less intense explosions could also be caused by the interaction of pyroclastic flows with seawater.

Why did the eruption of Krakatau cause such a devastating tsunami?

The tsunami is due to the compression wave that followed the explosion caused by the penetration of large quantities of seawater inside the reservoir and the fall in the sea of the northern half of the Rakata volcano that was reaching 860 m above sea level. Several cubic kilometers of rock have thus penetrated the waves in a few moments accompanying the formation of the underwater caldera.

Illustrated World Article of 29 September 1883 on the eruption of Krakatau

(The sentences in parenthesis, in italic and green, are my own comments)

The Disaster of Java

In the last days of August, a terrible cataclysm occurred in Batavia (former name of Jakarta and its region) and in the surrounding cities.

Batavia is, as we know, the capital of the island of Java, in Oceania (It is interesting to note that Indonesia is considered part of Oceania and not Asia). In the western part of this island rise several volcanic mountains. Here, the ground is almost everywhere riddled with openings by which emerge underground steams. It is probable that the pressure of these vapors has become, in recent times, strong enough to bring to the mouth volcanoes of molten lava which will have passed by the craters or cracks which furrow the side of the mountains.

In the night, violent detonations, starting from the volcanic island of Krakatoa, sounded. A shower of stones, lava and ashes fell on the neighboring towns: Soerkata, Serang, Cheribon.

At Batavia the gas went out everywhere, and volcanic gleams were visible all night long. In the morning, the day was troubled by thick clouds; at Batavia the darkness was almost complete. This commotion had unleashed the waters of the Serang River. The bridges were washed away; moreover, a sudden invasion of the sea precipitated the course of the waters.

A village near Auger was completely washed away.

As in all the volcanic countries where the intensity of the underground heat activates the germination, the vegetation of the island of Java is superb. The mountains are covered with wood and cereals. Hills rise where the air is fresh and salubrious.

Doctors send patients to recover in this beautiful region. Crystal clear streams flow everywhere, and the Javanese do not know the vicissitudes of the seasons.

The terrible disaster resulted in the deaths of 100,000 indigenous people and the Dutch Auger garrison who disappeared in the waves. It is in the night of Monday, August 26th that the volcano of Papandayang (Here we speak well of Krakatoa and not Papandayan which is located in the southeast of Bandung, even at the time of the errors crept into the articles of the press) began to fire flames and torrents of lava. On Sumatra were seen three immense columns of fire rising to a great height; the flanks of the volcano from which they arose were invaded by torrents of lava, which flowed far and wide in all directions. A shower of stones fell over a distance of several miles, and the atmosphere was laden with such a mass of dust that the darkness was complete. The cyclone added to this scene of devastation, removing the roofs of houses, trees, men and animals.

Suddenly, the scene changed: The mountain collapsed, and at the point where Papandayan (Krakatoa and not Papandayan) stood, there were seven distinct peaks that vomited by their craters streams of steam and white lava, invading slowly the hillsides formed heaps of fire of a hundred yards in extent.

In Batavia, 20000 Chinese and a few hundred Europeans perished in the lower city; on this side of this splendid city, no trace of the European quarter remains. At the governor’s palace, which is in the upper town, the roof collapsed under the mass of volcanic mud and three servants were killed. The city of Bantam has been entirely covered by waters; it is assumed that 1200 to 1500 people drowned. In Serang Island, no one has been saved. In Cirebon, although the flood did not do much damage, the fall of rocks and lava caused many casualties.

Birtinzong, Samarang (Semarang), Jogjukerta (Yogyakarta), Sourakerta (Surakarta, also called Solo) and Surabaya – the latter point 500 miles from Sunda Strait, the center of the cataclysm – have suffered greatly. Tumerang was covered with lava, and half of the indigenous population, about 1800 people, perished. Figelenking was almost destroyed. The disasters are also great in Warange, Talatoa and in other points. As for the cities of Telok-Betong. Auger and Tjeringen are no more than a heap of ruins.

Auger was a charming little port, all surrounded by greenery, where one could see on the beach one of the most beautiful banyan trees (multipliers) of the Malay Archipelago. Its branches formed a dome more than 50 meters in diameter at the base.

From the hydrographic point of view, the one that worries the navigators the most; the course of the strait seems entirely upset. We can judge by the following description:

The Strait of the Sunda is 70 miles long (the distance is 1862 meters). Its entrance from the southwest, that is to say, on the side of the Indian Ocean, is 60 miles wide, but on the side of the China Sea the strait narrows a lot and is now only 13 miles, about 20 kilometers. About the middle of it, at an equal distance from the coast, was a group of three islands, the largest of which, Krakatoa, was five miles long and three broad. Its volcanic peak, 699 meters above sea level, was an excellent point of recognition.

Krakatoa was difficult, arid and uninhabited; the officers who did the hydrography did not find a trace of fresh water, but they recognized on its north-east coast a hot spring where the thermometer marked about 68 degrees centigrade. On the Panjang Island, which was separated from Krakatoa only by a channel a few hundred meters long, animal life was represented by a very small deer species and wild pigs. Between Krakatoa and Java, the bottoms were unequal, but the channel presented no danger; on the side of Sumatra, there were rocks and several islands, the highest of which, Poulo-Bezee, was remarkable for its very sharp peak, 860 meters high, that is to say, higher than the volcano of Krakatoa.

The fourteen volcanic islands that have emerged from the waters are on the line that connects Hog Point, located 12 miles from Lampong Bay, where was the destroyed town of Telok-Betong, at Point St. Nicholas, the northernmost point of Java; they are therefore in the narrowest part of the strait, that which is scarcely more than 20 kilometers wide, almost at its mouth to the seas of China.

One of the Indian Council members left Batavia, with full powers to distribute relief to the survivors of Bantam District. The Dutch Navy Minister has ordered Batavia to send cruising warships to the entrance of the Sunda Strait, to warn the many ships coming from the Indian Ocean that navigation is dangerous in these trimmings. It is to be feared, in spite of all the precautions that will be taken, that we have to register numerous maritime losses; it will certainly be necessary to cross for a few months surveillance vessels, in order to warn navigators who are at sea of ​​the hydrographical upheaval of the passage they intended to take to enter the seas of China. The English Admiralty has just detached from its Chinese squadron three warships, the Champion, the Maypie, and the Flyingfisch, which have the right to reconnoitre the Straits of the Sunda.

In Amsterdam, The Hague and the main cities of Holland, committees are being formed to help the victims of this disaster.

Birth of the New Krakatau “Anak Krakatau”

After this famous day of August 27, 1883, no fumarolic or explosive activity took place during 44 years.

• December 29, 1927: first manifestation of an underwater eruption at the site of the former Perbuatan volcano.
• January 26, 1928: Huge sprays of black ash come out of the sea and rise several thousand meters high.
• February 1928: A new island emerges, the Anak Krakatau or the child of Krakatau.
• 1933: the new island is ring-shaped, its height is already 67 m.
• 1941: it is now 139 m high.
• From 1941 to 1950: succession of constructive and destructive phases. The volcano will reach 160 m before returning to 129 m altitude.
• From 1950 to 1960: a second cone begins to rise in its vast crater.
• Until 1988: its explosive activity will be almost constant with lava flows that consolidate its base.
• From 1988 to 1992: the activity stop.
• November 1992 to 2002: explosive activity resumes with a fantastic lava fountain and several pours. Regular explosive activity continues until 2002.
• 2007 to 2012: Krakatau’s volcanic and explosive activity resumed and was fantastic with deafening “booms”, repeating lava fountains, basalt blocks or deformed lava flows more than 500 m around the crater.

9 Things to Know Before Climbing the Rinjani

How to go to Rinjani?

Rinjani can be accessed from Sembalun Village and Senaru Village. There is almost no public transportation to get to the location of the two villages. It will be easier for you when using a private vehicle. It is strongly recommended to make reservations in advance to avoid the number of brokers in the area of Lombok Praya Airport or Lembar Harbor.

From Lembar Harbour

• Take a local taxi from the harbour to go to Mandalika Bus Station (IDR 50.000). Usually you can find this local taxi easily inside the harbour area.
• From Mandalika Bus Station, take a minibus to go to Aikmal Traditional Market (IDR 30.000). You can also complete your logistics needs here.
• From Aikmal you must find a pickup truck, they usually go to Sembalun or Senaru village, you can negotiate with the driver for the price.

From Lombok Praya Airport

• From Lombok Praya Airport, you can take a DAMRI bus to go to Mandalika (IDR 30.000)
• From Mandalika, continue with minibus to go to Aikmal Traditional Market (IDR 30.000).
• From Aikmal you must find a pickup truck, they usually go to Sembalun or Senaru village, you can negotiate with the driver for the price.

After the Earthquake at 2018, the hiking path from Sembalun and Senaru is fully closed until an undetermined time. But you can still go to Rinjani from Aik Berik Village, this path is officially open by Rinjani National Park. To go to this village you need to use private vehicle because there is no public transportation to go there.

When to go to Rinjani?

Rinjani usually closed for hiking activity from January until April. The best time to go to Rinjani is between May to September.

Is There an Entrance Fee and How Much?

You can also check the entrance fee and the availibility quota on ERinjani app. You can get it free from the Google Playstore

• Foreign Tourist : IDR 150.000/pax
• Indonesian : IDR 5.000/pax/day

Where to Sleep?

Sembalun and Senaru have many variant of homestay and lodge. You can easily choose which one suits your needs.

Climbing Rinjani, With or Without Guide?

The Rinjani hiking trail through Sembalun Village and Senaru Village is actually very safe to do without using the services of a guide. But it is highly recommended to use the services of a guide and porter to help your climb and to avoid theft (Plawangan Sembalun is very famous for some thefts when the tents are abandoned by climbers to climb to the top).

As for the hiking route through Aik Berik Village, it is advisable to use guide services because this route has just been inaugurated as an alternative for tourists to visit Rinjani Mountain after the 2018 earthquake.

Where to Find Guide and Porters Services?

For the educated guide and porters services you need to contact the National Park office or Tour Operator who provide the porters and guide services.

Where to Find Hiking Equipment?

It is highly recommended to bring your personal equipment because it is very difficult to find rental climbing equipment here, unless you use a tour operator service that has provided those needs for you.

Mistake you should avoid before climbing Rinjani

• Coming without preparation for transport.
• Coming when Rinjani is closed for hiking activity
• Leave the tent unsupervised when climbing to the top
• Hiking alone and not well informed about the path.
• Going down use the unofficial path

What to do Around Sembalun, Senaru, and Aik Berik Village?

Many things you can do around the village. Many waterfalls (Benang Stokel Waterfall, Sendang Gile Waterfall, Tiu Kelep Waterfall, Lembah Rinjani Waterfall, etc) that you can visit and also some very beautiful hills that you can use for light climbing. There is also the first mosque build in lombok located in Bayan Village, in this village, you can also see the process of making Lombok woven fabric which is done manually and also the process of making traditional lombok drinks called “brem”.

Hiking and Trekking Rinjani

The highlight of the trip :

• Climbing the second highest volcano in Indonesia.
• Relaxation in a natural hotspring after a tiring climb
• Nice view of Segara Anak volcanic lake
• Difficult but beautiful (one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Indonesia).

Hiking and Trekking Rinjani in 5 days 4 nights

Detailed Program and Itinerary

1st day : Lombok Praya – Sembalun

Pick up at Lombok Praya airport – Transfer to Sembalun village (1000m above sea level). You will be greeted by our guide at Lombok Praya Airport. You will then go to the village of Sembalun (about 3 hours drive with our private car air-conditioned). You will have the opportunity to visit the village of Sade, where the Sasak natives live traditionally in bamboo and wooden houses. You can also visit the artisans of kain tenun, a beautifully woven local fabric. You will stay and have dinner at a hotel in Sembalun.

Accommodation : Hotel (twin or double bed)
Meals Included : Lunch and dinner

2nd Day : Sembalun (1000m above sea level) – Plawangan Sembalun (2650m above sea level)

After breakfast, you will start trekking from Sembalun village to post 3 through an open savannah for about 5 hours. You will have lunch there. You will then continue through steep hills, known as Tujuh Bukit Penyesalan (seven hills full of regrets) to Plawangan Sembalun. You will dine there and camp there. This place offers you a beautiful view of the Rinjani summit. There may be wind in this campsite, so it is necessary to have a good windbreaker jacket.

Accommodation : Tent (1 tent for 2 person)
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

3rd Day : Pelawangan Sembalun (2650m) – Summit of Rinjani (3726m) – Segara Anak (2000m)

This part of the hike is the most difficult and requires a good physical condition. You will wake up at 01:30 and have a coffee or other before attacking the summit. You will leave the campsite at 02:00 and walk about 4 hours to reach the summit. From the top, great views of Bali, Lombok and the Gilis. You will then return to the Sembalun campsite to have breakfast. After breakfast, you will continue hiking down to Segara Anak Lake, a volcanic lake with the active Gunung Baru Jari volcano. You will have lunch here. There is also the possibility to visit the hot spring near the campsite. It will be a well deserved hot bath after the day’s walk. Dinner and camp near Segara Anak Lake.

Accommodation : Tent (1 tent for 2 person)
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

4th Day : Segara Anak (2000m) – Plawangan Senaru (2620m) – Senaru (580m) – Senggigi

You will start the hike in the morning to Senaru, from where you can see the spectacular view of Mount Rinjani, Segara Anak Lake and Gunung Baru Jari. The Segara Anak Lake trek to Post 2, where you will have lunch, is about 5 hours. You will continue to walk to the village of Senaru for about 2 hours. You will then drive to Senggigi for about 3 hours. Stay and dine at a hotel in Senggigi.

Accommodation: Hotel (twin or double)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5th Day: Senggigi – Airport

Senggigi is a well known seaside resort where you can spend a relaxing morning before your flight. Our driver will drive you to Lombok Airport, which is 1 hour from Senggigi.

End of service.

Price

What is included

The Eruptions of the Rinjani Volcano – Samalas

Eruption of the Samalas volcano (Rinjani) in 1257

According to records found in the ice cores and ash deposits, one of the largest eruptions of the historical period and of these last 7000 years took place in 1257. However, the source of this “mystery eruption” remained unknown …

Traces of major eruptions, such as those of Vesuvius (79 AD), Huaynaputina (1600), Tambora (1815) and Krakatau (1883), were identified in ice cores. But many other eruptions have also been highlighted in the glacial archives without their source being associated with a particular volcano. The most extraordinary of these “mysterious eruptions” took place around 1258 AD, probably in a tropical region. In the Greenland GISP2 ice cores, the concentration of sulphate aerosols associated with this eruption is the largest in the last 7000 years. This has led several researchers to consider it responsible for one of the largest volcanic sulfur gas emission events in the stratosphere for 7000 years and the largest in history since the eruption of Santorini in Greece there is more of 3600 years. Data from dendrochronology, medieval chronicles, and numerical modeling confirm the global impact on the atmosphere and climate associated with this mysterious eruption. For the past three decades, the identification of the volcano responsible for the mysterious eruption of the 13th century has escaped the scientific community of glaciologists, volcanologists, and climatologists. El Chichon (Mexico) and Quilotoa (Ecuador) were successively rejected, on the basis of geochemical arguments in particular.

Only a few years ago, the volcano responsible for the mystery eruption that caused the largest spike of volcanic sulphate aerosols recorded in the polar ice for 2300 years, was finally identified. It was Salamas, in the Rinjani volcanic complex on the island of Lombok, Indonesia, which produced a calderal eruption in 1257. In a few dozen hours, the eruption released 40 cubic kilometers of magma under the form of ash and pumice ejected up to 43 km altitude in the atmosphere. The island of Lombok has been covered with several tens of meters of deposits, and the neighboring islands (Java, Bali and Sumbawa) up to several centimeters. The eruption of Samalas is one of the two most violent eruptions of the last millennium with that of its neighbor Tambora (Sumbawa) in 1815.

These results solve an enigma that has interrogated glaciologists, volcanologists and climatologists for more than 30 years. The identification of this volcano also allows to assume a forgotten Pompeii of the Far East …

The implications of this discovery concern a wide range of scientific themes ranging from Earth Sciences and Climate Sciences to Social Sciences. On a global scale, the models of reconstruction of the climatic disturbances related to explosive eruptions of great magnitude and their societal impact could be refined, in particular in Europe. On a more regional or local scale, the search for the ancient capital of the Lombok Kingdom, Pamatan, presumably still buried under volcanic deposits such as Pompeii, should stimulate archaeological research on Lombok and the neighboring islands of Bali and Sumbawa that have undergone also the devastating consequences of this exceptional eruption. This interdisciplinary research offers new insights into the history of Indonesia and the more general resilience of societies exposed to large-scale explosive eruptions.

The results show that this eruption has produced about 40 ± 3 km3 DRE (dense rock equivalent or non-vesiculated magma) volcanic products, volume that exceeds the 30-33 km3 DRE calculated for the eruption of the nearby volcano Tambora in 1815, until then considered the strongest of the last three millennia. The eruption of 1257 resulted in the establishment of three main pumice fallout units covering a large area (> 120 km distance) and thick pumice flows that reach a depth of 30 m to more than 25 km. away from the caldera. With a magnitude of 7, an intensity of 12 and a volcanic plume that reached more than 43 ± 9 km in height, the ultraplinal eruption of Samalas is one of the most violent in the Holocene. It caused the collapse of the Samalas and Rinjani volcanoes, forming a vast caldera (collapse crater) 6 x 8.5 km wide and at least 800 m deep, now occupied by a lake and a new very active volcano Barujari.

The analysis of concentrations of volatile constituents preserved in droplets of magmas trapped at pre-eruptive stages in minerals (vitreous inclusions) made it possible to model the evolution of the gas phase from the mantle-crust interface to the magmatic reservoir. superficial. The calculated magma degassing balances show that 158 ​​Mt of sulfur dioxide, 227 Mt of chlorine and up to 1.3 Mt of bromine were released into the upper atmosphere during the eruption. These exceptional gas emissions represent the largest stratospheric volcanic gas injection in 2,300 years. They are in agreement with climate models that estimate a drop in temperatures of -0.6 to -5.6 ° C on the Earth’s surface over a period of 4 to 5 years, consistent with the occurrence of famines, pandemics, and major socio-economic disruption in parts of the northern hemisphere (England, France, Japan) in the middle of the 13th century.

The combination of the study of eruptive dynamics and gas geochemistry has demonstrated the efficiency of the plume to inject these gases into the upper stratosphere. The eruption of the Samalas has not only affected the global climate, but also potentially caused the massive destruction of the ozone layer, a phenomenon that remains to be modeled to understand the possible environmental and public health consequences.

However, according to a recent study, the eruption of the Samalas (Rinjani) in 1257 would not necessarily be at the root of the ensuing global socio-economic crisis, as scientists thought until today. ‘hui. This is what emerges from a study published January 23, 2017 in the journal Nature Geoscience by a team led by Sébastien Guillet and Markus Stoffel, respectively scientific collaborator and assistant professor in the Section of Earth and Environmental Sciences (Faculty of Sciences). This eruption, which has injected a considerable quantity of sulphides into the atmosphere, is often invoked to explain the cooling of the climate in the following years as well as the famines and the important economic and social upheavals observed in the middle of the 13th century.

According to the authors, the analysis of more than 200 medieval manuscripts and the reconstruction of climatic anomalies from tree growth rings and ice cores do not allow us to conclude that the eruption is, on its own, origin of the crises in question. Historical documents reveal a darkening of the sun, cold temperatures, incessant rains and increased cloudiness in Europe in 1258, as well as catastrophic harvests and very late harvests. However, they also show a return to a milder climate as early as 1259 and a normal situation in the four years following the eruption, which contradicts the simulations suggesting persistent temperature anomalies until 1264.

Scientists also point out that the cooling induced by the eruption of the Samalas volcano is comparable to that generated by subsequent events of lower magnitude, thus demonstrating that cooling is not proportional to the amount of sulphides injected into the atmosphere. In addition, the extreme weather events following the natural disaster would have played only an aggravating role on the crises of the thirteenth century. Many historical texts reveal that famines in England and Japan began several years before the eruption.

Still a lot of research remains to be done in this area, and we still do not have all the answers to our questions.

Sources : http://www.ipgp.fr/fr/eruption-volcan-samalas-1257
http://www.insu.cnrs.fr/node/6065
https://www.unige.ch/lejournal/numeros/128/article4

9 Things You Need to Know Before Climbing Merbabu

Mount Merbabu (Indonesian: Gunung Merbabu) is a dormant stratovolcano in Central Java province on the Indonesian island of Java. The name Merbabu could be loosely translated as ‘Mountain of Ash’ from the Javanese combined words; Meru means “mountain” and awu or abu means “ash”.

The active Mount Merapi volcano is directly adjacent to its south-east side, while the city of Salatiga is located on its northern foothills. At 1,500m high broad saddle islands between Merbabu and Merapi, the site of the village of Selo, Java and highly fertile farming land.

There are two peaks; Syarif (3,119 m) and Kenteng Songo (3,145 m). Three U-shaped radial valleys extend from the Kenteng Songo summit in northwesterly, northeastly and southeastly directions.

How to go to Merbabu?

Merbabu is accessible from the villages of Thekelan, Chuntel, Wekas, Suwanting and Selo, which are also accessible from Semarang, Yogyakarta, Solo (Surakarta) and Magelang. Semarang and Yogyakarta have international airports with very good domestic connections. Solo also has a non-international airport. The most favourite route is from Selo.

How to go to Thekelan Village?

Thekelan is a small village in Salatiga. You can use private car for the most simple way to go to this village. This village also accessible from some city in Central Java.F

From Semarang:

• You must find some bus to go to Salatiga.
• From Salatiga, search bus to go to Magelang and stop at Kopeng Tourism area.
• From here, you must continue with ojek to go to Thekelan Village.

From Yogyakarta :

• From Jombor Bus Station, search bus to go to Magelang.
• From Magelang, search bus to go to Salatiga and stop at Kopeng Tourism area.
• From here you must continue with ojek to go to Thekelan Village.

From Solo:

• From Tirtonadi Bus Station, search bus by route Solo-Semarang
• Stop at Salatiga Bus Station.
• From Salatiga, search bus to go to Magelang and stop at Kopeng Tourism area.
• From here, you must continue with ojek to go to Thekelan Village.

How to go to Selo?

Selo is small village in Boyolali city, located beetwen Merbabu and Merapi. You can use private car for the most simple way to go to this village. This village also accessible from some city in Central Java.

From Semarang:

• You can go with Semarang – Solo Bus (IDR 20.000)
• Stop at Sunggingan Bus Station, Boyolali. Then walk to Sunggingan Traditional Market.
• Continue with small bus to go to Cepogo Traditional Market ( IDR 15.000)
• Continue with small bus to go to Selo Traditional Market ( IDR 10.000)
• From here you must continue to the Selo Climbing Office with Ojek (IDR 20.000-25.000)

From Solo :

• From Tirtonadi Bus Station, go with Solo-Semarang Bus ( IDR 10.000)
• Stop at Pandanarang Hospital
• Continue with small bus to go to Cepogo Traditional Market ( IDR 15.000)
• Continue with small bus to go to Selo Traditional Market ( IDR 10.000)
• From here you must continue to the Selo Climbing Office with Ojek (IDR 20.000-25.000)

From Yogyakarta :

• You must using Train to go to Solo Balapan Train Station (Pramex)
• From Balapan Train Station walk on the bridge to go to Tirtonadi Bus Station
• Follow the step from Solo.

How to go to Cunthel

This village have same transportation with Thekelan, after that just ask to Ojek driver that you want to go to Cunthel Basecamp.

How to go to Wekas

The first thing you must to do is go to Magelang.

• Take a Magelang – Salatiga bus and then stop at the gate of Wekas Village
• Take ojek from the gate of Wekas Village to the Wekas Basecamp.

When to go to Merbabu

Merbabu is usually closed between Januari to Februari and if there is forest burn or Rescue Operation.

Is there an entrance fee and how much?

• Foreign Tourist IDR 280.000/person
• Local Tourist IDR 30.000/person

Where to Sleep?

Kopeng as a tourism area have more varian of homestay and hotel, while in Selo you have limited homestay. You can also looking for hotel in Solo or Yogyakarta with many variable of hotel.

Climbing Merbabu, with or without Guide?

Having a guide is not mandatory. However, if you want to climb in peace and in your pace, having a guide is the best option.

Where to find guide and porter service?

To use the services of a porter, you must contact the climbing post of each routes to ask for the availability of a guide and porter. Or you can use travel organizer services to accommodate your needs.

Where to find hiking equipment?

It is almost impossible to rent camping equipment, especially since the hiker very often starts from point A and ends at point B. The best is to bring your own equipment.

4 Mistake you should avoid before climbing Merbabu

• Not bring enough water, some route have no water source. water source is very limited at Merbabu.
• Hiking alone and not well informed about the track, especially when you start from Cunthel and Thekelan.
• Not Bring proper equipment for hiking, sometimes the wind blow very strong at Merbabu.
• Coming when Merbabu is close for hiking activity.

What to do around Yogyakarta, Semarang, Solo and Magelang?

There is many thing to do around Yogyakarta, Semarang, Solo, and Magelang. There are many tourism object you can visit like temple, beach, kraton, etc.

Hiking and Climbing Mount Merbabu

The climb of Mount Merbabu can be done by several route or trails:

Via Selo

The Merbabu Via Selo hiking trail is currently a relatively more crowded route than the other lines. Beautiful scenery with savannas that spread wide make the trip more enjoyable. Coupled with this route, the nearby neighboring Merbabu Mountain, Merapi, can be seen clearly.

At the beginning of the climb, climbers will be greeted by a welcome gate from Gunung Merbabu National Park. Entering the forest gate, the atmosphere of the left and right lanes is filled with pine trees and leaks, in the afternoon it will feel cool. The road is still quite gentle for a 15 minute journey. After walking 1-1.5 hours arrived at post 1 (Dok Malang). This post is still in the thick of trees.

After post 1, the track has not felt quite steep, there is one climb that is quite steep and at its peak is a shadow post. Only after walking 20 minutes from the shadow post climbers will arrive at post 2 (Pandean) the distance from 1-2 posts is practically long.

Furthermore, the distance between posts 2 and 3 is not far away. About 45 minutes walk, climbers will arrive at post 3 (Watu Tulis) the scenery here is quite beautiful with Merapi which is quite clearly visible when the weather is not foggy. Coupled with the lush edelweiss trees.

Towards heading 4 (Sabana 1) climbers will be faced with a fairly steep path. lanes with clay dominance easily make your steps slip. You have to be more careful across this section.

Sabana 1 is one of the interesting places for camping, its flat place and beautiful scenery may be the reason for the climbers to choose to set up their tent here. But the wind in this place is quite fast, even more so it is prone to storms.

From savanna 1 to heading to savanna 2 (post 5) it does not take a long time. Only about 40 minutes. The path is in the form of a steep slope, although not as tight as between post 3 to post 4 but the wind is quite strong at night. After reaching the top of the hill we will walk down and arrive at post 5 (savanna 2). Although the wind exposure still feels great but in my opinion this is the best place to set up the tent.

If you want to enjoy the sunrise at the top, you should start waking up at 3 am to prepare breakfast and climb to the top. Travel time to the top is around 1 – 1.5 hours. If you are lazy to wake up in the morning, sunrise can be enjoyed on the east hill of savanna. The advantage of this route is that sunrise can be enjoyed along the hiking trail.

Note: for climbers who start from Selo, water needs must be taken from the bottom/basecamp because all the way to the summit there is no water source.

Via Thekelan

Climbing from Pos Tekelan begins with passing fields and pine forests. From here we can see a very beautiful view towards Mount Telomoyo and Rawa Pening.

At the Pending Post we can find a spring, we will also find a small river (Kali Sowo). Before reaching Pos I, we will pass Pereng Putih and must be careful because the roads are very steep. Then we must pass through the dry river, from here a very beautiful view down to see the city of Salatiga especially at night.

From Pos I we will pass heterogeneous forest towards Pos 2, heading to Post 3 the path starts to open and the road starts to climb steeply. We will cross Mount Pertapan, the blast of strong winds is felt here, especially when in the open area. We can take refuge in Watu Gubug, a hollow stone that 5 people can enter. It is said that it is the gateway to the kingdom of supernatural beings.

If there is a storm we should not continue the trip because it will be very dangerous. Approaching post 4, we have to cross Mount Watu Tulis, the path is rather steep and lots of small sand and gravel that makes the track slippery, strong winds carry dust and sand so we must be ready to close our eyes when there are strong winds. Post 4 is at the top of Mount Watu Tulis with an altitude of 2,896 masl, also called Pos Pemancar because at its peak is a Radio Transmitter.

Heading to Post 5, this post is surrounded by beautiful hills and cliffs. We can go down to Condrodimuko’s crater. Here there are springs, distinguish between drinking water and sulfur water.

The journey continues by passing a very steep incline with ravines on the left and right sides. This path is called the Satan Bridge. Then we will arrive at the intersection, go left towards Syarif Peak (Pregodalem Mountain) and go right to the top of the elongated Kenteng Songo (Kenteng Songo Mountain – Selo Hiking Trail).

From the top of Kenteng songo, we can look at Mount Merapi with its peak that puffs up smoke at any time, looking very close. Westward, Sumbing Mountain and Sindoro Mountain look very clear and beautiful. Closer still looks Mount Telomoyo and Mount Ungaran. From a distance to the east looks Mount Lawu with its elongated peak.

Towards this Kenteng Songo Peak the path is very dangerous, besides being narrow and only 1 meter wide, on the left and right side there are also very steep rocky ravines. A very strong wind is ready to push climbers at any time. At this peak there are hollow mortar stones with 9 numbers according to paranormal vision.

Via Wekas

The wekas route is the shortest route (6-7 hours of climbing to the summit) so there is rarely a flat track stretching. The path to heading to the Post 1 is quite wide with the underlying rocks. Along the way, you will find fields of typical highland people planted with Onions, Cabbage, Carrots, and Tobacco, also can be found rabbits whose feces are used as fertilizer. The route to heading Post 1 is a fairly uphill path with a travel time of 2 hours.

Post 1 is a plain with a flat land as a resting place. Around this area there are still many stalls and houses. After post 1, the trip still passes through the fields, then enters the pine forest. The travel time to heading Post 2 is 2 hours, with a steep uphill lane.

Pos 2 is an open and flat place, which can be used to build many tents. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays Pos 2 is widely used by teenagers to camp. So that in those days many local people came to sell food. In this area there is a water source that is channeled through large pipes that are accommodated in a tub.

From Pos 2 there is a dead end lane that leads to a river that is used as a source of water for the people around Wekas ​​to the surrounding villages. This path follows the flow of water pipes along the edge of a cliff that leads to the river flow below the crater. There are two very steep rivers which form multi-level waterfalls, making it a very extraordinary sight.

After the post 2 lanes began to open until it met the intersection of the Kopeng line which was above post 5 (Watu Tulis), the Kopeng line. From this intersection to the Helipad post it only takes 15 minutes. The journey continues by passing very steep slopes and ravines on the left and right sides. This incline is called the Devil’s Bridge. Then we will arrive at the intersection, go left towards Syarif Peak (Pregodalem Mountain) and go right to the top of Kenteng Songo (Kenteng Songo Mountain).

Via Suwanting

The journey begins with a view of the residents’ fields on the right and left side. Fields in the form of mountain plants. The atmosphere is very cool and the path tends to be flat a bit uphill. The journey from the basecamp to Post 1 is only 30 minutes – 45 minutes. Before going to Post 1 we will meet with pine forests.

After leaving Post 1 and the pine forest then we find a path heavier than before. The path is dominated by lush vegetation and uphill paths. From Post 2 to Post 3 it takes around 90 minutes (1.5 hours).

In Post 2 this is usually used by climbers to set up tents. In this post we can also see the view of Mount Merapi. The journey continues to Post 3 takes about 2 hours. The path will be much more difficult than before. Before arriving at Post 3 we will find a water source called “Sendang Dampo Awang”.

In Post 3 this is also a favorite place to set up tents. From Post 3, the beautiful view of Mount Sindoro-Sumbing, Merapi and several other mountains was faintly visible. The journey to the top of Kenteng Songo or Triangulation we will pass through several hills with lush grass plants. These hills are called “savannas”. From Post 3 to the summit we will pass through savanna 1, savanna 2, and savanna 3. Savanna via the Suwanting path is as beautiful as the Selo path. Only 1.5 hours for the summit attack from Post 3.

Hiking and Climbing Merbabu with Go-Volcano

The highlights of the trip:

• Beautiful view of Merapi volcano, Sindoro and Sumbing
• Moderate level of fitness required to make the crossing trip
• Perfect getaway from Semarang or Yogyakarta

Hiking and Trek of Merbabu by the North in 2 days 1 night

• Duration : 2 Days
• Price : Start from IDR 5.000.000
• Level : 3/5

Detailed Program and Itinerary

Day 1 : Semarang or Yogyakarta – Wekas/Thekelan/Chuntel – Camp post 2/3

You will be greeted by your guide at your hotel in Semarang or Yogyakarta in the morning. It is also possible to pick you up at the airport (Semarang or Yogyakarta) if your flight arrives by 10:00 at the latest. You will then go to Wekas / Thekelan base camp by the highway, the trip will take about 2 hours. Upon arrival at the base camp, you will have a lunch box and you will start hiking to the campsite for about 3 to 4 hours. you will dine and sleep at the campsite.

Accommodation : Tent (1 tent for 2 person)
Meals Included : Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 : Camp 2/3 – Kenteng Songo Peak – Selo – Semarang/Yogyakarta

Wake up at 03:30 with light breakfast and coffee. You will begin the hike / trek at 4:00 am to arrive at the sunrise time at “Puncak Pemancar” with a view of Sindoro and Sumbing volcanoes in the northwest. You will continue the hike to the peak “Kenteng Songo” (true summit of Merbabu) you will have the best point of view on the Merapi volcano. Snack at the top. Then you will descend to Selo with a lunch stop around the Post 3. you will continue the hike to the village of Selo. From there you will be driven to your hotel in Semarang / Yogyakarta. End of service

Accommodation : –
Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch

Price

Included :

• The services of an experienced English-speaking Go-Volcano guide (Francophone depending on availability) all along the circuit.
• Experienced local guide and porters for camping gear.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (6 meals). Beverages are NOT included.
• Private car with air conditioner
• Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
• Mineral water, snacks and fruits during the days of hiking
• Camping equipment (1 tent / 2 persons, sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, inflatable pillow, camping chair, toilet tent)

Excluded :

• tips & personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs)
• Flight Ticket
• Travel Insurance
• Articles that are not mentioned in “included”

Merbabu Mountain

Mount Merbabu is a dormant volcano, which offers magnificent views of central Java and the surrounding volcanoes. Merbabu has 3 peaks, namely Kenteng Songo in the middle (3.142 meters), Suwanting on the left (3.142 meters) and Sharif (3.119 meters). The Merapi is visible from Kenteng Songo. Sindoro and Sumbing visible from the others.

Two known moderate eruptions occurred in 1560 and 1797. The 1797 event was rated 2: Explosive, on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. An unconfirmed eruption may have occurred in 1570.

Geologically recent eruptions originated from a northwestern-south southeasterly fissure system that cut across the high-volume and high-volume lava flows from Kopeng and Kajor craters on the northern and southern flanks, respectively.