Mountains in Indonesia - Asia

Mount Kaba, also called Bukit Kaba or Kaba Hill,  is one of the easiest climbs in Indonesia. The trail to the top takes less than 3 hours on foot and can even be reached via scooter in 30 minutes.  The views from the top include 2 other craters: Bukit Itam and Bukit Melintang. A climb up Mount Kaba rewards you with some of the best views in Sumatra with minimal effort.

Puncak Mandala, also known as Mandala Peak or Juliana Peak (until 1963), is a 4,760 m (15,617 ft) tall mountain found in Highland Papua, Indonesia, near the Papua New Guinea border. It is included as one of the Seven Second Summits and is the highest peak in the Jayawijaya (Orange) Mountain Range.

The peak was one of the few that still had an ice cap, until 2003 when it was confirmed that the ice had melted sometime between 1989 and 2003.

Bukit Daun is a volcano located in the province of Bengkulu, Sumatra, Indonesia. The crater rim is home to a view of a beautiful crater lake and the lower regions of the mountain; where multicoloured pools, sporting colours such as white, blue, and red can be found. 

Mount Tambora (also spelt Tomboro), Indonesia, is the volcano responsible for a temporary global climate change and the infamous Year Without Summer. In April 1815 Mount Tambora erupted with a massive explosion, spewing out ash and debris in quantities that clouded the sky for months. The effects of the eruption caused the global temperature to decrease by 3°C (2-7°F), homes to be destroyed, famine across the surrounding area, Western Europe, and North America,  and many lives to be lost. This is why people dubbed it the “Year Without Summer”. The event is considered by many volcanologists to be the largest observed volcanic eruption ever in recorded history. 

Now, however, Tamboro has become a bit more welcoming. Instead of spewing ash and debris in the air, it attracts tourists who climb this giant to view the 6 km (3.7 mi) wide caldera at the summit.

Bukit Raya, locally known as Puncak Kakam, is one of the 7 summits of Indonesia – meaning it is one of the highest peaks in each of the largest islands in Indonesia. Located on the border between West and Central Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, it stands at an elevation of 2,278 m (7,477 ft). It is not to be confused with the smaller and lesser-known peak of the same name, also located in West Kalimantan.

Climbing Bukit Raya is a true odyssey. It requires 10 days to accomplish. Just getting to the starting point requires days of travel via speedboats, buses, and ojeks (or motorcycle taxis). The expedition is costly in both currency and endurance and involves an obligatory ritual with chicken blood. Whether it is worth it, is only for the sub-fifty trekkers who attempt it each year, to decide. 

Nestled in West Java, Indonesia, about 6 hours’ drive from Jakarta, Mount Galunggung stands as an active volcano with a rich history. It witnessed its first recorded eruption in 1822, leaving behind tales, traditions and a huge caldera. In local tradition the mountain serves as both a guardian and a source of inspiration, offering breathtaking views and diverse landscapes.

This short steep trek is a must for those who love the combination of culture and natural beauty. 

Mount Soputan is a stratovolcano, standing 1,785 meters (5856 ft) tall above sea level and its crater is known to have frequent eruptions. Due to its volcanic activity, trekking to the peak of Mount Soputan can be quite dangerous. For the hardcore adventurers- the trailhead for the trek is located near the city of Manado, in the district of Tomohon, and it takes hikers through a beautiful pine forest.

Since Mount Rakata is rarely climbed, the trail is not well-worn – in fact, there isn’t much of a trail at all. Conquering this legendary peak will require manually clearing a way through the vegetation using a machete. This makes it a great challenge and adventure for seasoned trekkers but not recommended for beginner hikers.

Mount Klabat is the highest mountain in Sulawesi. Conquering it takes either one long day or two shorter days for those who decide to camp just below the summit before descending on the second day. It’s not a particularly difficult hike in terms of terrain, but it can get quite slippery when wet so it is recommended that hikers attempt the trek in the dry season, (June to October).

Mount Karangetang, also known as Api Siau, takes a full day (9.5 hours) to climb to the summit and descend. There are other shorter trails leading to the lava flows on the lower slopes. This trek is an exciting but dangerous one, as Karangetang volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. You will require multiple guides by government regulation to make the trek.

Mount Ibu is a stratovolcano located in Indonesia. Climbing the mountain usually takes about 6 hours, and descending usually takes about 4, however, most hikers opt to camp just below the summit overnight.

While climbing the volcano is possible, it is important to note that Mount Ibu is an active volcano, with frequent eruptions and lava flow. Therefore, it is essential to heed the warning signs and avoid hiking the volcano when active. Despite this, Mount Ibu remains a must-visit destination for every adventure seeker.

Mount Awu is a volcano situated on Sangir Island in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. It takes about a day to summit the mountain and descend. The trail is not very challenging. It starts off on a road and takes you through coconut plantations, a forest, and then through one or two trickier sections.

Located in the district of Karangasem, in northeastern Bali, Mount Agung is the island nation’s highest point. Standing 3,031m/9,944ft above sea level, it is believed to be the home of the gods by the Balinese who revere it deeply.

Climbing Mount Agung doesn’t require intense fitness levels or technical climbing skills, just determination. The level of difficulty varies between each of the three trails available.

Anak Krakatau (also known as Krakatoa) is both an active volcano and an island that rose from the seas 45 years after the big Krakatoa explosion in 1883. The original Krakatoa summit is on the nearby island of Rakata, much higher (800m/2,624.6 ft) and challenging, and not as frequently submitted. it is located in the Sunda Strait between the islands of Sumatra and Java in Indonesia.

Unfortunately, climbing Anak Krakatau is not always possible, as it frequently erupts, making the threat of injury too high. Check the current regulations to find out if authorities are currently allowing tourists and climbers.

Mount Merapi is a volcanic mountain peak situated in Java, Indonesia. The “Fire Maker” stands tall at 2,930m (9,610ft) with steep slopes adorned with dense vegetation at the lower flanks. Its volcanic activity means that its upper slopes are made up of barren and often loose rock.

Mount Lawu, sitting on the border of East and Central Java in Indonesia, is a fun and easy 2-day hike. It has plenty to offer both geographically and spiritually – ancient pyramids, cracks in the earth’s surface, the smell of sulphur, and even reports of paranormal disappearances.

Merbabu has always been referred to as Merapi’s lesser-known sibling.

Merbabu has not one but two peaks; Syarif (3,119 m/ 10,232.9ft) and Kenteng Songo (3,145 m/ 10,318 ft). Three U-shaped radial valleys extend from the Kenteng Songo summit in northwesterly, northeasterly and southeastly directions. Two known moderate eruptions occurred in 1560 and 1797. The 1797 event was rated 2: Explosive, on the Volcanic Explosivity Index.

Arjuno-Welirang: The Half-Active, Half-Dormant Volcano

Situated in East Java, Indonesia, Mount Arjuno-Welirang is a twin-peak volcano. Whilst Arjuno is dormant, Welirang is still considered active even though the last eruption took place back in 1952. The Arjuno-Welirang hike has many trails and can last from 2-3 days.

Mount Gede-Pangrango: Two Climbs in One Just Outside Jakarta

Not too far off from the busy city of Jakarta sits one of Indonesia’s easier hikes: Mount Gede-Pangrango. The volcano has 2 separate peaks making this hike a fun 2 day weekend getaway for amateurs and advanced climbers alike.

Making It Back Alive From Mount Raung!

Famous amongst volcano trekkers, Mount Raung is located in East Java, Indonesia. Smoke still actively circulates the crater rim of this angry giant, years after its last eruption.

Sinabung is frequently too dangerous to climb because of ongoing volcanic activity.

In August 2010, after 400 years of being dormant, Sinabung surprised us all by erupting, and it has been regularly erupting ever since. What was a fun day hike from Brastagi with lush green vegetation all the way up is now anybody’s guess.

Puncak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid) is Southeast Asia’s Mount Everest

Carstenz Pyramid (Puncak Jaya) is one of the “7 Summits” – the highest points on each continent – it being assigned to Australasia rather than Asia. It is the highest mountain between the Himalayas and the Andes.

First conquered in 1962 by an expedition led by Henrich Harrer (who famously spent 7 years in Tibet and climbed the North Face of Elger). He was joined by a geologist Jean Jaques Dozy who spotted an oddly dark and green-tinged peak that turned out to be the richest gold and copper deposit ever found.

Mount Semeru is an angry volcano. It has been erupting since 1967, yet is a favourite trekking destination in Indonesia!

Should you summit it, you will almost certainly see an explosion or two – they typically occur in 10 to 30-minute intervals – but at least they’re small and regular…for now!

In 1257, on the Island of Lombok, Mount Rinjani exploded leaving a hole the size of Manhattan.

The explosion covered neighbouring Bali with rocks and ash, and eventually covered the world with sulphur. Today, Rinjani is still highly active, yet around 100,000 climb it every year owing to its verdant jungle trails, azure crater lake, and ongoing volcanic rumblings.

Mount Kerinci is the tallest of Indonesia’s many volcanos and one of the most breathtaking.

Being an 8-hour drive from the nearest major airport on Sumatra, Kerinci is one of the most secluded jungle treks and mountain climbs in Southeast Asia. It would normally take two days and a night to summit Kerinci, and you may not spot another soul.

Mount Bromo: How To Make The Most Of An Indonesian Sunrise

Mount Bromo is a volcano famed for its stunning and immense caldera. Climbing to its edge in time for sunrise is a treat the likes of which even the most amateur of photographers can capture – a symphony of lights and shadow, mists and smokes, greens and browns.

Mount Bintang is a perfect day hike to enrich a weekend getaway from Singapore.

With its attainable height and relatively uncomplicated terrain, Mount Bintang is an attractive diversion for amateur hikers and beach holidaymakers. It’s easily reachable from Singapore and Malaysia and is brimming with natural flora and fauna in its heavily jungled landscape.

This 2-hour climb to a sulphurous crater lake will leave you breathless and mystified

Situated in Eastern Java in Indonesia, Ijen Crater is an active volcanic crater that has become a sulphur mine. Yet it is a scenic hike famous for shooting out fiery blue flames visible at night.