Mountains in Indonesia - Asia

1,785m (5,853 ft)

Mount Soputan is a stratovolcano, standing 1,784 meters 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.

813 m (2,667 ft)

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.

1,995 m (6,545 ft)

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).

1,827 m (5,994 ft)

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.

1,325 m (4,347 ft)

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.

1,320 m (4,330ft)

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 through one or two trickier sections.

3,031m (9,944ft)

Located in the district of Karangasem, in northeastern Bali, Mount Agung is the island nation’s highest point. Standing 3,031m 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.

288m (945ft)

Anak Krakatau (also known as Krakatoa) is both a volcano and an island. 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.

2,930m (9,610ft)

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.

This volatile volcano is a tough hike with steep slopes – bring good hiking boots and be ready for a tough vertical slog with the occasional scramble.

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.

Situated in Java, Indonesia, Mount Merbabu is popularly known amongst the hiking community as Merapi’s lesser known sibling. However, in recent years many hikers have been known to choose Merbabu over Merapi, specially due to Merapi’s active volcanic status.

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 in April-August 2015.

Sinabung is currently (as of July 2019) 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.

Mount Agung is the home of Balinese gods.

Any one of Mount Agung’s 3 regular climbs can be a challenging and spiritually uplifting distraction from Bali’s more laid back (and often less wholesome) attractions. When it is not erupting, it can be climbed in around 10 hours through some of Bali’s most beautiful mountain slopes.

A hissing, lava-spitting, primordial island of earthly anger that you should definitely climb, but only if you’re allowed to!

Imagine a volcano just exploding into nothing. Krakatau did in 1883, and has since been the most dynamically changing island on the earth. Climbing it depends on the say-so of volcanologists, but the snorkeling is great too.

Merapi, or “Fire Maker”, is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, yet is strangely one of the most popular hikes.

The 4km long hike contains a portion where 700m is climbed at about 45 degrees. If you’re fit, you could expect to reach the summit in under 4 hours. You don’t want to be up there too long though, as it erupts every 5 to 10 years, and the last eruption killed 350 people.

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.

3,805 m (12,483.6 ft)

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 it’s 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 is brimming with natural flora and fauna in it’s 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, and is famous for oozing out blue flames that are visible at night.