Mount Gede-Pangrango

The weather in this part of Indonesia switches between the dry season from May to October, and the rainy season from November to April. This renders May-October the best time of the year to climb, although the authorities can sometimes close the park when it gets too dry and there is a chance of fires.

Climbers must be prepared for drops in temperature at night, even going below 10°C, and more at altitude.

Falling hazards: Wear comfortable and reliable hiking boots. Hiking poles can reduce the risk of falling.

Slippery surfaces:  Unexpected rain can slow your progress and make the trail slippery and treacherous at some points.

Insects:  As is typical with any wilderness, you are likely to encounter a few insects and mosquitos. Make sure to use insect repellent especially if you are planning on an overnight stay in the mountains.

On the way to the Gede-Pangrango trailhead, take the usual precautions for your personal safety as one would when traversing poorer areas of a big, bustling Asian city.

You should be relatively safe when climbing Gede-Pangrango, but it is always better to travel in groups, check in with the park rangers, and stay alert.

There is a national park entrance permit. Occasionally, the authorities close the park to all visitors due to the weather. At the time of writing (July 2019) it was reported that the park would be closed in mid-August due to dry weather.

General Emergencies: 110 / 112 (SMS 1717)
Ambulance: 119
Fire: 113
Tourist Police (Jakarta): (021) 526 4073

The Cibodas, Gunung Putri, and Selabintana gates, all give access to the peaks and are all between 2.5 to 3 hours drive from Jakarta (depending on the traffic).

You could alternatively get to Bogor, the southernmost satellite town of Jakarta, by public transport (such as train), and then organise an onward taxi from there. 

There is a nominal park small entrance fee of between 0.10 and 0.30 USD depending on how you get there.

Mount Gede and Mount Pangrango are suitable for anybody of reasonably good fitness and with prior mountain trekking experience.  The summit climb is not as steep compared to Mount Rinjani or Mount Kerinci. No rock climbing or technical climbing skills are required.

Advanced climbers may attempt to climb Gede Pangrango in a day, if they are up for the challenge. Reaching the peaks will take 10-12 hours of continuous walking.

This hike doesn’t pose any particular challenges to women, however it’s best to keep cultural norms in mind when it comes to attire on this hike.

Take care in areas where the trail is wet, and even covered in streaming water. Be especially cautious if it has been raining.

Gede Pangrango should be fair game for advanced skyrunners. Be careful in slippery areas, and let us know your best time!

Many rare mammal species inhabit the forests, such as the Javan leopard, Javan mouse-deer, Sumatran dhole and Sundra stink badger. 250 bird species, including the endangered Javan hawk-eagle, can also be found in this ecosystem. It is recommended for climbers to keep insect repellant at hand as mosquitoes are aplenty.