Mount Gede-Pangrango

indonesia

Mount Gede-Pangrango: An Escape From Jakarta

Mountain Stats
Natural Form and History
Climbing Experience & Itinerary
Support Facilities
Safety & Accessibility
Special Tips
Gallery
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Quick Answers

Q:What is the Gede-Pangrango hike?
A:The Gede Pangrango hike in Indonesia is a climb up to the summit of a mountain near Jakarta in Indonesia. It is actually two peaks - Mount Gede and Mount Pangrango - but they're so close together that we generally refer to it as one mountain. It is favoured by many due to its close proximity to Jakarta and also due to this climb being accessible by anyone from amateurs to advanced climbers. It also is an accessible hike for amateur climbers, and goes through some diverse and rich natural ecosystems.
Q:How long does it take to trek climb Gede-Pangrango?
A:Climbing Mount Gede-Pangrango usually takes 2 days but it is possible to do this hike in 1 day if you’re willing to be on your feet for at least 10 hours, nonstop.

Climbing Mount Gede-Pangrango Indonesia - Mountain Stats

Country
indonesia
Height
3,019m (9,904ft)
Climbing Height
2,769m (9,084ft)
Numbers
  • #2 highest mountain in West Java
Other names
  • Mount Gede
  • Mount Pangrango

Climbing Mount Gede-Pangrango Indonesia - Natural Form and History

Natural Mount Gede-Pangrango Indonesia - Natural history

Gede Pangrango is a stratovolcano with 2 separate peaks – Gede and Pangrango – connected via a high saddle at 2,400m. Runoff from the volcano provides Jakarta with the majority of its water. Although Gede Pangrango is now dormant, volcanic activity has been recorded there up until the 16th century.

Natural Mount Gede-Pangrango Indonesia - Climbing history

The famous naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace was so impressed by its beauty and uniqueness that he wrote, “by far the most interesting incident in my visit to Java was a trip to the summits of the Pangrango and Gede mountains”. The trail on the south-eastern slopes was found by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1811 while the earliest recorded summit climb was by C.G.C. Reinwardt in 1819.

Natural Mount Gede-Pangrango Indonesia - Current status

Gede Pangrango can be reached in 3 hours from Jakarta, making it a popular weekend retreat from the city heat.

Climbing Mount Gede-Pangrango Indonesia - Climbing Experience & Itinerary

Climbing Mount Gede-Pangrango Indonesia - Climbing Experience

The terrain of Mount Gede Pangrango can be split into 2 district sections; the montane ecosystem from 1,000m to 2,500m, and the subalpine ecosystem higher up.

The montane ecosystem section of the hike is made up of tall trees in a rainforest brimming with biodiversity. The terrain is dense. There are some steep parts to this section of the trail.

When the dense rainforest eventually thins out, this is the subalpine ecosystem mostly made up of grassy meadows. The terrain becomes rocky and drier.

Climbing Mount Gede-Pangrango Indonesia - Trail options

Number of options
4
Summary

Visitors usually enter the park by one of the various gates of the Gede Pangrango National Park. The Cibodas, Gunung Putri, and Selabintana gates, all give access to the peaks.

Time to complete
2 days

Putri Gate is one of the most popular entrances to the Gede-Pangrango National Park.

Itinerary
Number of days
2
Day 1
08:30:

Climb registration followed by safety briefing at the national park post at Gunung Putri Gate.

09:00:

Start your climb towards Alun-alun Suryakencana (2,705m) a beautiful meadow covered with edelweiss flowers.

13:00:

Reach Alun-alun Suryakencana where you will stop for lunch.

13:30 :

Continue your climb to the summit of Mount Gede.

14:30:

Reach the summit. Rest and enjoy the scenery.

15:00 :

Descend to Kandang Badak shelter where you will camp for the night.

17:00:

Arrive at Kandang Badak shelter and set up camp. 

18:30:

Enjoy dinner by your guide. Turn in early for the next day sunrise summit hike.

Day 2
02:30 :

Wake-up and grab a quick bite before your summit climb.

03:15:

Start the climb to the summit of Mount Pangrango.

06:00 :

Reach the summit and enjoy the sunrise view. Descend to Alun-alun Mandalawangi where you can rest and enjoy a view of Mount Salak.

06:30:

Descend to the Kandang Badak shelter.

09:00:

Back to campsite and enjoy your breakfast before descending all the way to Cibodas. Along the way, you will pass by a hot spring and Cibeureum Waterfall which you can take a dip in. It’s a nice place to stop and have some lunch too.

15:00:

Arrive at Cibodas. Take a short beak before transferring via mini-van to your accommodation in Geulis.gunung gede pangrango hike

Climbing Mount Gede-Pangrango Indonesia - Support facilities

Guides and porters

Guides are not required
Porters are not required

Trail facilities

Trail head - Registration kiosk
Trail - Rest stop shelters, such as huts, pavilions, etc.
Trail - Built-in hand-holds, guide-ropes, and hazard markings at technically difficult sections
Trail - Publicly displayed trail maps
Summit base camp - Shelters for overnight rest

Food & water

Trail head - Food
Trail head - Potable water
Trail - Portable water
Summit base camp - Food & potable water only available from guide / porters

Network connectivity

Trail head - Network signal
Trail - Network signal
Summit base camp - Network signal

Climbing Mount Gede-Pangrango Indonesia - Safety & Accessibility

Weather

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.

Climbing safety

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.

Personal safety

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.

Permits, Fees, and Regulations

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.

Emergency contacts

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

Getting there and away

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. 

Money Matters

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

Climbing Mount Gede-Pangrango Indonesia - Special Tips

Tips for amateur climbers

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.

Tips for advanced climbers

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.

Tips for women

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.

Tips for responsible / safety-conscious climbers

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

Tips for trail runners

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

Tips for nature lovers

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.

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