Mount Gede – Pangrango

3,019m (9,904ft)

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, however, Putri Gate is one of the most popular entrances to the Gede-Pangrango National Park. It takes two days to complete this hike when departing from here.

The terrain of Mount Gede Pangrango can be split into 2 district sections; the montane ecosystem from 1,000m (3,280ft) to 2,500m (8,202ft), 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.

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 (50°F), and more at altitude.

Wear comfortable and reliable hiking boots. Unexpected rain can also present a challenge as it makes surfaces slippery, so tread carefully and make sure you have the right gear for rain and sunshine. Hiking poles can reduce the risk of falling.

Make sure to bring insect repellent especially if you are planning on an overnight stay in the mountains.

At the trailhead, you’ll find a registration kiosk, food, and potable water.

Along the trail, there are rest stop shelters, publicly displayed maps, built-in hand-holds, guide ropes, and hazard markings at technically difficult sections.

At the summit base camp, the only food and water available will be that which you brought with you.

Neither guides nor porters are required, though it is always better to hike in a group if possible.

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.

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.