Mount Merbabu

3,145m (10,318 ft)

There are five trail options. The most popular being the Western Trail: Suwanting, which starts in Yogyakarta and takes about two days to complete, descending via the southern Selo trail.

The other trail options are:

Thekelan Trail

This trail takes 8 hours to reach the summit excluding the descent.

Wekas Trail

This trail shouldn’t take more than 5-6 hours to complete as the starting point is higher than that from Yogyakarta.

Cunthel Trail

This trail shouldn’t take more than 6-8 hours to complete as the starting point is almost as high as from Wekas, however, this is more recommended for descending.

Selo Trail

This trail is your fastest option but you’ll have to start at an odd hour around 02:00-03:00 AM to reach the summit by sunrise.

The landscape up Merbabu is mostly forest in the regions below 1000m (3,280ft) above sea level. The regions between 1500m (4,921ft) above sea level and 2400m (7,874 ft) above sea level are filled with montane forests and acacia plants. The upper regions are covered with meadows, Japanese edelweiss and sub-alpine forest. Climbing this volcano offers spectacular views from all directions.

Western Trail: Suwanting

Day 1:

The mountain trailhead is at Suwanting Village. The trek begins at roughly 1,300m (4,265 ft) above sea level.

After around 7-8 hours of trekking, you will have reached the campsite approximately 2,700m (8,858 ft) above sea level where you will set up your tent for the night.

Day 2:

Begin the journey to the summit around 3:00 to get to the summit in time for sunrise views. This will take about 3 hours.

Most hikers use the Selo trail to descend.

Things to note about the other trails;

Thekelan Trail

It is a long 8 hours up to the summit and you will need a lot of sun protection as most of the trail is not forested. This has an upside of course – views are breathtaking, particularly towards Sindoro and Sumbing.

The best time to climb Merbabu is during the dry season from May to October. The rainy season is generally from December to March.

Hiking poles are definitely a must for this hike. Rock climbing skills are not necessary, neither are technical climbing skills. However, some sections do require some light scrambling.

Also, don’t forget to pack your camping gear if you plan on taking the Western Trail: Suwanting.

There is a registration kiosk at the trailhead, but food and water are only available from guides or porters from here and throughout the trail. There are shelters at the summit base camp for overnight rest.

Guides nor porters are required, however, guides are recommended since there are many trails up to the summit, so it is best to go with someone who knows the terrain.

Adisutjipto International Airport is the closest airport serving the Yogyakarta area on Java.

It requires some changing over of busses, but you can use cheap public transport to make your way to any of the three starting points.

Climbing Merbabu is a little tough but anyone with good fitness and hiking experience should be able to cope. There are no special safety concerns to take note of.