Mount Raung

Indonesia

Can You Make it Back Alive After Climbing Mount Raung; Java’s Most Active Volcano

Natural Height
Hiking Period
Terrain
Weather
Equipment
Rest Stops & Facilities
Guides & Porters
Location
Safety
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Summary Mount Raung Indonesia - Summary

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.

Climbing Mount Raung Indonesia - Height and Distance

Natural Mount Raung Indonesia - Natural Height

Summits Index:
5 / 10 (3,001m - 4,000m)

3,332 m (10,932 ft)

Natural Mount Raung Indonesia - Hiking Period

Summits Index:
4 / 10 (3 - 4 days)

There are 2 popular trails to climb Mount Raung. The first is via Sumber Wringin, Bondowoso and the second is via Kalibaru Jember.

The Kalibaru Trail takes climbers to the highest peak of Mount Raung, requiring technical climbing skills with ropes. It takes 3 days to complete.

Difficulty Mount Raung Indonesia - Hiking Difficulty

Difficulty Mount Raung Indonesia - Terrain

Summits Index:
7 / 10 (Difficult - very difficult)

Mount Raung is not a popular hike. It is (probably) the hardest summit to bag in all of Java, so it is generally not feasible for the majority of amateur climbers. Its volcanology turns off others. This all means that those who have the skills and the daring to climb it will enjoy a climb that is more private and challenging.

The climb is quite safe but is rather technical. The terrain involves tropical dense jungles from Post 1 to Post 7. From Post 4 to Post 7 the path starts narrowing. The climb becomes most dangerous towards the end. At the exposed area after Puncak Bandera, the ridge before the caldera rim, the area is rather slippery. You’ll be doing a lot of scrambling and there are many loose rocks. It’s always best to check for a steady grip before you transfer all your weight when climbing. The drop is rather steep if you slip anywhere from Post 4 to the Summit. There will also be a bit of scrambling and abseiling involved. Here your guide will be fixing the ropes to help as there are no fixed ropes along this trail.

Day 1:

The Kalibaru Trail starts off at Post 1. From Post 1 to Post 7  is an uphill hike but it’s quite doable from Post 1 to Post 4.

The trek from Post 4-7 is rather narrow and slipping to the left or right is a dangerous, steep drop down.

Once you’ve arrived at Post 7 you’ll be spending the night here.

Day 2:

On this day you will be going from Post 7 to Post 9. You’ll be hiking from early morning until around early afternoon and this is still a very steep climb up a narrow path. In fact, it can be likened to taking 3-4 steps of a staircase at once. However, the terrain will be more rocky and not as dense with tropical jungles like before.

Once you’ve reached Post 9 it’s time to set off to the four summits, starting with a 3-4-hour hike to Puncak Bandera.

From Puncak Bandera, you can take the Sirothol Mustaqim to reach the 17th Peak Summit. The next summit is Tusuk Gigi and finally, you’ll reach the true summit, Puncak Sejati.

From the true summit take a 5-hour descent to Post 7 for an overnight camp.

 

Day 3

There may not be a rush but get an early start to the day as you have a 5-6 hour trek downwards from Post 7 to Post 1.

Difficulty Mount Raung Indonesia - Weather

Summits Index:
2 / 10 (Mild variability across seasons and/or between the base and summit)

It seldom rains in the area, however there is the occasional drizzle. There’s a bit of wind and it feels cold while hiking but at the summit, it’s surprisingly warm.

The best time to visit is between April to October as this is when the temperatures are a bit cooler and it falls within the dry season.

Difficulty Mount Raung Indonesia - Equipment

Summits Index:
8 / 10 (Some technical equipment, e.g. ropes or harnesses)

You’ll need some technical climbing equipment for this climb, or you’ll need to make sure that you hire a guide who provides this. Make sure to pack gloves for grabbing onto the rope and rocks, as well as all the usual hiking gear you would pack for any other hike. I.e. Hiking boots, suitable clothes, camping gear etc.

Facilities Mount Raung Indonesia - Support Facilities

Facilities Mount Raung Indonesia - Rest Stops & Facilities

Summits Index:
7 / 10 (Simple - basic facilities)

At the trailhead, you will find a registration kiosk, but no food or water except from guides or porters.

Along the trail and at summit base camp there is no water or food except that which you brought with you.

Facilities Mount Raung Indonesia - Guides and Porters

Summits Index:
6 / 10 (Necessary; available but references advisable)

Guides are required. It’s best to book ahead. Also, avoid travelling during Ramadan as guides may not be available. Porters are not required.

Accessibility Mount Raung Indonesia - Accessibility and Safety

Accessibility Mount Raung Indonesia - Location

Summits Index:
5 / 10 (Near minor city)

The Surabaya Juanda International Airport is the nearest. You can take a cab to the train station and from there, it’s a 5-hour train ride to Kalibaru.

Accessibility Mount Raung Indonesia - Safety

Summits Index:
6 / 10 (Some risk of injuries; not recommended for single travelers)

It’s always best to keep your belongings with you at all times. There are no imminent dangers along the way, however, note that this climb is rather secluded and you won’t be bumping into many faces along the way.

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