Mount Semeru

Indonesia

A Climb For The Bold; Mount Semeru- An Erupting Volcano

Semeru, by Consigliere Ivan via Flickr

Mount Semeru is an angry volcano. It has been erupting since 1967, yet is a favourite trekking destination in Indonesia!

Should you summit it, you will almost certainly see an explosion or two – they typically occur in 10 to 30-minute intervals – but at least they’re small and regular…for now!

Natural Mount Semeru Indonesia - Natural Height

Summits Index:

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

3,676m (12,060ft)

Natural Mount Semeru Indonesia - Hiking Period

Summits Index:

3 / 10 (2 days)

The trek takes 2 days in which climbers can camp for a night at the Kalimati camp base. The trip begins at 04:00 as it can take up to 5 hours to get to the trail from Malang / Surabaya.

Difficulty Mount Semeru Indonesia - Terrain

Summits Index:

5 / 10 (Mild difficult)

Black puffy clouds of volcanic ash and sand are released from the peak almost on an hourly basis. The only inconvenience you may face is the wind and rocky terrain you’ll encounter before you get to Ranu Kumbolo. The route could also get a little confusing at times due to the occasional tree and the formation of clouds.

The climbing terrain is comprised of two sections: the pre-summit section that needs to be covered on Day 1 has mostly vegetable plantations and pine forests. One may need to be careful about the monkeys in this region.

The summit section is comprised of mostly hardened lava-based rocks with little vegetation. The trail becomes more difficult as it gets steeper and the loose terrain could lead to slips if trekkers aren’t careful.

There is an alternate route that takes one through the fields back to the village of Ranu Pani, which is rarely attempted and may require one to hire a guide, especially for first-timers.

Difficulty Mount Semeru Indonesia - Weather

Summits Index:

3 / 10 (Mild - very variable)

Temperatures are nice and cool during the daytime but can drop below freezing at night. The best time to visit Mount Semeru is in the dry season from April to November.

Difficulty Mount Semeru Indonesia - Equipment

Summits Index:

6 / 10 (Camping gear for outdoor overnight stays on the trail)

The climb to the summit is quite steep once the trekkers leave from Kumbolo so it is important to wear sturdy boots that rise above the ankle. You’ll also need camping gear and warm clothing for the freezing nights.

Facilities Mount Semeru Indonesia - Rest Stops & Facilities

Summits Index:

5 / 10 (Mostly sufficient facilities)

You’ll find, a registration kiosk, food and potable water at the trailhead.

Along the trail and at summit base camp you’ll only have access to portable water, but food and water are easy to arrange.

Facilities Mount Semeru Indonesia - Guides and Porters

Summits Index:

2 / 10 (Optional; reliable and affordable easily available)

Neither guides nor porters are required or recommended.

Accessibility Mount Semeru Indonesia - Location

Summits Index:

6 / 10 (Near minor city; may need a few days of planning)

The airport in Surabaya welcomes daily flights from major cities like Jakarta and Bali. It is a 5-hour drive from the airport to Ranu Pani.

Accessibility Mount Semeru Indonesia - Safety

Summits Index:

3 / 10 (Little risk, single travel okay)

Toxic gases: As the summit is an active volcano, gas masks are a necessity to stay safe.

Personal safety: Thousands of travellers from all over the world visit Mount Semeru every year and they tend to have a safe experience whether travelling solo or in groups. Basic precautions against theft are always recommended.

Regarding women’s safety, specifically, there are no special challenges facing women on Semeru. Many women embark on this trek annually, mostly in larger groups.