Mount Sinabung

2,460m (8,070ft)

Only time will tell whether there is still a trail on Mount Sinabung. Previously, there was a main hiking trail from the town of Brastagi (which might not be there anymore). This trail takes 1 day to complete. 4-5 hours to climb to the summit, and roughly 2-3 hours to descend back to Brastagi.

Given the volcanic activity since 2010, what used to be the trail may well have disappeared, as lava flows and a pyroclastic flow in 2016 may have wiped it all off the map.

Before August 2010, the climb from Brastagi was through rainforests, followed by low-lying vegetation all the way up to the rocky calderas.

The weather in this part of Indonesia switches between the dry season from May-October and the rainy season from November to April. The weather is often pleasant when you start the trek, but one needs to take precautions against drops in temperature at higher levels, and at night, when temperatures can drop below 10°C (50°F).

Previously, when a hike was possible, all that was needed for this trek was a proper set of hiking boots.

There are no special facilities or food and water at the trailhead, along the trail or at the summit, but since it was just a day hike this shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience.

Guides are required to do this climb, and you should probably book ahead. Porters are unnecessary.

Medan (Kualanamu) International Airport is the nearest airport.

There are regular buses to Brastagi from the Medan Pinang Baris bus terminal. These buses can get crowded and uncomfortable, so there should be small minivans and taxis available too. If you are using a tour service, they should be arranging private transportation from Medan.

You may also get to Sinabung from the Lake Toba area by bus, taxi, or private car.

Sinabung is a serious threat to climbers in periods of volcanic activity. Even if it isn’t erupting, gasses may be being emitted, and these can seriously harm or kill given conditions.

In April 2019, Mount Sinabung was the only volcano that was on level 4 alert and was considered, by global experts, to be highly dangerous. As such, the government implemented a 7km (4.3 mi) exclusion zone, rendering climbing strictly off-limits, and ill-advised. Since then the alert level has been lowered, however, make sure you consult the local authorities on whether it is safe before going there.

Nevertheless, tourists can still go to the surrounding towns and areas to see Sinabung, and to climb its neighbours.