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Mount Merapi (Gunung Merapi, 2911m) is a mountain in Central Java, looming over the cities of Yogyakarta and Solo (Surakarta).

[edit] Understand

At the moment Mt. Merapi is safe to climb, but do it with a qualified guide.

Literally "Mountain of Fire", Mount Merapi is the most active volcano in all Indonesia — no mean feat — and has erupted 68 times since 1548. A massive eruption in 1006 covered much of Java in ash and was largely responsible for the downfall of the Hindu Mataram kingdom. The eruption in 1994 killed 43 people.

[edit] Get in

Village Selo is the last village on your way to Merapi. A taxi from JogJakarta Airport to Selo and back will cost you around 70USD. Most of the drivers will happily to wait for you while you climb Merapi and will take you back to your hotel.

Selo has a group of local guides who will take you to Merapi.

• M. Soni PR tel. +62-81-329-287256, +62-81-567-792923 email sonyria@yahoo.com who claims to be the president of the guide's association willorganise the guide for you. During the season (May-July), a guide will cost around USD30 and USD 20 during the rest of the season. One guide is good for a group of 5. Tips are expected in addition.

In October 2009, Sony asks 600.000Rp for the Airport-Selo-Yogyakarta transfer, and 300.000Rp for the guide in Selo.

Another option is Kartika Trekking in Yogyakarta (Jl. Sosrowijayan 8, Yogyakarta 55271), offering transport+climb for 200.000Rp per person for groups from 3 people. Mobile +6285643440644, Landline +62274562016 (apparently enver picked up).

[edit] Get around

there are bikes which help you but do makwe sure to bring enough water

[edit][add listing] See

Nearby temples of Borobudur listed under Unesco World Heritage sites are a must see.

Another option is Dieng Plateau, a site of nearly 400 temples most of which lie in ruins now.

[edit][add listing] Do

Trekking on and around Merapi is a popular activity (at least when the volcano isn't spewing out hot gas and ash). From Selo, the nearest village on the north slope, it's only a 3-hour hike to the summit for healthy. For the rest it will take 4 hours to climb and nearly the same time while coming back.

Carry small snack like sandwich and at least 2 lilters of water per person.

Most of the climbers start the climb at 1:00 AM in the night to be able to reach mountain top by sunrise. This is good as the Merapi has no trees and day time climbing can be very tiring and dehydrating. Carry good flashlights. These can also be purchased at the Selo Village.

[edit][add listing] Buy

A signboard at the entrance of the Merapi Plateau reads

"Leave nothing but track, carry nothing but photographs"

We recomend that you carry good memories and few pebbles and stones from the crater. The beautiful pick, green and yellow stones in a glass jar will make for an exceptional souvenir brought at no cost at all.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Not many options to eat exist in or around Selo. Local food stall offer the basic tea and local food items. Plenty of such stall can be found in Selo.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Nothing except the local stuff. Carry your own bottles.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Ratri Guest House is a offers very basic but neat and clean rooms and beds. tel. +62-81-329-287256, +62-81-567-792923 email sonyria@yahoo.

You can carry your sleeping bags and tents if you wish to sleep in the mountains.

[edit] Get out

Nearby temples of Borobudur and Prambhnan at a drive of 2 hours make for an excellent trip. Jogjakarta is the old historical town and can be reached in two hours or drive further to Dieng Plateu, where some older temples still exist.

For more adventure plan another climb to Mount Bromo to see another live volcano

Once back, take a ferry from Bromo to Bali for a relaxed time on sun soaked beaches.