Volcano

Locale

Trekking Mt. Merapi, an active Volcano

post 35 Mt. Merapi img1Mount Merapi

Mount Merapi is the most active volcano in all of Indonesia, its name translates to “Fiery Mountain”! But unlike many volcanoes in other parts of the world, you can climb Mount Merapi. And this trek remains one of the most popular activities in Yogyakarta.  

The Trek to Mount Merapi

Mount Merapi
Mount Merapi

There exist multiple routes to get to Mount Merapi, but the most favoured route remains the northern access point from Selo. Starting at midnight the trek takes over nine hours long and includes a four-hour long hike uphill. With only the flashlight to guide you, the trek remains best experienced in the silence of the darkness. And all of this can be possible with assistance from a travel guide from Locaguide. As you trudge your way uphill, the knowledge that you are climbing an active volcano will give you the adrenaline rush you need to reach the summit before the first light of the day strikes.

Four hours into the climb you reach Pasar Baru, the base camp. Here, a short snack break prepares you for the final leg of the trek. Let your local guide take you through the next set of obstacles. He will tell you best how to navigate through the volcanic ash. Moreover, how to overcome the final hurdle, a steep rocky climb to the crater of Mount Merapi.

The clouds covering the Mount Merapi
The clouds covering the Mount Merapi

At the volcano summit, the temperature drops below 5 degrees Celsius but the view is spellbinding. As you watch the sunrise over the horizon, the landscape starts to awaken and everything the sun rays touch change colour. You are on top of a volcano with the world at your feet, the smoke of the volcano behind you and the clouds below you. You know it’s worth every minute of sacrificed sleep and every step during the uphill trek. If adventure is what you crave, definitely include Mount Merapi in your tour of Yogyakarta. 

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Locale

Mount Batur Volcano From Pinggan Village

Post 10 Mount Batur Bali Img1

Often described as ‘fiercely beautiful’ with its pale wisps of smoke gleaming in the hazy morning light, Mount Batur in Bali is one of the most popular active volcanoes in the world. It is most mesmerizing when viewed at sunrise and sunset. Tourists from all over the world gather at dawn typically at the Kintamani Village to enjoy this spectacular view of the sun rising over the volcano.

But if you’re interested in beating the crowds for an even more enthralling view, we suggest you make your way to the relatively uncrowded Pinggan Village.

Mount Batur Volcano
Pinggan Village

Whether you’re a shutterbug, a yoga enthusiast or a nature lover, the Pinggan Village will easily prove to be a more meditative setting for the sunrise and catching a better view of the volcano. A thick fog covers this village in the early hours of the morning, which only adds an element of mysticism to this natural spectacle. Since most tours to Mount Batur don’t even touch the Pinggan Village, the easiest way to explore this part of Bali is with the help of a local guide who would be able to show you around and know the best spots.

This lovely village is just an hour’s drive away from Ubud, so you’ll have to wake up early to be at the village on time for the sunrise. You could get here by road (recommended) or take the more interesting path and hike up to the village or better yet stay at the village. There are a ton of options to enjoy this memorable experience.

This quaint village is better known to locals, so we suggest you tag along with a local tour guide from Locaguide and avoid the herds of tourists at Kintamani to have an experience that will last you a lifetime! 3