Semeru, or Mount
Semeru, is a volcano located in East Java, Indonesia. It is
the highest mountain on the island of Java. The stratovolcano is
also known as Mahameru, meaning 'The Great Mountain. The name derived
from the Hindu-Buddhist mythical mountain of Meru or Sumeru, the
abode of gods.
Known also as Mahameru the
(Great Mountain), it is very steep rising abruptly above the coastal plains of
eastern Java. Maars containingcrater lakes have formed along a
line through the summit of the volcano. It was formed south of the
overlapping Ajek-ajek and Jambagancalderas. Semeru lies at the south end
of the Tengger Volcanic Complex.
Semeru is one of
Indonesia's most active volcanoes. An active volcano with magnificant peak
called Mahameru, 3.676 meters above sea level (12.060 feets). Since 1818, at
least 55 eruptions have been recorded (10 of which resulted in fatalities). The
volcano belches out a huge cloud of steam and smoke every 20 minutes or so and
sometimes interspersed with ash and stones.
Because of the erupting
volcano, the mountain savannah, and the lake, the sceneries around here are
awesome sight to behold. The mount climbers are often visit this mount to enjoy
its nature scenery and beautiful sunset, look from the peak of the mount. The
beautiful and attractive panorama or special atmosphere can be found here
beside its cool and fresh air. Semeru is a highly popular tourist site in the
province, even among foreign tourists.
To reach the highest
mountain on the island of Java, Semeru
Mountain, it can be reached via two access, Senduro Lumajang and Nagadas Kidul,
Regency of Malang.
It takes four days return
way to climb the peak of Mount Semeru from the base camp in Ranu
Pane. To reach the base camp in Ranu Pane, take a white Angkot from
Arjosari Terminal to Tumpang (45 minutes). From Tumpang to Ranu Pane
you can rent a Jeep for return way or with an alternative vegetable truck ride.
After 3 hours trip with a spectacular mountain and waterfall views, you will
arrive at Ranu Pane, the last village with 2.200 meters above sea level high.
From Ranu Pane to
Mahameru’s Peak, you will pass 4 checkpoints and 2 shelters. The first shelter
is Ranu Kumbolo. Ranu Kumbolo is a big lake located about 2.400 meters above
sea level. A lake with fresh water where you can see sun rises in the morning
between two hills in the east. To reach this shelter, we need 5 hours
trekking through 9.5 km tracks. In your first 5 km to the shelter you will find
edelweiss on the slope of the hill, stepping another km ahead you will see a
beautiful valleys and hills with fir and pine trees around.
In the end of the
pine forest you will reach Jambangan, a place with flat land, grass,
edelweiss, and a direct views to Mahameru’s peak, you’re getting closer. You
can take a rest there, drink coffee, and take some photographs. Ahaaaa . . .
From there, you only need 30 minutes walking through the forest to reach Kalimati.
Kalimati is a shelter with large grassland in the edge of the pine forest
2.700 meters above sea level. Here, climbers can take a rest and build a tent
before summit attact after midnight at 01.00 pm. Two km trekking with range of
time 3 up to 4 hours in total to reach this shelter.
Arcopodo is a place
200 meters higher from Kalimati. To reach this place, climbers need one –
two hours climbing through steep pine forest. Sometimes climbers build a tent
there, but it prone to landslides and dusty. Another 30 minutes climbing, we
will find Kelik, the last vegetation area before the dunes. From
there, use your mask and goggle.
According to a climber, a
mountain with an altitude of 3,676 meters above sea level it is actually not
suitable for new comer / climber. He suggests for the beginner to climbe the
lower one first before trying this one.
To Climb the Semeru Mountain should be doing in dry
season such as June, July, August and September. Climbers are also advised not
to climb during the rainy season in Asia, that could be on January and February or March, where among
these season sometime there are storms and landslides
Tour Reservation you can check at :
1. Ollino Garden Hotel Jl. Aries Munandar No 41 -
45, Malang
2. Hotel Aria Gajayana Malang . Jl.Kawi No 24, komplek
MOG .
3. Hotel The Gran Palace Malang Jl. Ade Irma Suryani No. 23, Malang
4. Gajahmada Graha Hotel Malang Jl. Dr.Cipto No.17 Malang
For tour packages you can also see: