Here is everything you need to know before visit Mount Semeru
Mount Semeru is the highest mountain in Java and also the third highest volcano in Indonesia. The summit of Mount Semeru called Mahameru, meaning 'The Great Mountain’. The best time to explore Mount Semeru is during the dry season from April to September. Mount Semeru always closed during the beginning of January until March to restore the ecosystem in the national park.
The journey to the summit of Mount Semeru starts from Ranu Pani Village. To reach the last basecamp which is Kalimati, hiker needs to climb for eighteen kilometres and needs three kilometres more to reach the summit. Stop a day at Kumbolo lake can be a good option. For the local, the crystal clear water at Kumbolo lake, considered as the sacred water used for the holy ceremony and the other religious purpose. Here you can enjoy the night skies full of stars and see the sunrise appear behind the hills just from your tent.
Below is the route of Mount Semeru's hiking trail from start point Ranu Pani village until the summit.
Ranu Pani --- 3 km --- Landengan Dowo --- 3 km --- Watu Rejeng --- 4.5 km --- Ranu Kumbolo (Basecamp 1) --- 2.5 km Cemoro Kandang --- 3 km --- Jambangan --- 2 km ---Kalimati (Basecamp 2) --- Summit
According to the local folk, the ancient island of Java floating in the ocean, bobbing and constantly shaking. The gods decided to tack Java by moving the Mount Meru in India to the top of the island of Java. Lord Vishnu transformed into a giant tortoise carrying the mountain on his back, while Brahma transformed into a long snake wrapping his body in the mountains and bodies of tortoise so that the mount can be transported safely. Gods of the mountain lay it over the first part in the west of Java Island, but the weight of the mountain resulted eastern of the island lifted upwards, then they moved it to the eastern part of the island of Java. When Mount Meru brought to the east, Mount Meru scattered debris creates a mountain range on the island of Java, which extends from west to east. But when the peak of Meru moved to the east. The island of Java is still tilted, so the gods decided to cut some of the rock and placing it in the northwest.
Get to know Mount Semeru's facts below:
- The altitude of Mount Semeru is 3.676 metres above sea level, it makes Mount Semeru as the highest mountain in Java.
- You should climb to Mount Semeru summit in the middle of the night and go back to the last basecamp before ten in the morning, it caused by toxic gas which blowing along the hiking trail and can be very dangerous for the hiker.
- Mount Semeru is a sacred mountain like Mount Agung in Bali. Hindu people believe these are the home of their Gods.
- There are three lakes around Mount Semeru. Lake Regulo, Lake Pani, and the famous one Lake Kumbolo which lies in the middle of the hiking trail.
- You can find Verbena Basilliensis Vell grow in the middle of vast Sabana. Looks like purple carpet, many people think that the flower is Lavender.
BY TRAIN
Yogyakarta (YK) – Malang (ML)
Banyuwangi (BW) – Malang (ML)
BY PLANE
Jakarta (CGK) Soekarno Hatta International – Surabaya (SUB) Juanda
Jakarta (HLP) Halim Perdanakusuma – Surabaya (SUB) Juanda
Jakarta (CGK) Soekarno Hatta International – Malang (MLG) Abdul Rachman Saleh
Jakarta (HLP) Halim Perdanakusuma – Malang (MLG) Abdul Rachman Saleh
Yogyakarta (JOG) Adi Sucipto – Surabaya (SUB) Juanda
Bali (DPS) Ngurah Rai International - Surabaya (SUB) Juanda
BY 4X4
Malang - Ranu Pani Village
The journey from Malang to Ranu Pani Village by 4x4 takes 2,5 hours.
Tumpang - Ranu Pani Village
The journey from Tumpang to Ranu Pani Village by 4x4 takes 1,5 hours.
Prepare your journey, here is everything you need to pack before visit Mount Semeru
- Health certificate
- Windbraker Jacket
- Waterproof jacket / raincoat
- Torch
- Sun protection
- Mosquito repellent
- Personal Medicine
Heavenly Java offers 100% tailor-made tours in Indonesia which can be modified to suit your time, budget and interests. Our local Travel Specialist makes sure you do not miss anything during your journey in Indonesia.
