For all adventure seeker, if you looking for an adrenaline-packed experience, this highest volcano in Java, Mount Semeru is for you. Here, Anne, I will share my experience during exploring this powerful volcano. Along my journey from Ranu Pane basecamp to the last basecamp of Kalimati, all I can see are a breathtaking landscape of Javanese tropical jungle, wonderful cliff, and the timid birds that appear on hiking trail. On my first day, I hike for 10,5 kilometres with 400 metres elevation from start point Ranu Pani Village to Kumbolo Lake. This lake is a sacred one which lies in the middle of National Park, native people of Tengger use the spring water for religious purpose until today. Here, I gaze out over the crystal clear water with hundreds of fish dancing. Lake of Kumbolo lies in elevation about 2400 metres above sea level.

To continue my journey to the last basecamp, I still need to hike 7,5 kilometres more. Just after Kumbolo Lake, I can see the purple flowers carpet below lies on the wide savannah of Cemoro Kandang, this is a big contrast view along the hiking trails. Cemoro Kandang is the most common spot for hikers takes some pictures as memories because of its natural beauty.

After reaching Jambangan post, I saw how incredible Mount Semeru stand just across my eyes, the huge impressive volcano with the big smoke raised into heaven and I can’t wait to put my feet on the top of Mahameru. I want to hear the active volcano roar and see the incredible landscape Java island and its ocean just like what everyone said to me.

At 01.00 in the morning, I had set out from Kalimati to the summit. With a guide, I start hiking in the dark with a torch on my head and trekking poles in my hands. The length of the journey is 3 kilometres with an elevation of 976 metres. Above the treeline, there are only volcanic scree and sand. I kept my eyes to look forward and keep hiking to get closer to the summit, thanks to my guide who help me a lot. I was on fire so, the cold temperature and unsteady ground can’t stop my journey.

Finally, after a total of 21 kilometres hiking, I arrived on the top of Mt.Semeru, my day blessed by the sun which appears slowly below of the clouds. The new energy comes, I didn’t feel how exhausted my journey before. On the top of a mountain, I witness the active crater throw the volcanic material every 20 minutes, the power of Mount Semeru made the ground where I stand was shaking and the sound from below the crater which made me realized how amazing the mother nature. Just like my happiness explode inside me, suddenly I can’t wait to tell everyone how impressive stand on top of Mahameru. Just from there, I can spot the gorgeous landscape of Bromo Volcano and Java Island with its jungle, cities, and the wide ocean from an altitude of 3.676 metres.

Before 9 in the morning, I should go back to Kalimati caused the toxic gas which blows to hiking trails, then continue my journey to Kumbolo Lake where I can take a rest one day more. Here I enjoy a cup of coffee and some local food that my guide prepare for me just beside the tranquil lake. When the night comes, Kumbolo Lake suddenly transformed into a fairytale landscape with millions of stars just above my head, the incredible colour of night skies that I never have seen in the big city where I live. I pause to enjoy the silence of the beautiful place before I decided to back to sleep.

In the morning, from behind the hills the sun greets me just across my tent, the birds start to sing a morning song and I ready to enjoy my last breakfast at Kumbolo Lake. After, I back to Ranu Pani Village with overwhelming memories of my journey at Mount Semeru. Suddenly I thought that I will back here again one day.

Plan your best trip to Mount Semeru with Heavenly Java. Our knowledgeable local guide will show you the beauty that you never have seen in somewhere else.