Get up close to some of Indonesia’s most spectacular volcanos with these amazing adventures
Climb 5 of Indonesia's Greatest Volcanoes with Khiri
The Indonesian archipelago is a vast and wild country dotted with volcanoes from one end to the other – 147 in total, 76 of which are still active! These volcanoes offer some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes and vistas, and for those seeking adventure, you’ve come to the right place.
The word ‘Gunung’ is Indonesian for volcano, and there are so many of them due to two main factors: Indonesia is located in the so-called Pacific ring of fire, and it is also the meeting point of two major tectonic plates: the Australian Plate and the Eurasian Plate. For this reason, Indonesia is one of the best places in the world to climb a volcano; from an easy sub-hour hike to challenging multi-day climbs, there is something for everyone.
Although a number of volcanoes in Indonesia are still active, rest assured that Khiri Travel will always take all necessary precautions to ensure that nobody is put at risk – safety is our number one priority!
Below we have compiled a list (in no particular order) of 5 of Indonesia’s best volcano and mountain climbing experiences.
Gunung Agung
Bali, Indonesia
Elevation: 3,142m
Duration to summit: 3 to 7 hours
Level of difficulty: medium to hard
At 3,142 meters above sea level, Mount Agung, known locally as ‘Gunung Agung’ is Bali’s highest peak and holiest mountain, believed to be the home of the gods.
There are two hiking routes to the top: the first begins at Pasar Agung Temple and takes between three to four hours, and the second begins at the holy Besakih Temple and takes five to seven hours. For both hikes you need to be physically fit and have some trekking experience.
At the summit, Bali’s entire coastline stretches out before you, and you can enjoy a stunning sunrise. On the way down, visit the royal Pura Besakih, or ‘Mother Temple’, perched high up on the slopes of Mt. Agung, located on the axis of the Balinese cosmos.
Pura Besakih is the most important temple on the island and is a fitting place to explore the island’s unique culture, religion, and spirituality.
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Gunung Bromo
Java, Indonesia
Elevation: 2329m
Duration to summit: 45 minutes
Level of difficulty: easy
Mount Bromo is located in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java, a popular tourist destination. The name Bromo comes from the Javanese pronunciation of Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. Mount Bromo lies in the middle of a huge crater called the ‘Sea of Sand,’ which is a protected reserve. There are a total of five volcanoes located inside the crater.
With unparalleled views and relative ease of ascent, Bromo is a great option for the whole family. After a short, steep drive, you stop to witness a glorious sunrise – which includes a spectacular panorama featuring the highest mountain tops of Java. Next, you drive into the huge Bromo caldera, where you climb a staircase to reach the top of the active Bromo volcano.
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Gunung Kelimutu
Flores, Indonesia
Elevation: 1639m
Duration to summit: 45 minutes
Level of difficulty: easy
The island of Flores might be most famous for its Komodo dragons, but Kelimutu is an otherworldly experience that should definitely be on your list of things to do while in Indonesia. In the case of Kelimutu, it’s not so much the volcano that is worth the visit but the three mysterious color-changing lakes within the crater.
These three colored lakes at the summit are arguably the greatest natural highlight on the island. Each one with its own distinct color, from blue and green hues to muddy brown and pitch black. Interestingly, these colors change from season to season and year to year. The child-friendly hike to the top of the crater is an easy one and best combined with stops to traditional ikat weaving villages and other sights.
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Gunung Ijen
Java, Indonesia
Elevation: 2769m
Duration to summit: 2 – 3 hours
Level of difficulty: easy to medium
Climbing Mount Ijen is a truly unique experience. The crater houses the world’s largest acidic volcanic lake – one of the most acidic bodies of water on the planet, and perhaps even more remarkable is the fact that it is one of only a handful of places in the world where one can see the so-called blue fire: where the side of the volcano is literally on fire, and the color of the fire is blue. This is due to the combustion of sulfuric gasses which come in contact with air at very high temperatures. Local sulfur miners make the journey into the sulfur clouds to collect hardened sulfur and then trek back out – often carrying nearly twice their body weight.
The visit to mount Ijen involves a climb to the crater rim, where you descend to the blue fire in the dark (wearing a gas mask due to the gasses in the air). Next up, you ascend to the top of the crater rim where, during sunrise, you are treated to an otherworldly sight of the surroundings and the crater lake in its entirety. The scenes inside this active volcano are breathtaking – something you will be unlikely to experience again.
Best Time to Visit: May to September
Gunung Batur
Bali, Indonesia
Elevation: 1717m
Duration to summit: 1 to 2 hours
Level of difficulty: easy
At 1717 meters, Mount Batur is arguably the most popular volcano for hiking in Bali. It is an amazing trek that takes you through forests, across lava slopes, and over rocky terrain – high up, into the clouds. Climb the volcano before dawn and arrive at the top at just the right time to see the glorious sunrise and stunning morning views of Lake Batur and the surrounding rural landscape. The hike itself is quite easy and fairly short, taking about one to two hours to reach the summit.
After summiting, enjoy some breakfast, walk around a bit and then descend. Once back at the foot of the mountain, why not stop by the nearby Batur Natural Hot Springs? A great way to rest those tired legs.
Best Time to Visit: April to September
Khiri Travel organizes trips to all of these volcanoes and many more in the archipelago. For more information, contact us on sales.indonesia@khiri.com