Merapi

城市概覽

Literally "Fiery Mountain", Mount Merapi is the most active volcano in all Indonesia — no mean feat — and it has erupted at least 68 times since 1548. The volcano is thought to be largely responsible for the downfall of the Central Javanese Hindu Mataram kingdom in 1006 and the desertion of the huge temple complex at nearby Prambanan. Recent eruptions include 1994 (64 killed), 2006 (there were no immediate deaths, but a prelude to an earthquake that killed over 5,000) and 2010 (300 dead). Anyone thinking of climbing the mountain must first check if it is safe to do so. While climbing the mountain with a qualified guide is recommended it is not necessary or mandatory (locals will tell you otherwise in the interest of a quick buck) as the tracks to the summit are wide and clearly marked. The volcano is always dangerous regardless of inactivity. There are exclusion zones around the volcano. Authorities can at appropriate times limit access to areas within 10 km. Mount Merapi is always monitored by observatories, even when inactive. There are 3 stages of warning; every stage can limit access several kilometres away from the volcano (10 km (6.2 mi) in the highest stage). Climbing at non-active times with a local guide is always recommended.

如何抵達

There are more than three different routes to access Mount Merapi, though recent eruptions and the tendencies of the lahars, ash clouds, and other hazards have favoured the northern access point from Selo, which lies between Mount Merapi and Mount Merbabu.

Selo Selo is the last village on the way to Merapi. A taxi from Yogyakarta airport to Selo and back will cost you around Rp 1,000,000. Most of the drivers will happily wait for you while you climb Merapi and will take you back to your hotel. Selo has local guides who will take you to Merapi.

Merapi Guide Association (MAGIC), ☏ +62 878 36325955, [email protected]. Alternatively you can hire a scooter in Yogyakarta around Rp 75,000/day and ride out to the summit. Ride north out of Yogya on Jl. Magelang for 45 min. When you reach Mungkid turn right onto Jalan Boyolali - Mungkid and head towards Ketep. At Ketep turn right and continue following the Jalan Bololali - Mungkid into Selo. From Selo ride up the steep road (on the right as you come into Selo) to the trail entrance where you can leave your scooter.

Kaliurang Guide books in the 1960s and 1970s had regular references to Kaliurang-based guides. However, as the eruptions of the last 20 years have shot hot gases and eruptive materials in a more southward direction, Kaliurang is no longer the popular point of access it was in the 1970s and 1980s. In that era, Vogels homestay in Kaliurang was legendary for its hospitality and connection with walking up the southern slope to the peak. In the 1990s and 2000s Kaliurang has varied between being a part of a prohibited zone designated by government officials and not a very safe place to visit.

Other routes Volcanology Observation posts existed in Dutch colonial times at Babadan (north-west slope) and more recently Plawangan (between Merapi and Kaliurang) - in most cases walking trails from the observation posts existed in the past. However due to the last 4 or 5 major eruptions, these points of access need

當地交通

There are a few ojeks (motorcycle taxis) offering informal transport around the area. In the villages around the base of Merapi, almost any vehicle you see on the road is a potential lift (for cash), so don't be shy.

購物

A signboard at the entrance of the Merapi Plateau reads: "Leave nothing but tracks, take nothing but photographs"

美食

Selo and the surrounding area has plenty of Warungs and Bakso carts serving delicious Indonesian street food at very cheap prices. There is a market (pasar) in front of the Kaliurang parking area where you can buy tempeh cooked in a unique way called jadah tempe just for Rp1,000 each. Also on the road to Kaliurang, at the Pakem village, there is a banana market (5 or 6 stands on the right side) where you can find the cheapest bananas and avocados. You will not find any upscale restaurants though.

飲品與夜生活

Nothing except the local stuff. Carry your own bottles, at least 2.5 liters of water, since there are no fresh water sources on the way.

1 Kopi Petruk, Jl. Deles Indah, Dusun 1, Sidorejo, Kemalang, ☏ +62 815 780 63198. Open 09:00. A cafe on the slopes of Mount Merapi. (updated Nov 2022)

住宿

Homestays 1 Ratri Homestay, ☏ +62 813 29287256, +62 815 67792923, +62 878 36325955. Clean rooms. Tea or coffee is provided anytime, by request. There is a Merapi viewpoint area, and the owner can provide a transport service and organise volcano and camping trips for guests. M Sony is the owner and is also the leader of guide at Selo. Rp150,000 with double bed, hot shower, and western toilet; Rp200,000 big room with 3 single bed, hot shower, and western toilet. (updated Nov 2016) 2 Satria Homestay (You can't miss the homestay. When you turn into Selo head up and up towards the big New Selo sign, you'll see the homestay just on the right near the end of the village), ☏ +62 81226120570, +62 81328857146. Closest homestay to the New Selo sign and the beginning of the Merapi ascent. Rp100,000 and Rp150,000. Clean/basic rooms including breakfast. The manager, Wondo, is extremely friendly and helpful. Speaks good English and will escort you up Merapi for Rp700,000 include welcome drink and snacks at homestay and on the summit of Mt.Merapi or Mt.Merbabu. He also has extra warm clothing and torches if he doesn't think you're well equipped. He has more information about other "soft-trekking" opportunities around the beautiful highlands up there. (updated Nov 2016) 3 Superman Homestay (next to Ratri Homestay). Various other budget homestays around the area - simply ask around and you can get a room for less than Rp30,000 per person. Consider looking for a place with hot water, since it can get chilly in the village.

Camping There are no explicit rules which prohibit camping on and around the mountain. You will need to bring in all your own equipment and you must keep yourself fully briefed with the latest safety reports. Also make sure you bring in enough water, as the springs and streams on the mountain are very sulphurous.

順遊推薦

Borobudur and Prambanan are two hours drive away. Yogyakarta is also about two hours by car. For more adventure, plan a climb to Mount Bromo for more active volcanoes.