Mount Merapi

Though Mount Merapi may hold significance for its “power” amongst citizens, it is also purely beautiful. It truly is magnificent, this mountain’s view. From far, the mountain looks as very much glorious indeed, with its tall peak and long sloping flanks, surrounded by trees and the villages of the locals, it looks very metaphoric. Especially, if the sky is clear and blue, one can easily see the details that shape this mountain. Just the view of the mountain and the sky can create a harmonious balance between different elements of nature that look absolutely flawless, for there is beauty in simplicity. However, this only describes the view of the mountain from afar. Once you’re on the mountain, you may feel as if your eyes deceive you for the beauty you will see is staggering. On the mountain, everything just feels real; everything you see would almost entirely be made by nature. There are many subjects to capture on camera, whether it be nature in the form of trees, uniquely shaped rocks (there is even one that looks like a person’s face!), the peak of the mountain itself and so on; to the subject of people where you can capture workers trying to extract rocks, shop vendors, villagers going about their day and many more. There is even a museum; formerly a villager’s house that showcases remains from the eruption in 2010, some of which include skeletons of bulls and cats, chassis of motorbikes and bicycles, deformed televisions, cooking utensils, musical instruments and much more. The variety of things to see on this mountain is absolutely tremendous. One should really consider visiting this site.

A Brief History

Mount Merapi is an active volcano located in Yogyakarta’s border to Central Java. This mountain stands 2,930m tall and despite the fact that regular eruptions occur, thousands of people still live on its flanks, nearly half way up its peak. Mount Merapi is very much central to the lives of the Javanese. Because behind all the lava and ash from eruptions, is nutrients that makes one of the most fertile soils in the world. Mystery lies behind this mountain as well. A gargantuan eruption was said to have taken the lives of those from the Mataram Kingdom, which explains its sudden disappearance in Java during the 11^th century.

Behind all this danger, lies the spiritual side of the mountain. The volcano is regarded as spiritual amongst Javanese sultans. Spiritual guards watch over the mountain and give it offerings as part of a ritual. Locals respect the great power of this mountain and every year, in celebration of the Sultan’s coronation, offerings are taken from Keraton (the palace) to Mount Merapi itself, along with offerings to give to the Indian Ocean to make peace between spirits of the mountains and the seas.

Costs and Fees

Entrance Fee – Rp.5.000

Jeep Tour – Rp.250.000 for a one hour Jeep Tour (4 people/car)

Motorcycle Tour – Rp.25.000

  

Getting There

Address: Merapi, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

By taxi

The last village before Merapi, where you should descend from is Selo. A two-way taxi ride from Yogyakarta’s airport should cost around Rp.1,000,000. The drivers would usually want to wait while you go to the mountain. The ride should take around 2 hours.

Whilst on Selo, you may choose to hire local guides who will take you there.

By minibus

There are also many travel agents in Yogyakarta that sell tour packages to Mount Merapi, which includes transport and a breakfast set for approximately Rp.300.000. 

Map

for the full map, click here

General Recommendations

Wearing a nose mask is necessary in Mount Merapi because the remains of the ash from the 2010 eruption is still very much present. If you join the Jeep Tour, guides will most probably give you one. Also, you should wear light and cool clothing to fight the heat in someway. Then again, the ashes have the potential to stiffen and damage the fibers of your clothes a bit, so wearing expensive clothes is really not recommended. Sunscreen lotion could also be useful if you want to protect your skin from dangerous sunrays.

Photography Tips

Time:

If you would like to take a Jeep Tour, it is only available during the day, specifically from 8am till around 4pm. However, the later you go, the more crowded it gets therefore it is best to take the tour on the first hour it opens. By this time, the sun would already be up and you can capture all the subjects you want because the natural light highlights it all.

Equipment:

Lens – A wide angled lens is quite necessary if you want to capture the panoramic scene of the mountain and the villages on its side. This time, it would be best to use a high range lens, preferably a 16-200mm one so you can capture the mountain easily from afar.

UV Protection – Mount Merapi is no exception. You still need to use a UV protector for your lens to minimize any damage to the system.

Hotels and Lodgings

1. Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta

Address: Jalan Palagan Tentara Pelajar

Yogyakarta, Indonesia, 55581

Phone Number: +62 274 86 9123

Email: Yogyakarta.regency@hyatt.com

Website: http://yogyakarta.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html?src=corp_tripadvisor_businesslisting_yogya_en&code=TB

2. Merapi Merbabu Hotel

Address: Jl. Seturan Raya, Depok | Sleman, Yogyakarta 80361, Indonesia

Phone Number:+62 274 6429100

E-mail: info.jog@mmhotel-resorts.com

Webpage: http://mmhotel-resorts.com/Merapi-Merbabu-Hotel.html#1

3. Cakra Kembang Hotel

Address: Jalan Kaliurang No.44, 55284, Indonesia
Phone Number: +62 274 563048

Website: http://www.cakrakembang-hotel.com/