Mount Merbabu National Park

Mount Merbabu National Park is a national park in Central Java. It was established as a national park in 2004.

Understand

Mount Merbabu National Park is located between three regencies, Boyolali Regency, Magelang Regency, and Semarang Regency.

History

Starting with the determination of forest areas during the Dutch East Indies government in the districts of Magelang, Boyolali, and Semarang districts. The forest area in Magelang Regency was originally designated as a closed forest area by the Dutch Government through the verbaal grensregeling process on 27 August 1908. Part of the forest area of ​​the Mount Merbabu complex located in Magelang Regency based on Gouverneur Besluit number 41 of 1900 was designated as a protected forest. The forest area in Semarang Regency, including the Selo enclave and the Thekelan enclave, was designated as a protected forest through the verbaal van grensregeling process on May 19, 1915. The Mount Merbabu complex forest area in the Boyolali Regency was designated as the Mount Merbabu Prohibition Forest through the verbal process on November 22, 1930. In 2001, the Ministry of Forestry through the Directorate of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation (PHPA) proposed to the Governor of Central Java that the forest area in the Mount Merbabu complex, namely the protected forest area and the Tuk Songo Nature Tourism Park, was proposed to become the Mount Merbabu National Park area.

Landscape

The topography of the Mount Merbabu National Park area is mostly hilly to mountainous with an altitude of about 3142 meters above sea level and in some locations there are very steep ravines and cliffs, such as the Sipendok ravine in the Candisari village area. Based on the results of the analysis conducted spatially, the slopes of class I (0-25%) are mostly located on the north side including in Kopeng Village, Tajuk Village and Batur Village which are on the middle slope of the volcano, a small part is on the upper slope of the volcano. The slopes of class II (25-40%) are mostly located on the west side of the Mount Merbabu National Park forest area, including the Ampel District and on the upper slopes of the volcano, while others are on the lower slopes of the volcano, including the Magelang Regency. The other area consists of grade III slopes (>40%) mostly on the east side in the Magelang Regency area.

Flora and fauna

The critically endangered Javanese edelweiss (Anaphalis javanica) in Merbabu National Park. Don't pick that flower!

There are three flora zones of Mount Merbabu National Park:

• The lower montane forest zone (1,000-1,500 m asl), has now changed (no longer original) and is overgrown by the types of Pinus merkusii and Schima wallichii ssp. noronhae.
• Upper montane forest zone (1,500-2,400 m asl), overgrown by species of acacia (Acacia decurrens, Acacia virgata), Albizia lophanta, Engelhardtia serrata, Casuarina junghuhniana, and Quercus sp.
• Sub-alpine forest (vegetation) zone (2,400-3,142 m asl), covered by grass and Javanese edelweiss.

Several types of animals recorded from this area include the Javan hawk-eagle, black eagle, spotted kestrel, crested serpent eagle, junglefowl, spotted dove, tit, muntjac, porcupine, civet, long-tailed macaque, Javan leopard, and others.

Climate

The forest area of ​​Mount Merbabu according to the climate classification of Schmidt and Ferguson, includes a type B climate with a value of Q = 31.42%, with rainfall ranging from 2000-3000 mm and a temperature range of 17-30º C with a humidity of around 31.42%.

Tourist information

• Balai Taman Nasional Gunung Merbabu, Jl. Merbabu No. 136, Winong, Boyolali, ☏ +62 276 3293341, +62 811 295 0970, tn_merbabu@yahoo.co.id. 

Get in

To nearest district

By small bus

• 1 Kopeng. From Tingkir Bus Terminal in Salatiga or Tidar Bus Terminal in Magelang, you have to catch a small bus to Kopeng, Semarang Regency. From here you can go to the base camp of Thekelan and Wekas Trail by ojek (motorcycle taxi).

A small bus to Selo

• 2 Selo. From Sunggingan Bus Terminal in Boyolali. Take a bus to Pasar Cepogo (Cepogo Market) and then change the bus to Pasar Selo (Selo Market). From here you can go to the base camp of Selo Trail by ojek (motorcycle taxi).

By motorbike/car

From Semarang, Solo, or Yogyakarta, you just follow the google maps to Sawangan in Magelang, Kopeng in Semarang Regency, or Selo in Boyolali.

Fees and permits

You have to permit to governing body Balai Taman Nasional Gunung Merbabu for mountaineering activities and make a reservation or make an online booking for registration at tngunungmerbabu (in Indonesian). Or, you may also visit the office in Boyolali, Central Java. The entry fee for International visitors is Rp150,000 for weekdays (M-Sa) and Rp225,000 on Sundays and the hiking fee is Rp5,000. Also, the insurance fee is Rp1,000.

Get around

To reach Mount Merbabu peak

You have to walk to get to the top of Mount Merbabu from the base camp.

Tourist spot

You may ride by renting a car or motorcycle from the nearest city such as Boyolali, Magelang, or Salatiga.

See

Grenjengan Kembar Waterfall

In addition to being a hiking trail, there are various kinds of tourist attractions around the national parks.

• 1 Grenjengan Kembar, Dusun Citren, Desa Munewarang, Pakis, Magelang Regency. 08:00–18:00. A beautiful waterfall. 
• 2 Ketep Pass, Sawangan, Magelang Regency, ☏ +62 811 264 0046. 08:00–17:00. High-altitude lookout with views of volcanoes Mount Merapi & Mount Merbabu, plus a restaurant. There is also a cinema and museum about volcanoes. 
• 3 Umbul Songo Kopeng, Dukuh, Kopeng, Getasan, Semarang Regency. 08:00–16:00. A waterfall and public waterpark. 
• 4 Kedung Kayang Waterfall (Air Terjun Kedung Kayang), Nagrong, Wonolelo, Sawangan. (updated Nov 2022)

Do

Mountaineering

1 Mount Merbabu is quite popular as a place for climbing activities. The terrain is not too heavy but the potential dangers that climbers must pay attention to are cold air, thick fog, dense but homogeneous forest (coniferous forests, which are not sufficient to support survival facilities), and the absence of water sources. Respect for the traditions of local residents also needs to be considered.

Thekelan Kopeng Trail

From Kopeng, there are many routes to Mount Merbabu peak, but it is best to go through the village of 2 Thekelan because there is a post that can provide information and various needed assistance. The Tekelan Post can be reached via the Umbul Songo campground.

At the Umbul Songo campground, you can rest while waiting for the night to fall, because the climb will be better done at night to arrive at the peak before sunrise. You can also rest at Thekelan Post which provides a place to sleep, especially if you don't bring a tent. You can also camp at the Pending Post because in these three places, clean water is available.

Tents lined up on Mount Merbabu

The community around Merbabu is predominantly Buddhist so it's best to start around several Viharas around Kopeng. Residents often do meditation and many places at the top are sacred. It is forbidden for climbers to defecate in Watu Gubug and around the Crater. Also climbers are not allowed to wear red and green clothes.

In the Javanese New Year, Suro, residents perform a traditional ceremony in the crater of Mount Merbabu. In the month of Sapar, the people of Selo (South slopes of Merbabu) hold a traditional ceremony. The girls in the village of Tekelan are left with dreadlocks to protect themselves and to gain safety. The journey from Tekelan Post, which is in the middle of a residential village, begins by passing through the local people's gardens and pine forests. From here you can see a very beautiful view of Mount Telomoyo and Rawa Pening.

At the Pending Post, climbers can find springs, you'll also find a small river (Kali Sowo). Before reaching Pos I climbers will pass Pereng Putih and have to be careful because the roads are very steep. Then climbers pass through a dry river, and from here the view is very beautiful down towards the city of Salatiga, especially at night.

From Pos I, you'll pass through some mixed forest to Pos II; towards Pos III, the path starts to open and the road starts to climb steeply. Once hikers climb Mount Pertapan, strong winds can be felt, especially in the open. You can take shelter in Watu Gubug, a rock with holes that can be entered by 5 people. It is said that it is the gateway to the kingdom of supernatural beings.

If there is a storm you should not continue the journey because it is very dangerous. Approaching the post, the four climbers climb Mount Watu, the path is rather steep and there is a lot of sand and small pebbles so it is slippery, strong winds carry dust and sand so you must be ready to close your eyes if there are strong winds. Pos IV, which is located at the top of Mount Watu Tulis with a height of 2,896 metres above sea level, is also called the Transmitter Post because at its peak there is a Radio Transmitter.

Towards Post V the downhill path, this post is surrounded by beautiful hills and cliffs. Hikers can descend to the Condrodimuko crater. And here there is a spring; distinguish between drinking water and sulfur water.

The journey continues by passing a very steep incline and ravines on the left and right. This climb is called the Devil's Bridge. Then climbers will arrive at the intersection, to the left towards the Syarif Peak (Mount Pregodalem) and to the right to the elongated peak of Kenteng Songo (Mount Kenteng Songo).

From the top of Kenteng Songo, climbers can see Mount Merapi with its peak that produces puffs of smoke all the time, and looks very close. To the west you can see Mount Sumbing and Mount Sindoro, which look very clear and beautiful. Closer you can see Mount Telomoyo and Mount Ungaran. From a distance to the east looks Mount Lawu with its elongated peak.

Towards the peak of Kenteng Songo, the path is very dangerous, in addition to being narrow, only about 1 meter wide with the left and right sides of a rocky ravine without trees, also with very strong winds ready to push climbers at any time. At this peak, there is a stone kenteng(mortar).

Descending Mount Merbabu via the route to Selo is an attractive option. Climbers will pass through meadows and edelweiss forests, as well as very beautiful flowering hills. Along the way, climbers can see Mount Merapi, which looks very close to the peak, which always emits smoke.

Climbers will descend and climb several small mountains covered with green grass without trees to shelter from the wind. There are no springs and rest posts along the route. Fog and storms often appear suddenly, making it very dangerous to pitch a tent.

There are many paths to Selo and there are no road signs, so it is very confusing for climbers. Many paths are often traversed by residents to look for grass at the top of the mountain so that climbers will arrive at the village of residents.

From Selo, you can take a small bus heading for Boyolali - Magelang, if you want to go to Yogyakarta, take the Magelang route, and if you want to go to Semarang or Solo, take the Boyolali route.

Wekas Trail

To go to 3 Wekas Village, you need to take the Kopeng - Magelang route and get off at Kaponan, which is about 9 km from Kopeng, precisely in front of the gate of the Wekas Village. From Kaponan, climbers usually walk through rocky roads for about 3 km to the Ascent post.

Wekas is the last village to reach the summit which takes about 6-7 hours. Wekas'0 track is a short track so there is rarely a flat track that stretches. The post I track is quite wide with the underlying rocks. Along the way, you will meet the typical highland people's fields planted with Onions, Cabbage, Carrots, and Tobacco, you can also find rabbits whose droppings are used as fertiliser. The route to post I, is quite uphill with a travel time of 2 hours. The path begins with a journey along the fields. After about 500 metres of climbing, you will reach the Village Elder's Grave as the boundary between the people's fields and the pine forest.

Pos I is a plain with a hall as a resting place. Pos I is about 1.5 km from basecamp. Before reaching Pos I climbers will meet Pos I Shadows marked with a Nameplate. Pos I Shadow is an open area that can be used for resting and camping. There is no water source either at Post I or Post I shadow. Travel time to post II is 2 hours, with the path continuing to climb steeply.

Pos II is an open and flat place, which usually contains up to several tens of erected tents. In this area, there is a water source that is channeled through large pipes that are accommodated in a tub. There are also 4 toilets at Pos II.

From Pos II there is a dead end that leads to a river which is used as a source of water for the people around Wekas to the surrounding villages. This path follows the flow of water pipes along the edge of a ravine that leads to a stream below the crater. There are two very steep rivers that form a tiered waterfall so that it becomes a very extraordinary sight against the background of a collection of peaks - the peaks of Mount Merbabu.

After heading to Pos II, the path begins to open until it meets the intersection of the Kopeng line which is above Post V (Watu Tulis), the Kopeng route. From this intersection to the Helipad post it only takes 15 minutes. The journey continues by passing a very steep incline and ravines on the left and right. This climb is called the Devil's Bridge. Then we will arrive at the intersection, to the left towards the peak of Syarif (Mount Pregodalem) and to the right towards the elongated peak of Kenteng Songo (Mount Kenteng Songo).

Suwanting Trail

The view from Suwanting Trail

This trail is near Ketep Pass in Magelang Regency. You have to go northeast to 4 Suwanting Village in the Sawangan District. The gate of Suwanting Trail is called Pintu Rimba. There are 3 Pos (posts) before reaching the top of Mount Merbabu with an estimated journey of approximately 7.5 hours.

Selo Trail

Selo Trail started from 5 Selo Village in Boyolali Regency. There are 3 posts. The journey takes 8 hours to get to the top of Mount Merbabu. There are some basecamps in Selo Village for resting and leaving the vehicle.

Buy

• 1 Pasar Kopeng, Jl. Magelang - Salatiga, Plalar, Kopeng, Getasan, Semarang Regency. 07:30-18:00. Fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers. Also, you can find some food and drink for hiking to Mount Merbabu peak. (updated Aug 2022)
• 2 Pasar Selo, Jl. Ampel Cepogo, Dusun I, Samiran, Selo, Boyolali Regency. From 05:00. Fresh vegetables and fruits. Also, you can find some food and drink for hiking to Mount Merbabu peak. (updated Aug 2022)

Eat

Nearest district

In Kopeng, Pakis, Sawangan, and Selo, there are food stalls that serve mostly Javanese cuisine.

• 1 Merbabu View & Cafe, Kopeng, ☏ +62 856 403 19033. 05:00-20:00. Hilltop observation deck with mountain views cafe and sunset photo opportunities. It serves Indonesian food and coffee. (updated Sep 2022)
• 2 Omah Latareombo Coffee & Kitchen, Gondangsari, Pakis, ☏ +62 813 262 73434. 09:00-21:00. Serves Javanese food, coffee, and also steak. (updated Sep 2022)

Sleep

The milky way from Thekelan trail

Campgrounds

You can set up a tent at Mount Merbabu hiking posts (Pos). Besides mountaineering, there are also many campgrounds around the national park.

• 1 Grenden Ecological Park (Wisata Alam Grenden), Pogalan, Pakis, Magelang Regency. 06:00–18:00. Camping ground and outbound with pines tree surrounding. 
• 2 Kalipasang, Pulihan, Batur, Getasan, Semarang Regency. Camping ground with pines tree view. 
• 3 Kopeng Treetop, Jl. Raya Kopeng, Selo Ngisor, Batur, Getasan, Semarang Regency, ☏ +62 24 8316800. 08:30–17:00. Outbound and camping ground with a sky resto. 

Stay safe

Mount Merbabu is a semi-active volcano. This mountain erupted in 1560 and 1797.

Go next

Back to Magelang, Salatiga, or Solo.