Mount Semeru

  • Mount Semeru
    Semeru summit view

SUMMARY

Mount Semeru is a mountain located in East Java, Indonesia. Standing at 3,676m high, Semeru is the highest mountain in East Java and one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. It is also known as Mahameru, meaning ‘The Great Mountain’. 

 

TRANSPORTATION

Take a flight from Singapore to Surabaya. As the starting point of the hike is in the village of Ranupani (2,100m), you will need to arrange for a minibus transport from Surabaya Airport to Malang (4 hours), and change to a 4WD Jeep into the village. Malang is the place where you will do a medical check up, required for the climb. However, everything will be arranged for you when you engaged a travelling agent. Usually you will stay overnight at a lodge in Ranupani and start trekking the next day. 

 

TRAIL

This is a 2 days 1 night guided trek itinerary. 

Part 1: Ranupani – Lake Kumbolo

At the starting point in Ranupani, you won’t miss the banner that welcomes you to Mount Semeru. Follow the road and walk up. Just before the road starts to go down, turn right to enter the forest, where the path is obvious. There will also be signboards around to help you along the way. Follow the path up through shrubs and bushes with gentle sandy terrains for about 13 kilometres (km). It takes about 5 hours to reach the crater, known as Lake Kumbolo (2,400m) and settle for lunch. 

Part 2: Lake Kumbolo – Kalimati Base Camp

After which the trek continues further for another 3 hours to Kalimati Base Camp (2,700m),  an open savannah that is perfect to set up tents and with an incredible panoramic view of the stratovolcano, Mount Semeru. From Lake Kumbolo, you will walk up a sandy path into the forest, and above the tree line. Expect the trail to be tougher, with steep slopes and strenuous trek over volcanic scree and sand. It would be in the evening by the time you reach Kalimati Base Camp. Most of the trekkers will camp here for the night before the summit attempt in the extreme morning (around midnight). 

Part 3: Kalimati Base Camp – Summit

Around midnight, start trekking to Arcapada (2,900m) to attempt the most strenuous part of the trek to summit (3,676m). The attempt was aimed to catch the sunrise view. Steep slope full of volcanic scree and sand throughout the climb made the climb strenuous. Not all trekkers who attempt the climb will be able to reach the summit as there will be a turnaround time to oblige to. Also, as this is a popular mountain (especially in August), there may be bottlenecks as there are too many trekkers attempting the summit. Along the way, you may need to risk overtaking some trekkers who are resting but remember, safety first. Look out for tumbling rocks from trekkers ahead of you and bare in mind not hurting the trekkers behind you as well. At the summit, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view and sometimes eruptions smoke spurting out from the vents. 

Trekking Timeline:

Day 1:

8.00 am – Set off 

1.00pm – Reach Crater, Lake Kumbolo for lunch

2.00pm – Set off to Kalimati Base Camp

5.00pm – Reach Kalimati Base Camp for dinner and overnight stay

8.00pm – Rest for the Night for Summit push next day

Day 2:

12.30am – Wake up for summit push

5.30am – Reach Summit

6.10am – Start descending to Kalimati Base Camp

8.10am – Reach Kalimati Base Camp for Breakfast and rest

10.30am – Set off to descend to Ranupani

1.00pm – Reach Lake Kumbolo for lunch

1.40pm – Set off to descend further

5.00pm – Arrive back in Ranupani and stay for the night

 

COST

1. Travel Agent Package for 6 Days 5 Nights as at 2015 (Depending on your program)   

*9 – 10 pax: IDR 6.500.000 / Pax
*7 – 8 pax: IDR 7.000.000 / Pax
*5 – 6 pax: IDR 8.000.000 / Pax
*3 – 4 pax: IDR 8.800.000 / Pax

Includes Services such as:

  • Transport in private minibus with air-conditioner 
  • English speaking local guide
  • 4WD Jeep for Semeru
  • Porters 
  • Tents
  • Entrance Tickets based on program
  • National Park Permit
    (Visitor Ticket Entrance – IDR317.500 / Pax / Day)
  • Mineral water
  • Fullboard meals and snacks for trekking
  • Accommodation 
  • Medical Check 
    (At Malang for medical check up as the standard operation procedure for semeru trekking)
  • Rescue Team

2. Rental of Sleeping Bag – IDR25.000 / Pax
(Please note that the package does not include sleeping bag rental. Type of Sleeping bag needed is down sleeping bag)

3. Tips for Porters / Drivers – IDR100.000 for each porter (Depends on you but good to give)

4. Tips for local Guide – IDR1.000.000 (Depends on you)

 

CONTACT

JAVATRAVELLING

Email: info@javatravelling.com
Website: www.javatravelling.com

Local Guide Recommended – Pak Bernardi

 

OTHERS

You may consider water rafting in the wild river of Kasembon to test your adrenaline, and enjoy beautiful Javanese countryside surrounding Panderman mountain view. 

Water Rafting