Explore the nature side of Yogyakarta, just an hour’s drive from the city. Feel a breath of fresh air and a different ambiance on the slope of Mount Merapi. As the most visited natural destination in Yogyakarta, Merapi is also one of the active volcanoes in Indonesia.
The outdoor activity from mount summits, sunrise hunting, and mountain photography. Mount Merapi attracted many visitors before the eruption. After the eruption, Mount Merapi is still dazzling in the landscape. Even if the eruption makes the contour of the land become barren.
Exploring Mount Merapi will lead to a new story and leave an indelible moment for a traveler. People coming here can see the terrible impact of the lava by visiting the rest of the former house. The story of the survivor and more facts about volcanoes in Indonesia.
For the photos hunter, capture the magnificent Mount Merapi from the hillside of the mountain. Make sure Mount Merapi is on the go list and here is the top 5 spot to go to.
Entrance Fee & Vehicle Rent in The Slope of Mount Merapi
Guests can enjoy several spots and attractions in a package. To get to the tourist attraction, people will have to rent a jeep or motorcycle trail. Mount Merapi Lava Tour packages include some of the top spots with options from a short route to a long route. The price for the Mount Merapi Lava tour depends on the route and duration. Tourists coming in a group could share the jeep tour cost since the vehicle capacity is for 4 people.
| International Tourist Entrance Fee & Vehicle Package to Mount Merapi Tour | |
| Kaliadem Entrance Fee | Rp5.000 |
| Jeep (max. 4 passengers) | Rp400.000 to 700.000 |
| Motorcycle trail/hour | Rp50.000 to 250.000 |
See: Caving & Exploring Ancient Rainforest in Jomblang Cave.
Mount Merapi Spots Opening Hours
The attraction in Kinarejo village is open 24 hours. Visitors are allowed to camp, visit the museum, or see the sunrise. The best time to get a clear sky and photo with the background of Mount Merapi is before 8 AM. However, the vehicle rental service is available only until 16:00 local time.
| Merapi Volcano Attraction Opening Hours | |
| Kaliadem Bunker, Kalikuning, Museum | 24 hours |
See: Guide To Explore Ullen Sentalu Museum & Collection.
Mount Merapi Tour Spot & Activities
Merapi, one of the top nature destinations in Yogyakarta has an extraordinary landscape. On a sunny day, visitors will be able to see Mount Merapi clearly. Observe the enormous active volcano and sense the fresh cold mountain air.
For adventurers seeking more challenging activities, trekking to the top of Mount Merapi could be the option. The hiking trail despite not being easy is clear. However, for safety and security reasons, don’t try to go solo. Pay extra attention to the security warning along the track. Be extra alert during the trekking. Since Mount Merapi is still an active volcano.
Looking for other options than hiking, the hillside of Merapi has a lot to dig and explore. From the museum to a bunker, here are the top spot and activities to do.
Kaliadem Bunker
The first spot is the Kaliadem bunker. Located 5 Km from the top of Merapi, the bunker is a witness to the formidable eruption. Unfortunately, when the eruption happened in 2006, the bunker cost 2 lives. In the last eruption, Kaliadem is the worst area and the bunker did not function well to hold the heated lava.
From Kaliadem bunker, visitors can see the phenomenon of the Mount Merapi eruption, and the material left after. The bunker was buried in 4-meter mount sand after the eruption. It even takes 2 days for the volunteer to dig into the bunker.
Mbah Maridjan’s House
Next spot is Mbah Maridjan’s house. Mbah Maridjan is known as the gatekeeper of Merapi, the legendary guardian, and the most persistent keeper. He is believed by the Javanese people to have the power to speak to the spirit of Mount Merapi.
Mbah Maridjan is the son of the previous guardian. Appointed by Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX, the King of Yogyakarta. He was responsible for leading ceremonies and presenting an offering to the spirit of sacred Mount Merapi. He was paid $1 a month just like the Royal Palace servant.
In the 2006 eruption, Mbah Maridjan refused to be evacuated. He refuses to leave his responsibility to protect the welfare of the Royal Palace. Mbah was born to be the fortress and it was his destiny to protect it. He survived the eruption but the burnt injury is severe. And he has to spend a 5-month recovery in the hospital.
See: Kraton Yogyakarta Palace & Performance Schedule.
In the 2010 eruption, the gatekeeper of Mount Merapi Mbah Marijan refused again to be evacuated. He tells that his time to die in this place has almost come and he can’t leave. The hot cloud of gas and ash finally killed him.
His body was found in a praying pose. The brother of the King of Yogyakarta, Gusti Prabukusumo, from Yogyakarta Palace, later confirmed. That the palace had known long before it happened that Mbah Maridjan is destined to be taken by Mount Merapi.
Museum Sisa Hartaku (The rest of my Wealth Museum)
The next place is the museum named Museum Sisa Hartaku (The Rest of My Wealth). The museum is located in the rest of the former house during the eruption. Motorcycle, animal skeleton, gamelan, or household equipment is on display to remember the moment.
One stuff that is important in the museum is the clock. In the event that the eruption hit the slope of Merapi. Shortly, the clock stopped at the time when the eruption come. By visiting this museum, guests will get a sense of the eruption and how it affects the area.
Kali Kuning & The Alien Stone
Kali Kuning Hill is also the top place around the Merapi slopes. It’s a camping ground and an outbound training place. To get a mesmerizing picture, people can take photos with Mount Merapi as the background view.
The last spot is Alien Stone, a huge stone 5 meters in diameter, from the Mount Merapi eruption. The stone is called Alien since the shape of the stone is like the head of an alien. The locals also believe that the stone has magical power.
What To Prepare
Merapi is a barren land without trees. To minimize sunburn, wear the most comfortable outfit, a long shirt and trousers, and comfortable shoes. Bring a cap, sunglasses, a mask or buff, and sunblock to prevent sunburn and dust during the trip.
Mostly in the dry season, visitors will be able to see the best view of Mount Merapi. Make sure to check the weathercast from the night before. If it’s cloudy at night, the chances of rain are high in the morning. It is better to postpone the trip. Otherwise, the rain at the night will result in a beautiful sunny day in the morning.
For hikers or campers going to Mount Merapi during the monsoon, make sure to bring a raincoat. Check the weather and be alert to the warning. Do not force and attempt to continue if the weather is getting worse.
See: Indonesian SIM Card, Price & Provider
How To Get To Merapi Volcano Site
Kaliadem and other volcano attractions are 25 km from the Yogyakarta city center. It takes 45 minutes to get there without congestion. The most convenient way to reach the jeep service basecamp is by renting a scooter. Using public transportation is possible. However, visitors will have to change the bus. Not to mention the small bus is rare with an unpredictable schedule.
Until now, there isn’t any convenient public transportation that heading here. Private car rental is available throughout the city. And the cost to rent one is between Rp400.000-Rp600.000 for a half-day to a day tour.
See: Transportation Guide, Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA).
Address & Location
Kaliadem Bunker and volcano museum are located in Kinarejo, Hargobinangun, Pakem, Sleman regency, Special Region Yogyakarta 55582.
